Library Media Materials Selection Guidelines

Library Media Materials and Resources Selection

School Library Media materials and resources should be provided in both print and digital format. Materials selected should be done so with the following goals:

1. To provide age-appropriate materials and resources that appeal to the interests and curricular needs of students and faculty as outlined in the school Collection Development Plan and Florida B.E.S.T. standards;
2. To provide equitable access to materials that meet the accessibility standards consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act as needed;
3. To establish and maintain an interest in reading for all students;
4. To provide access to high quality academic resources that aid in the acquisition of information-seeking skills for all students for career and college readiness.

Responsibility for Selection of Library Media Materials and Resources

Selection responsibility for District Library Media materials and resources rests with the certified Program Coordinator for Library Media.

The content of school-based Library Media collections is ultimately the responsibility of the school’s principal. The selection of school-based Library Media materials and resources rests with the school’s certified Library Media Technology Specialist. Contact information for the school Library Media Technology Specialist should be communicated to the Program Coordinator of Library Media whenever there is a change in responsibility.

The Library Media Technology Specialist will conduct an annual stakeholder survey to get selection input from the school community, including students, school staff and administration, parents, and community members. 

Training will be conducted annually by the Program Coordinator of Library Media and/or the Florida Department of Education regarding the prohibition of harmful materials and best practices in the selection of Library Media materials and resources per §1006.28.

Criteria for the Selection of Library Media Materials and Resources

Library Media materials and resources are selected based on the criteria outlined in §1006.34, including, but not limited to:

1. The age of the students that are expected to have access to the material or resource;
2. The educational purpose to be served by the material;
3. Consideration of the diversity of students in this state.

Procedures for Selection of School Library Media Materials and Resources

Selection of school Library Media materials and resources is determined by a continuous review of the existing collection, both print and digital, and the acquisition of newly published or available materials. Information and training regarding the selection process and best practices will be provided annually by the Program Coordinator of Library Media.

The certified Library Media Technology Specialist is responsible for evaluating and reviewing materials in the school-based library collection. The procedure for selection is as follows:

1. Maintain the school Library Media Collection Development plan;
2. Locate and collect professional, reputable, and unbiased reviews and information about published material put forth by the American Library Association, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Common Sense Media, and other similar review sources generally accepted by the Library Media profession;
3. Request input for selection from members of the school community, not limited to staff, students, parents and community members;
4. If applicable, verify that the format and library processing of the material conforms with District Processing Specifications.

Responsibility for the Withdrawal of Library Media Materials and Resources

The removal or discontinuance of school Library Media materials and resources, through a process called weeding, is determined by a continuous review of the existing collection, both print and digital. In the removal process, many factors are taken into consideration including, but not limited to, space constraints, time-sensitivity of material, physical condition of the material, and circulation data.

The certified Library Media Technology Specialist is responsible for the periodic removal or weeding of Library Media materials. Information and training regarding the weeding process and best practices will be provided annually and as-needed by the Program Coordinator of Library Media.

Opt-Out and Review of Library Media Materials

Parents and guardians can opt-out of student access to Library Media materials at any time by contacting their school Library Media Technology Specialist. Parents will be given the opportunity to communicate their preferences through the School and Classroom Library Material Student Access Form (2-3186).

Parents and guardians can also view current checkouts and holds for their student at any time via Clever using the Follett Destiny Discover (My Stuff) app and Sora (Shelf) app.

County residents can view school library collections by going to destiny.pcsb.org. eBook and audiobook records can also be searched through Destiny, the Pinellas County Schools website, and Clever.

Parents and county residents can request Library Media materials for review by contacting the school that provides access to the material. If it is a district resource, parents and county residents should contact the Program Coordinator of Library Media. For formal objections to Library Media materials, please complete the Objection to Instructional and/or Media Material form (2-3185). See complete School Board Policy 2510.