Policy 2021P

The library collection should especially support implementation and achievement of the La Center School District Ends Policies. 

Teacher-librarians will collaborate as instructional partners and information specialists with classroom teachers to develop students’ information and technology skills, help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students in completing their high school and beyond plans.

 Additionally, the Teacher-librarian’s duties may include, but are not limited to, integrating information and technology into curriculum and instruction; providing instruction to students and staff regarding use of emerging learning technology; providing instruction to students about the appropriate use of computers and mobile devices at school; helping teachers and staff access and use information ethically; instructing students in digital citizenship; promoting a culture of reading within the school community; and providing individual support and guidance for students.

 

Instructional Resources 

Textbooks will be selected in the manner described in policy and procedure 2020 and 2020P. Materials to be included in a library/media center shall be selected as outlined below. 

This procedure guides teacher-librarians and informs the community about the process for selecting, acquiring, evaluating and maintaining library information and technology program materials. The objective of each program is to implement, support and enrich the district’s educational program.

To best meet the unique needs of each school, the district will strive to create a library collection based upon an assessment of student and staff needs. This will be accomplished by the following:    

1. Providing curricular and personal resource materials for students and faculty.
2. Providing materials that meet the interests, vocabulary, maturity, and ability levels of all students.
3. Providing a diversity of materials to achieve a balance of sources and perspectives.
4. Fostering reading as a lifelong activity through pleasurable exposure to printed and digital materials.
5. Including materials in the collection because of their academic, literary, or artistic value and merit.

Library Materials and Electronic Resources

Library materials or digital services are those items accessible through the library information and technology program that provide support for an area of the curriculum, information for independent study, or resources for enrichment and recreational interest. Electronic resources include access to electronic documents, databases and websites.

Suggestions for Acquisition

Students, parents, district residents and teachers may suggest materials  for the district to acquire.   Library information and technology staff will weigh requests, evaluate materials and select those materials that fulfill the needs of the instructional program. Teacher-librarians in each school determine final selections. 

Selection 

 

Teacher-librarians will use multiple sources to select materials. 

All items selected for placement in the school library will do the following: 

• Support and be consistent with the state and district’s general education goals and the aims and objectives of individual schools and specific courses;
• Non-fiction materials should meet high standards of quality in factual content and presentation;
• Contain appropriate subject matter for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social development of the students for whom they are selected;
• Serve the intended purpose for library materials in both physical format and appearance;
• Help students gain an awareness of multiple viewpoints;
• Attempt to motivate students and staff to examine their duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges as participating citizens in our society, and make informed judgments in their daily lives;
• Withstand scrutiny based on their strengths; and
• Clarify historical and contemporary forces by objectively presenting and analyzing intergroup tension and conflict, emphasizing recognizing and understanding social and economic problems. 

Gifts/Donations

 

Materials donated to the school library will be accepted or declined in accordance with the criteria applied to the purchase of materials.

Collection Assessment

De-selection (weeding out) of outdated and damaged materials is a natural part of the library’s life cycle and maintenance of the quality and integrity of the collection. Teacher-librarians will evaluate the library collection on a continuing basis in order to ensure that it meets the district’s mission statement and goals of the district.

 

Considerations for De-selection 

• Whether the subject matter is out of date or no longer relevant to the instructional program; 
•  Whether the item is worn, soiled, missing pages, antiquated in appearance or unattractive;
• Whether the item has circulated within a reasonable amount of time;
• Whether a newer edition has superseded the item;
• Whether the materials perpetuate cultural, ethnic, or sexual stereotypes;
• Whether the materials aren’t appropriate for the students’ reading levels; or
• Whether the materials contain appropriate subject matter for the age, emotional development and social development of the students for whom they were selected; 
• Whether there are already multiple copies of an item.Request for Review and Removal of Library MaterialsWhen a concern is expressed about library resources, the Teacher-Librarian will consider both the parent, legal guardian, resident or staff member of the district’s right to express an opinion and the principles of intellectual freedom. 
  1. Request for Review: A district resident, staff member, parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled in the district (hereinafter “requester”) may submit a written request to review and remove library materials to the applicable teacher-librarian and principal.
  2. Seeking Resolution: If they request, the school will arrange a meeting with the requester, the principal, and the teacher-librarian to address the concerns and find solutions.
  3. Principal’s Decision: If the issue cannot be resolved, the principal, in consultation with a teacher-librarian, will review the materials and issue a written decision on whether to remove them. The decision must be issued within 30 days of meeting with the requester or within 60 days of receiving the request to review and remove if the  requester doesn’t request a meeting.
  4. Appeal Process: If the requester or teacher-librarian disagrees with the principal’s decision, they may appeal to the superintendent or designee in writing. The superintendent or designee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. Once the final decision is made, the same materials may not be reconsidered for at least three years unless the superintendent determines a significant change in circumstances arises.

The decisions made under this process must comply with RCW 28A.320.233, will be based on the criteria for selecting and deselecting library materials described in this procedure, and may apply only to the student or students whose parent submitted the request to review and reconsider. 

Excluding Student from a Program/Opt-Out
Upon a parent/guardian’s written request based on sincerely held religious beliefs, the District will excuse a student from identified lesson(s) or material(s) and provide a reasonable, non-stigmatizing alternative. Excused students will not be penalized. Requests should specify the material or unit; the District will respond within five (5) school days.

 

DATE: April 22, 2008; Revised: January 27, 2026