Library Materials Selection Procedure

As proposed in our library mission statement the purpose of the Laurel Highlands library system is to fulfill its role in the provision of information. The Laurel Highlands librarian/teachers will work closely with all academic and administrative staff to promote the educational excellence of all students.  The librarians will collect information which supports the curricular and research needs of all students by procuring materials in the most suitable format.  The librarians will work to ensure the availability of materials for present and future users and each library will serve as an inviting place that is conducive to learning and research.  Each library, to promote life-long learning and a love of reading, will be a safe and welcoming place where all students can locate and correctly use library resources for both curricular and personal use.  The librarians are committed to anticipating and responding to the needs of all users and will work to provide equitable access to library resources for all users.

To that end, the L.H. librarians will fulfill our responsibilities by providing the best sources available based on our curriculum needs and the individual needs of our students.  We will adhere to the basic library principles, as set forth by the American Library Association and the American Association of School Libraries, to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.

ALA  Library Bill of Rights

• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.  Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

• Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of views on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

• Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

• Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.

• A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

• Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

School Library Bill of Rights (compiled by the American Association of School Libraries)

• To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the pupils served.

• To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards.

• To provide a background of information which will enable students to make intelligent judgements in their daily life.

• To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop under guidance the practice of critical reading and thinking.

• To provide materials representative of the many religions, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American Heritage.

• To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials on the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library.