NYC School Librarian Guidebook: Collection Development

The school library provides physical and intellectual access to information, enriches, and supports the educational program of the school through a well-planned and maintained collection. It is the duty of the schools to provide a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty, in all appropriate languages, with diversity of appeal, and presentation of different points of view.

Diversity is a source of knowledge and must be taught and celebrated. Our differences make us unique and bring distinct and independent perspectives to teaching and learning. Although texts should be representative of the differences in the world, not all materials present the same. Schools selecting materials for school libraries and classroom collections should understand the need to vet and evaluate text in a collection individually and as a part of a larger collection using the selection criteria outlined in the NYC PS Collection Development Policy for Classroom Collections and School Libraries.

An Addendum to the NYC PS Collection Development Policy. The books and materials students are exposed to in and outside of school help students develop a sense of identity and self, while developing a balanced perspective of the world around them. The quality and quantity of texts impacts their learning, personal growth, and development. Schools selecting materials for school libraries and classroom collections should be cognizant of the mission of the school, community, inclusiveness, quality of literature, own voices, and representation fostering the ability for students to embrace their identities and to learn to respect others. A balanced collection should also provide equitable access to physical and intellectual information that is readily available, discoverable, includes multiple perspectives, and opposing viewpoints.

A statement from the School Library Systems Association affirming the position of school libraries in making equitable access to materials available while respecting the needs of families.