Starting on page 60 you get into the Special Collections section.
The overview (found on pg. 61) explains
At the request of the commission, library staff was asked to review and research two recommendations for possible revision to the selection policy. These revisions were suggested in order for the library system to move forward and find "common ground" in which to solve the access issues that have been raised
In all libraries you have to look at all the factors involved in establishing a "special collection" of any type. The Minutes explain Metro's thought process really well. One particular part I appreciate is this explanation.
In order to establish a special collection, the topics and/or type of material to be included must be clearly defined. All materials that meet that definition must then be identified.
...
The subject guidelines in the proposal are broad enough to potentially include a wide range of subjects and a large number of materials.
I would also suggest reading Attachment B - Self-Assessment Exercise. It contains:
...titles and the subject matter they reflect were selected on the basis of 1) requests made by parents for materials on the subject for their child, and/or 2) specific comments or concerns raised by adults about the availability of a title or subject to children. Subject headings from the library's catalog are given for each title as well as a synopsis from the Library of Congress cataloging information.
Some of the titles include:
Ginger Brown: Too Many Houses, by Sharon Wyeth
Synopsis - When her parents get a divorce, Ginger lives for awhile with each set of grandparents and begins to understand her mixed heritage.
Papa's Latkes, by Michelle Edwards
Synopsis - On the first night of Hanukkah after Mama died, Papa and his two daughters try to make latkes and celebrate without her.
Berenstain Bears no guns allowed, by Stan Berenstain
Synopsis - when an increase in rudeness and aggressive behavior is noticed at Bear Country School, teachers and parents decide that something must be done.
Spooky ABC, by Eve Merriam
Synopsis - A poem for each letter of the alphabet introduces a different, spooky aspect of Halloween.
To be a drum, by Evelyn Coleman
Synopsis - Daddy Wes tells how Africans were brought to America as slaves but promises the children that as long as they hear the rhythm of the earth, they will be free.
King & King, by Linda de Haan
Synopsis - When the queen insists that the prince get married and take over as king, he rejects a number of eligible princesses before choosing the brother of one of them as his mate.
Metro also explains how it looked at TCCL's model of "special parenting collection.
It goes on to discuss how these issues will impact the jobs of the staff--not just the "technical" aspects but the "public" aspects as well. And I really enjoyed this statement regarding book ratings--if only more people understood this.
There is no independent body providing widely recognized and accepted ratings for materials that might be sensitive or controversial comparable to the MPAA rating of feature films.
Also please be sure to read the Conclusion on page 66.
Comments/suggestions/questions are highly encouraged for this library story.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment