School library (Learning Commons) resources play an integral role in supporting student learning outcomes by ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
The school library (Learning Commons) provides a portal to the world of information and knowledge for all students from K-12. Resources should contain a wide selection of materials and formats at varying levels of difficulty that are reflective of diversity and multiple points of view.
The purpose of this guiding document is to provide direction and standardized procedures for the selection, reconsideration, and deselection of school library (Learning Commons) resources at the school level.
Guidelines for the Selection and Maintenance of School Library (Learning Commons)
| REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARY (LEARNING COMMONS) MATERIAL(S) |
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Page 3 in Guidelines for the Selection and Maintenance of School Library (Learning Commons)
4.0 REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARY (LEARNING COMMONS) MATERIAL(S) The Greater Essex County District School Board acknowledges the interests of parents/guardians, students, teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and community members in the school library (Learning Commons) resource collections. Specific objections to school library (Learning Commons) materials will be treated as an important part of the democratic process. Discussions and activities surrounding the resolution of questions and/or concerns will be held in a manner that: a) Centres to the principles set out in 3.1 b) Is respectful of all parties involved in the dialogue. c) Understands that no parent/guardian has the right to determine reading, viewing, or listening matter for students other than their own. d) Is based on the principles of freedom of information and inquiry. As such, it is recognized that value lies in the general material itself, not individual passages and parts pulled out of context, and that the faults and benefits should be weighed against one another and then based on the whole. e) Reflects the spirit embodied in the Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom and IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. When controversy arises, a formal procedure will be followed. While complaints about materials are being considered, access to the challenged materials or other related materials will not be restricted in any manner.
4.1 REQUESTS FOR FORMAL RECONSIDERATION a) Questions or concerns, whether verbal or in writing, should be directed to the Principal and/or Vice-Principal of the school. b) The Principal and/or Vice-Principal will provide a copy of the selection procedure and selection criteria and explain the intended use and/or purpose of the resource. c) If the questions or concerns remain, the individual(s) expressing the concern will be provided the option to pursue a formal request for reconsideration. d) Request for Reconsideration of School Library (Learning Commons鈥�) Resources form (Appendix A) must be completed and signed by the individual(s) expressing the concern and filed with the Principal. e) The Principal will forward the signed form to the Superintendent responsible for school libraries. f) The Superintendent responsible for school libraries will share the form with the Committee to Review Requests for Reconsideration of Resources in the School Library (Learning Commons). This committee will consist of the Teacher Consultant for School Libraries, the Teacher Consultant for Equity, the Library Coach and the Superintendent responsible for school libraries. g) The committee will meet to discuss the material and will prepare a response on the material along with their recommendation(s). The Superintendent responsible for school libraries will prepare a letter to the complainant, copies to the Principal, identifying the decision(s) made. h) The decision may be appealed in writing to the Director of Education. |
Appendix A- Requests for Reconsideration of School Library (Learning Commons) Material(s) Form