Program
All libraries — academic, public, and school (private, charter, independent, international) — should have comprehensive written policies that guide the selection, weeding, and reconsideration of library resources: print, digital and everything in between. The most valuable selection policy is current and is reviewed and revised on a regular basis.
During an 18-month process, librarians from diverse library types worked with the Office for Intellectual Freedom to create the “Selection and Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, and Academic Libraries.” The toolkit offers explanations for why each element in a selection policy is needed and provides sample language for public, school, and academic libraries. An extensive list of selection tools for print and digital resources is also included.
Toolkit author presenters will begin the session by highlighting important aspects of the toolkit for all types of libraries; however, the majority of the session time will be spent in small group discussions. To make the session relevant to attendees, the presenters from school, public, and academic libraries will lead guided group discussions based on scenarios of common and/or difficult selection and reconsideration issues that library workers face. The conversations will address specific intellectual freedom-related questions that session attendees bring to the discussion. Near the end of the session, each group will share key ideas and strategies from the discussion with all of the participants. Attendees will receive a print copy of the toolkit with specific policy language color-coded by type of library.
“Sticky Selection Scenarios” will be the beginning of the selection and reconsideration policy conversation. Following this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions of presenters via a social media forum. A webinar is planned to provide toolkit training and discussion for session attendees and those who are not able to attend the session. Information about these online opportunities will be distributed as part of this session.
The Office for Intellectual Freedom and toolkit authors are collaborating with United for Libraries and the Intellectual Freedom Round Table for this session.
ALA Unit/Subunit: ALA
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
Lisa Errico
Associate Professor
Nassau Community College
Helen Adams
Senior Online Lecturer
Antioch University-Seattle
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Jean Duncan McFarren
Collection Services Director
Cleveland Public Library
Kristin Pekoll
Assistant Director
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)
Valerie Nye
Library Director
Santa Fe Community College
Angie Branyon
Assistant Professor
University of West Georgia