GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA

RESOURCES

Resources should be:

Appropriate for age, grade, and ability levels

School library media resources should be accessible to students of

varied abilities and meet the informational and interest needs of all
students, including those students with disabilities.

Pertinent to the curriculum and the objectives of the instructional program

School library media resources should be selected on the basis of

curricular needs. Resources should reflect the identified learning
outcomes of the instructional program.

Accurate in terms of content

School library media resources should present facts in an objective

manner. Authority of the author, organization, or publisher/producer
should be considered in selection. Resources concerning human
development should contain facts that are presented in a manner
appropriate to the level of the students.

Free of bias and stereotype

Resources should reflect the basic humanity of all people and be free
of stereotypes, caricatures, sexual bias, and other offensive
characteristics. School library resources concerning religious, social,
and political content should inform rather than indoctrinate.

Representative of differing viewpoints

Students have the right to information on controversial issues. By

having access to a variety of resources, students will have the
knowledge base to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The school library media center provides free and equitable access to
information.

Appropriate in format to effectively teach the curriculum

School library media resources should be available in a variety of

formats to meet the needs and learning styles of a diverse student
population.
 Up-to-date

School library media resources should be assessed for currency of the

information as it relates to the content and purpose.

Cost effective in terms of use

School library media resources should be evaluated for cost

effectiveness in terms of accessibility, projected use, and durability.