Agawam Public Schools - KECA BOOK SELECTION AND REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A BOOK

Book selection for the library should be the privilege of the entire staff, but the responsibility of the final selection rests with the school librarian who shall make a cursory inspection of all books before shelving.

If the suitability of a give title in the library collection is questioned, the title will be reconsidered in the following manner:

All criticism will be presented in writing as per attached form to the principal's office of the school involved.

The librarian and two members of the faculty selected by the principal will comprise a committee to reevaluate the title in question and to present in writing its conclusions.

The procedure for the committee would be as follows:

1. Read and examine the materials in question.

2. Check general acceptance of the material by reading reviews in professional journals.

3. Weigh values and faults against each other; form opinions based on the material as a whole and not on passages pulled out of context.

4. Meet to discuss the material and prepare a report on it.

5. Meet with the complainant after the decision has been formed and discuss the material in question and the decision.

6. If the decision is in the affirmative, the book will be shelved for general circulation. If the decision is in the negative, the book will be retained in the librarian's office for circulation as determined by the principal subject to approval of the Deputy Superintendent.

7. File a copy of the report with the principal and the Deputy Superintendent of schools.

The Deputy Superintendent's office will notify the School Committee and person of the action taken.

Agawam Public Schools