3.3 Criteria for Selection

The selection of resources for the school library is an important task. Selecting the right resources for the library, whether through purchase or other means, is the key to success. Selection should be based on the school's collection development policy and should take a systematic approach to ensure currency and relevance.

While the teacher-librarian has overall responsibility for selection of resources, staff, students and other school community members may have the opportunity to suggest titles or items. A suggestion box could be set up in the library or staff room. A web based form can also be set up on the school library home page encouraging students and teachers to make requests for purchase (NB the form needs to be carefully worded to ensure that staff and students are aware that making a request does not guarantee purchase)

Sample request form

REQUEST FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY PURCHASE

Please circle Staff/student
Name……………………………………………………

Please give details of your request. Fill in as much information as you can

Title & Author if you know it……………..…………………………………………………….

Subject………………………Format (eg book/dvd/cdrom)……………………………..

Cost……………………………ISBN………………………………………………………

How did you find out about it? ………………………………………………………………

Date…………………….. 

NB This is a request that will be considered for purchase if it meets the collection development policy and sufficient funds are available

Selection is a process that is based on:

• school priorities
• the budget
• recognised selection criteria
• school library's collection development policy

A variety of tools are available to help in the selection process: 

• Bibliographies like Global Books in Print
• Review journals like Magpies
• Internet sites
• Books
• Other advertising pamphlets and leaflets

Use the State Library of Tasmania website to locate some useful tools to help in the selection process

The DELIC Electronic Software Acquisitions Program (ESAP) can also provide guidance. The ESAP evaluated electronic resources have already been selected according to specific criteria relating to school libraries. Substantial discounts have also been negotiated by DELIC for site licenses for Tasmanian schools. So it is always wise to go to the ESAP site when considering the purchase of electronic resources.

When deciding on which resources to acquire a set of criteria should be used to evaluate each item. A general set of criteria can be used for all resources, or a specific one may be used for specific formats or genres, for example for fiction, non-fiction, CD-ROMs, URLs, kits, etc.

An example of some general selection criteria:

• Purpose
  • Is it relevant to students or staff?
  • Does it achieve what it sets out to do?
  • Does it appeal to the target age group?
  • Does it fit in with the collection development policy?
  • Does the library have the appropriate equipment to use the resource?
• Suitability
  • Ease of use
  • Clarity of illustration
  • Use of language
  • Target audience
  • Are special storage or shelving requirements needed?
• Production
  • Quality
  • Ease of use and safety
  • Durability
  • Accessibility
  • Attractiveness
• Value for money
  • Standard of production
  • How many years will its content be relevant for?
  • Library need
  • Minority appeal
  • Authority (credentials) of creator
• Equal opportunities
  • How are cultures, religions, ethnic diversity, gender and disabilities presented in text and image?

Useful websites:

CMIS School Library Support: Resource Selection

Queensland Department of Education and the Arts: Library Services: Core Selection Criteria

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