Library Materials Selection and Adoption: IJL

Library resources are intended to support the District’s instructional programs and content standards and should be up-to-date, high quality, and varied. Library resources also include materials for voluntary inquiry and recreational reading. Library resources mean material, both print and non-print, found in a public school library. Print items include books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, microfiche, or microfilm. Non-print items include e-books, streaming resources, films, disc records, filmstrips, slides, prints, audiotapes, videotapes, compact discs, computer software, library programs, and exhibits. Library resources do not include materials in an individual classroom library.

SELECTION

The Board delegates to the Superintendent or designee the authority and responsibility of selection of library resources in all formats. Responsibility for actual selection rests with professionally trained personnel using the Board’s adopted criteria and procedures. The following criteria will be used to guide the selection of library resources:

1. Be appropriate for the subject area, age, ability level, social, emotional, and intellectual development of the students for whom the materials are selected;
2. Represent differing viewpoints on controversial issues; provide a background of information which will enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.
3. Provide a global perspective and promote diversity by including materials by authors and illustrators of all cultures;
4. Provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to America's heritage.
5. Include a variety of resources in physical and virtual formats.

In selecting library resources, professional personnel will evaluate available resources and curriculum needs and will consult reputable, professionally prepared aids, and other appropriate sources, which could include recommendations from administrators, teachers, students, District personnel, and community members. Selection is an ongoing process that should include removing materials that are no longer used or needed, adding materials, and replacing lost and worn materials that still have educational value.

Gift materials will be judged by the same criteria and will be accepted or rejected in the same manner. In order to maintain a current and usable collection of materials, professional personnel shall provide for continuing renewal of the collection and the judicious elimination of materials which no longer meet needs.

Adopted February 10, 1976

Revised September 1, 1978

Revised April 14, 1987

Revised June 10, 2026

LEGAL REFERENCES:

C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(r) (Board power to exclude immoral or pernicious materials and books)

C.R.S. 22-1-148 (Board must adopt policy regarding acquisition, retention, display, and use of library resources)

CROSS REFERENCES:

IG, Curriculum Development

IJ, Instructional Materials Selection

KEC, Public Concerns/Complaints about Instructional Materials and Library Resources

CONTRACT REF.: BEA Master Agreement, Article 13--Controversial Issues