The district shall maintain a library in each school building for use by employees and by students during the school day. Materials for the libraries shall be acquired according to this policy. It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school library is located to oversee the use of materials in the library.

The board has the sole discretion to approve library materials for the District and delegates this authority to licensed teacher librarians to determine which library materials the district will utilize and/or purchase.

Teacher librarians shall be responsible for the review, evaluation, maintenance, development, and selection of the school library media collections. The selection process shall be guided by the philosophy and procedures set forth in national, state, and district documents, including the Library Bill of Rights (ALA), Freedom to Read Statement, and interpretive statements adopted thereto. In reviewing current library materials for continued use and in selecting additional library materials, licensed teacher librarians shall consider the district’s current and future needs as well as changes and trends in education and society. Teacher librarians shall review the most current challenged book list and evaluate appropriateness for inclusion in the library.

Teacher librarians shall work cooperatively with administrators and teachers and solicit stakeholder input in order to provide resources that represent diverse points of view, stimulate growth in thinking skills, promote the overall educational program and meet both curricular and student needs. Licensed teacher librarian(s) shall consult with appropriate colleagues, including but not limited to members of the Academic Services Team, if they are considering library materials that they consider reasonably likely to be significantly controversial.

The district’s licensed teacher librarians shall establish systems for regular review of library materials for systemic building of library collections based on genres and subject areas.

Library materials given to the district must meet the criteria established herein and comply with board policy on gifts and donations.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.7(24); 279.8; 280.14; 301
281 I.A.C. 12.3(11), (12).

Cross Reference:
602 Series: Curriculum Development
605 Series: Instructional Materials
802.70 Gifts, Donations, Grants and Bequests

Approved:
June 15, 2009

Reviewed:
May 11, 2009
November 17, 2014
February 17, 2020
June 20, 2021
June 23, 2022

Revised:
June 15, 2009
November 17, 2014
February 17, 2020
July 6, 2021
July 25, 2022