Policy High Points The Parent Preview plan from Fayetteville’s selection and

collection policy is a practice that I think would be beneficial and one that I had not thought about before. At the beginning of every order process parents could have access to the collection plan before purchases are made, either online or through the library itself. This will help predict and eliminate potential conflicts before they happen. However, it is also critical to stay true to the qualifications laid out in the selection process and the ultimate goal of the school’s mission statement. It is not beneficial to the education of students to let the potential of a conflict dissuade from choosing relevant, appropriate, and provoking materials (“6.15 Library Materials Selection Policy”).

My reconsideration policy should include the possible outcomes the Collections Development Committee can come to like the plan of Fayetteville does. The more that everyone knows what can happen and how the process works, the easier it will transpire. If the complainants know what possible outcomes can be made by the committee, they can mentally prepare themselves for these outcomes. Also, the committee itself will have guidelines as to what decisions can be made and what actions to take. There is a system in plan from beginning to end when the possible actions that can be taken are laid out in advance for everyone (“Administration Regulations for Policy #6.15”).

I should also follow the example set by both Fayetteville and Blue Valley when it comes to its committee members. First, I assumed that the school librarian could not be involved in the deliberation process of the material because they are the ones who chose the material in the first place (“Administrative

Guidelines Policy 4610: Challenges to and Reconsideration of Learning Resources”). However, while looking at the other examples provided, I see that the inclusion of the library media specialist may be the only and most direct means for a librarian to defend and explain the reasoning behind their choice. I also appreciated the inclusion of the librarian and teacher from another school (“Administration Regulations for Policy #6.15”). Theoretically they should be able to provide an unbiased opinion while still having a thorough understanding of the school’s curriculum and objectives. I also love the idea of including at least one parent and student on the committee as well. They are the ones most affected by these decisions and should have their own representation. Having a parent included will also allow the complainant to feel as though they have a peer on the committee that will understand and advocate for their needs.

The example form provided by Fayetteville also contains a number of elements that I would ultimately like to add to my form (“Administration Regulations for Policy #6.15”). Their form contains the question about whether or not the patron has read the material that is being objected to. This will immediately provide the committee with the information about what exactly is seen as controversial and if the complainant has taken into consideration the entirety of the material before making their judgement on it. I also like the section that asks the patron to suggest another book that conveys the same theme or meaning of the objectionable material. This forces the patron to think about why the material would have been chosen in the first place as well as draws a parallel to another source that they do approve of. By offering the patron the chance to access reviews of the material, it also provides them with impartial third party opinion as to why this material could be beneficial to students’ education.

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Works CitedBlue Valley Schools. “Administrative Guidelines Policy 4610:

Challenges to and Reconsideration of Learning Resources.” Blue Valley, KS: Blue Valley School District, (2013). Web. 22 Oct. 2016 < http://www2.bluevalleyk12.org/policies/documents/4610guidelines.pdf>

Fayetteville Public School District #1. “Administration Regulations for Policy #6.15.” Fayetteville, AR: Fayetteville Public School District, (2006). Web. 22 Oct. 2016. <http://www.fayar.net/images/6.15AR.pdf>

Fayetteville Public School District #1. “6.15 Library Materials Selection Policy.” Fayetteville, AR: Fayetteville Public School District, (2006). Web. 22 Oct. 2016. <http://www.fayar.net/images/6.15.pdf>

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