Library Policy 361
School District of Bayfield Selection of Library and Instructional Materials
Wisconsin Statutes (944.21 (8)(a)) include the following requirements that "educational institutions under par. (b) carry out the essential purpose of making available to all citizens a current, balanced collection of books, reference materials, periodicals, sound recordings and audiovisual materials that reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society."
The Board of Education is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the school. Therefore, it is legally responsible for the final selection of all materials used in the library. The board hereby delegates its responsibility, through the district administrators and principals, to the trained professional personnel in charge of the library.
The Board of Education approves and endorses the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
When selecting instructional and library materials for use in the schools, consideration shall be given to the following objectives:
The School District of Bayfield shall not discriminate in the selection and evaluation of instructional and library materials or media on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap.
Reconsideration complaints will be processed in accordance with established reconsideration procedures.
Wisconsin Statutes (944.21 (8)(a)) include the following requirements that "educational institutions under par. (b) carry out the essential purpose of making available to all citizens a current, balanced collection of books, reference materials, periodicals, sound recordings and audiovisual materials that reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society."
The Board of Education is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the school. Therefore, it is legally responsible for the final selection of all materials used in the library. The board hereby delegates its responsibility, through the district administrators and principals, to the trained professional personnel in charge of the library.
The Board of Education approves and endorses the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
- A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
When selecting instructional and library materials for use in the schools, consideration shall be given to the following objectives:
- To make available print and non-print materials that will implement and enrich the curriculum in all areas
- To develop a life-long appreciation for reading, listening, and viewing
- To provide opportunities for personal interests and recreational reading of students
- To contribute to the development of the social, intellectual, and spiritual values of the students
- To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that patrons may develop the practice of critical analysis
- To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection of educational materials
The School District of Bayfield shall not discriminate in the selection and evaluation of instructional and library materials or media on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap.
Reconsideration complaints will be processed in accordance with established reconsideration procedures.
Library 361 - Rule
School District of Bayfield Instructional and Library Materials Selection Procedure
A. Definition of Materials
Educational materials (print and non-print) are all resources that are used or available for teachers, students or interlibrary use within the educational environment of the Bayfield School District.
B. Selection personnel
Materials for the school libraries are selected by professional personnel in consultation with administration, faculty, and students. Final decision rests with the librarian.
C. Criteria for selection
1. Needs of individual school a. Based on knowledge of the curriculum b. Based on requests from administrators and teachers
2. Needs of the individual students a. Based on knowledge of children and youth b. Based on requests of parents and students
3. Provision of a wide range of materials on all levels of readability and age appropriateness with a diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view on controversial topics
4. Provision of materials that are relevant, current and are endowed with artistic and literary merit
5. Provision of materials that foster respect for a pluralistic society and minorities
6. Provision of materials that are authoritative and accurate because of the publisher/author's reputation or scholarship
D. Selection tools
The following selection tools are used:
1. Senior High School Catalog and Children's Catalog (H.W. Wilson Company)
2. Reputable and recommended reviewing periodicals, such as The School Library Journal, The New York Times Book Review, Horn Book Journal, and Booklist Journal
3. Recommended bibliographies such as Best Books of (year), Choices (CCBC), and Wilson Fiction Catalog
E. Donations
The professional library staff reviews educational materials given to the Bayfield School District library. The professional library staff accepts or rejects materials on the basis of the selection criteria enumerated above.
F. Weeding
On a regular basis, the librarian will remove materials that have misleading or outdated information, that have poor appearance, that have been superseded by newer editions and recent research, that are trivial in their relationship to the school's curriculum or have not circulated for over five years.
The intent of the weeding is to maintain a collection that is appealing, current and satisfies an overwhelming proportion of the students' needs.
A. Definition of Materials
Educational materials (print and non-print) are all resources that are used or available for teachers, students or interlibrary use within the educational environment of the Bayfield School District.
B. Selection personnel
Materials for the school libraries are selected by professional personnel in consultation with administration, faculty, and students. Final decision rests with the librarian.
C. Criteria for selection
1. Needs of individual school a. Based on knowledge of the curriculum b. Based on requests from administrators and teachers
2. Needs of the individual students a. Based on knowledge of children and youth b. Based on requests of parents and students
3. Provision of a wide range of materials on all levels of readability and age appropriateness with a diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view on controversial topics
4. Provision of materials that are relevant, current and are endowed with artistic and literary merit
5. Provision of materials that foster respect for a pluralistic society and minorities
6. Provision of materials that are authoritative and accurate because of the publisher/author's reputation or scholarship
D. Selection tools
The following selection tools are used:
1. Senior High School Catalog and Children's Catalog (H.W. Wilson Company)
2. Reputable and recommended reviewing periodicals, such as The School Library Journal, The New York Times Book Review, Horn Book Journal, and Booklist Journal
3. Recommended bibliographies such as Best Books of (year), Choices (CCBC), and Wilson Fiction Catalog
E. Donations
The professional library staff reviews educational materials given to the Bayfield School District library. The professional library staff accepts or rejects materials on the basis of the selection criteria enumerated above.
F. Weeding
On a regular basis, the librarian will remove materials that have misleading or outdated information, that have poor appearance, that have been superseded by newer editions and recent research, that are trivial in their relationship to the school's curriculum or have not circulated for over five years.
The intent of the weeding is to maintain a collection that is appealing, current and satisfies an overwhelming proportion of the students' needs.
Library Policy 361.2
Reconsideration of School Library Materials
Statement of Policy
Any resident or employee of the school district may formally challenge learning resources used in the district’s educational program on the basis of appropriateness. This procedure is for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in the schools and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process.
Request for Informal Reconsideration
A. The school receiving a complaint regarding a learning resource shall try to resolve the issue informally.
1. The principal or other appropriate staff shall explain to the questioner the school’s selection procedure, criteria, and qualifications of those persons selecting the resource.
2. The principal or other appropriate staff shall explain the particular place the questioned resource occupies in the education program, its intended educational usefulness, and additional information regarding its use, or refer the party to someone who can identify and explain the use of the
resource.
3. If the questioner wishes to file a formal challenge, a copy of the district Selection of Library and Instructional Material policy and a Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources form shall be handed or mailed to the party concerned by the principal.
Request for Formal Reconsideration
A. Preliminary Procedures
1. Each school will keep on hand and make available Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources forms. All formal objections to learning resources must be made on these forms.
2. The Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources form shall be signed by the questioner and filed with the principal or someone so designated by the principal.
3. The superintendent shall be informed of the formal complaint received.
4. The request for reconsideration shall be referred to a reconsideration committee at the school level for reevaluation of the resource.
5. Requests for reconsideration of materials in district collections shall be referred to the school resource center Library committee for reevaluation of the resource. This committee may involve additional personnel as appropriate.
B. The Reconsideration Committee
1. Upon receipt of a request for formal reconsideration of a learning resource, the principal shall:
a. Appoint a reconsideration committee including the following membership as appropriate:
- One member of the district staff chosen by the superintendent;
- One member of the school teaching staff chosen by the school staff;
- One member of the resource center professional staff chosen by the resource center professional staff;
- One member of the library/technology committee chosen by the library/technology committee;
- Two students chosen by the student body.
b. Name a convener of the reconsideration committee.
c. Arrange for a reconsideration committee meeting within 10 working days after the complaint is received.
2. The reconsideration committee may choose to consult district support staff and/or community persons with related professional knowledge.
3. The reconsideration committee shall review the challenged resource and judge whether it conforms to the principles of selection outlined in the district’s Selection of Learning Resources policy.
C. Resolution
1. The reconsideration committee shall:
a. Examine the challenged resource;
b. Determine professional acceptance by reading critical reviews of the resource;
c. Weigh values and faults and form opinions based on the material as a whole rather than on passages or sections taken out of context;
d. Discuss the challenged resource in the context of the educational program;
e. Discuss the challenged item with the individual questioner when appropriate;
f. Prepare a written report.
2. The written report shall be discussed with the individual questioner if requested.
3. The written report shall be retained by the school principal with copies forwarded to the superintendent. A minority report also may be filed.
4. Written reports, once filed, are confidential and available for examination by trustees and appropriate officials only.
5. The decision of the reconsideration committee is binding for the individual school.
6. Not with standing any procedure outlined in this policy, the questioner shall have the right to appeal any decision of the reconsideration committee to the Board of Trustees as the final review panel.
D. Guiding Principles
1. Any resident or employee of the school district may raise objection to learning resources used in a school’s educational program, despite the fact that the individuals selecting such resources were duly qualified to make the selection, followed the proper procedure, and observed the criteria for selecting learning resources.
2. The principal should review the selection and objection rules with the teaching staff at least annually. The staff should be reminded that the right to object to learning resources is one granted by policies enacted by the Board of Trustees.
3. No parent has the right to determine reading, viewing, or listening matter for students other than his or her own children.
4. Bayfield School District supports the Library Bill of Rights, adopted by the American Library Association. When learning resources are challenged, the principles of the freedom to read/listen/view must be defended as well.
5. Access to challenged material shall not be restricted during the reconsideration process.
6. The major criterion for the final decision is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.
7. A decision to sustain a challenge shall not necessarily be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility by the professionals involved in the original selection and/or use of the material.
Statement of Policy
Any resident or employee of the school district may formally challenge learning resources used in the district’s educational program on the basis of appropriateness. This procedure is for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in the schools and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process.
Request for Informal Reconsideration
A. The school receiving a complaint regarding a learning resource shall try to resolve the issue informally.
1. The principal or other appropriate staff shall explain to the questioner the school’s selection procedure, criteria, and qualifications of those persons selecting the resource.
2. The principal or other appropriate staff shall explain the particular place the questioned resource occupies in the education program, its intended educational usefulness, and additional information regarding its use, or refer the party to someone who can identify and explain the use of the
resource.
3. If the questioner wishes to file a formal challenge, a copy of the district Selection of Library and Instructional Material policy and a Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources form shall be handed or mailed to the party concerned by the principal.
Request for Formal Reconsideration
A. Preliminary Procedures
1. Each school will keep on hand and make available Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources forms. All formal objections to learning resources must be made on these forms.
2. The Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources form shall be signed by the questioner and filed with the principal or someone so designated by the principal.
3. The superintendent shall be informed of the formal complaint received.
4. The request for reconsideration shall be referred to a reconsideration committee at the school level for reevaluation of the resource.
5. Requests for reconsideration of materials in district collections shall be referred to the school resource center Library committee for reevaluation of the resource. This committee may involve additional personnel as appropriate.
B. The Reconsideration Committee
1. Upon receipt of a request for formal reconsideration of a learning resource, the principal shall:
a. Appoint a reconsideration committee including the following membership as appropriate:
- One member of the district staff chosen by the superintendent;
- One member of the school teaching staff chosen by the school staff;
- One member of the resource center professional staff chosen by the resource center professional staff;
- One member of the library/technology committee chosen by the library/technology committee;
- Two students chosen by the student body.
b. Name a convener of the reconsideration committee.
c. Arrange for a reconsideration committee meeting within 10 working days after the complaint is received.
2. The reconsideration committee may choose to consult district support staff and/or community persons with related professional knowledge.
3. The reconsideration committee shall review the challenged resource and judge whether it conforms to the principles of selection outlined in the district’s Selection of Learning Resources policy.
C. Resolution
1. The reconsideration committee shall:
a. Examine the challenged resource;
b. Determine professional acceptance by reading critical reviews of the resource;
c. Weigh values and faults and form opinions based on the material as a whole rather than on passages or sections taken out of context;
d. Discuss the challenged resource in the context of the educational program;
e. Discuss the challenged item with the individual questioner when appropriate;
f. Prepare a written report.
2. The written report shall be discussed with the individual questioner if requested.
3. The written report shall be retained by the school principal with copies forwarded to the superintendent. A minority report also may be filed.
4. Written reports, once filed, are confidential and available for examination by trustees and appropriate officials only.
5. The decision of the reconsideration committee is binding for the individual school.
6. Not with standing any procedure outlined in this policy, the questioner shall have the right to appeal any decision of the reconsideration committee to the Board of Trustees as the final review panel.
D. Guiding Principles
1. Any resident or employee of the school district may raise objection to learning resources used in a school’s educational program, despite the fact that the individuals selecting such resources were duly qualified to make the selection, followed the proper procedure, and observed the criteria for selecting learning resources.
2. The principal should review the selection and objection rules with the teaching staff at least annually. The staff should be reminded that the right to object to learning resources is one granted by policies enacted by the Board of Trustees.
3. No parent has the right to determine reading, viewing, or listening matter for students other than his or her own children.
4. Bayfield School District supports the Library Bill of Rights, adopted by the American Library Association. When learning resources are challenged, the principles of the freedom to read/listen/view must be defended as well.
5. Access to challenged material shall not be restricted during the reconsideration process.
6. The major criterion for the final decision is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.
7. A decision to sustain a challenge shall not necessarily be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility by the professionals involved in the original selection and/or use of the material.