Policy 7400: Instructional Materials and Media Centers

Instructional Materials 

The Board encourages the use of a variety of materials and resources that enrich and support the educational program of the District. In the selection of materials and resources, the Board recommends the following:  

That the selection fit the needs of the individual school.  

That the selection fit the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the scholars served. 

Media Centers 

The primary functions of the media centers are to process and circulate materials and equipment through an orderly procedure and to provide reference and other services to scholars and faculty. 

Efforts are made so that the collection reflects the broad interests represented in the curriculum, complemented by enrichment materials in a variety of forms. To meet recommended standards, the Board supports the development of a collection adequate to meet curricular needs of scholars. Such collection will be large enough so that materials can be placed in classrooms for extended periods, should be designed to provide for personal growth, and should be adequate for those engaged in independent study.  

Objectives 

The objectives for the person in charge of the District's media center(s) are as follows: 

• To participate effectively in the school program that will endeavor to meet the needs of scholars, teachers, and patrons of the District, 
• To stimulate and guide scholars in their reading, viewing, and listening so that they will become skillful and discriminating users of various types of media  
• To provide an opportunity through media center experiences so that scholars will be able to develop helpful interests, make satisfactory personal adjustment, and acquire desirable social attitudes, 
• To work with teachers in the selection and use of media that will contribute to the teaching program 
• To make available consultant services that will provide for the improvement of learning, instruction, and the use of media resources and equipment 
• To provide adequate equipment so that scholars and teachers will be able to make efficient use of media and 
• To cooperate with teachers and administrators in programs that will promote the professional growth of staff.  

Criteria for the Development of Media Center Materials 

Collection Development 

The media collection should be developed systematically so that it is well balanced in coverage of subjects, types of materials, and variety of content.  

Selection Criteria 

Materials will be chosen to support and supplement the curriculum, to promote wise use of leisure time, to develop literary discrimination and appreciation, and to encourage scholars to become productive citizens. Materials will be chosen on various reading levels presenting different points of view concerning the problems and issues of the times. Books and other instructional materials will be evaluated before purchase, either through direct examination or by consulting reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared selection tools approved by the building principal. Accuracy, artistic quality, format, and authoritativeness will all be considered before purchasing materials.  

Staff Libraries 

A professional library may be maintained in the office of the curriculum coordinators. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, will ascertain the titles of professional magazines, books, pamphlets, and other such literature to be placed in the professional library of a building. A budget for professional libraries will be included in the instructional resource budget each year.  

Review Committee for Patron Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials 

The Board will establish a review committee to handle complaints from patrons concerning instructional materials. (Cf. 9450)  

Technology 

The Board encourages District employees to utilize computer software and support materials for instructional and administrative use by the District.