This module focussed primarily on the selection of resources. As Kennedy (2006) defines it selection is deciding which items will be added to the library collections and made available to library users. Selection should be at appropriate levels to support curriculim needs and the competencies of all students (Learning for the Future, 2001).
The selection of resources is a process that should be considered carefully the use of criteria helps to make this process easier. The CMIS Selection Policy states that the contribution to student learning outcomes is the ultimate resource selection criteria. The policy then goes on to state general principles that should be considered when making selections including; the promotion of inquiry, the quality of resources, that they be unbiased, varied in format and should include items to support students and staff.
Kennedy (2006) also discusses selection and different criteria for the different types of resources; digital materials, print monographs, print serials, audiovisual materials. Different libraries have different policies regarding the selection of resources. Often this is dependent on the size of the library. In larger libraries there may be selectors, there may be committees to do the selection. In smaller libraries this may be a task carried out by the librarian, but as Kennedy states there needs to be an ultimate arbiter.
How might the Teacher Librarian effectively collaborate with the school community in the selection of resources?
In my current school collaboration is already present and encouraged. In the case of library resources selection both students and teachers can make recommendations for books. However, the Librarian is the one with the ultimate say on what is ordered.
The Librarian could attend the regular meetings held by the year group, the phase, the whole of primary, subject leaders, middle school, high school, or whole school. The Librarian could also make use of the online curriculum plannner to determine what the students are studying. She could also form survey asking teachers what they want from their library. However, despite input from others I feel that the Librarian should have the final say as they are the one with the inside knowledge of the budget, what resources are already in the library, what is available to order and the reasability of having it available in the library.
Do we need to focus more on the digital?
I feel that there needs to be more focus on the digital, particularly in the areas of non-fiction and research directed resources. This is information which needs to remain current and through digital media this is possible. In the library at the moment there are also no DVD's, CD-Rom's or other Audio-Visual resources. Today's society is increasingly digital and I feel that the students of today are more inclined to look on google for a map than in an atlas, or Wikipedia (despite the inaccuracies) rather than an encyclopeadia.
Alternative approach which would incorporate the teaching and learning environment within the key general selection criteria.
Take the general selection criteria and incorporate criteria for the teaching and learning.
E.g
Does it promote inquiry?
Is it inline with the school philosophy and curriculum?
Does it meet the learners needs?
Establish criteria that address the curriculum, learning and individuals in the school.
Censorship
All people should have the freedom to read. The teacher librarian should be open minded about the resources they wish to include in the library. Librarians who censor books are not allowing students and teachers access to books, they are also not allowing them to make the decision themselves. If a book meets the needs of the school and students it should not be excluded because the teacher librarian does not like it.
I found censorship interesting especially taking into consideration the country I live in and how censorship is prevalent here including books on Israel, Hitler, Reproduction and Nudity, and various other topics that would surprise considering how inoffensive the majority of people would perceive them to be.
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