Selection Policies & Procedures

Policies and Procedures Regarding School Libraries

EF (Local) policy establishes the district’s collection development guidelines for school libraries, including criteria for selecting, maintaining, and reconsidering library materials to support curriculum, student interests, and community standards.

Instructional Resources: Library Materials (EFB Legal)

The district’s library materials policy establishes standards for selecting, maintaining, and reconsidering school library collections—ensuring they are educationally suitable, age-appropriate, legally compliant, transparent to parents, and supported by clear procedures for evaluation, access, and reconsideration.

Library Materials Challenge Form

This form allows parents, district employees, or residents to formally challenge library materials, in compliance with Texas Education Code §33.027 and SB 13

Selection of Library Materials

Learn how Dallas ISD selects, reviews, and maintains library materials to ensure collections are age-appropriate, educationally relevant, and aligned with district standards

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Submit a Library Materials Challenge Form

Complete the Library Materials Challenge Form – Fill out the Library Materials Challenge Form with the book’s title, author, ISBN (if known), and explain how the material does not meet state standards.
Submit Locally – Turn in the completed form to your school librarian or campus principal.
Next Steps – Your form will be forwarded to the district for review through the official reconsideration process, and you will be notified of the outcome.

How are books selected for the school library's collection?

Books in our campus library collections are carefully selected to ensure they align with the District's educational goals and provide a diverse range of reading materials for our students. The selection process is overseen by a certified school librarian, who considers several factors when choosing books. The process is as follows:

1. Librarians start with creating a book order on a vendor platform (Follett, Mackin, Children’s Plus, PermaBound, Rainbow Books, etc).

2. Librarians use professional reviews, local, state, and national lists, student requests, teacher requests, campus needs, curriculum support needs, and any other special requests to begin building their order.

3. Once librarians place an order, a coordinator reviews the order, looking for professional reviews, age-appropriateness, and quality of literature. Coordinator flags titles not in accordance with Board Policy, particularly as it relates to age-appropriateness and sexual content.

Note: all campuses without a librarian have their book orders created by a certified librarian.

All orders adhere to Board Policy EF Local, book orders “shall provide a wide range of instructional resources for students and faculty that present varying levels of difficulty, diversity of appeal, and a variety of points of view.”

What criteria do librarians use to choose books for the library?

In a school library, librarians carefully select books for the library's collection. The selections vary depending on the specific goals and needs of the school.

Curriculum Alignment: Librarians prioritize books that align with the District's curriculum and educational objectives. They look for materials that support classroom learning and research needs.
Age Appropriateness: Books are selected based on the age and grade levels of the students in the school. Librarians consider the reading abilities and developmental stages of students to ensure that books are age-appropriate.
Literary Quality: Books are chosen for their literary merit and quality of writing. Librarians look for engaging and well-written texts that will captivate students' interest.
Reading Levels: Librarians consider a range of reading levels to accommodate students with varying reading abilities. They select books that cater to emerging readers as well as advanced readers.
Student Interests: Librarians take into account the interests and preferences of the students. They select books that cater to a variety of interests and genres to encourage a love of reading.
Reviews and Recommendations: Librarians often rely on professional book reviews, recommendations from educators, and feedback from students when making selections. Reviews can provide insights into a book's quality and suitability.
Community Standards: Librarians are mindful of the community's values and standards when selecting books. They aim to strike a balance between offering diverse viewpoints and respecting community expectations.
Current Events and Topics: Librarians may choose books that address current events, topics, or issues relevant to students' lives or the curriculum.
Lists and Award Winners: Librarians review state and national awards lists and often include those titles in their book orders.
Format and Medium: Librarians consider various formats, such as print books, e-books, audiobooks, and multimedia resources, to cater to different learning styles and needs.
Circulation and Demand: Books that are in high demand or have a history of being popular among students may be given priority.

Librarians work to create a well-rounded and dynamic collection that meets the educational and recreational needs of the school's students while promoting literacy and a love of reading. They review and update the collection regularly to ensure its relevance and quality.

Are books in the library age-appropriate for my child's grade level?

Ensuring that books in our school library are age-appropriate for your child's grade level is a priority for us, and our selection of instructional resources, including library materials, is guided by Policy EF (Local) as set forth by our school board.

Our librarians carefully consider the age and grade level of our students when selecting books for the library's collection. They take into account the developmental stages, reading abilities, and interests of students to ensure that the materials available are suitable for each grade level.

Additionally, the policy outlines that instructional resources should support and enrich the curriculum, align with educational objectives, and reflect the diverse needs of our student population. This includes offering books that are age-appropriate and academically relevant.

We encourage parents and guardians to communicate with our librarians and educators regarding any specific concerns about the age-appropriateness of books. If you have questions or would like more information about how we select and maintain age-appropriate materials, please feel free to reach out to our school librarian or administration. Your input is valued, and we are committed to providing a safe and enriching reading environment for all students in our school community.

How diverse is the book collection in terms of authors, characters, and perspectives?

Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity in our school library's book collection is in alignment with Policy EF (Local), which guides our approach to instructional resources, including library materials. Dallas ISD recognizes the importance of providing a diverse range of instructional resources that reflect the varied needs and perspectives of our student population.

In our library, diversity is a key consideration when selecting books. Our librarians work diligently to curate a collection that offers a rich representation of authors from various backgrounds, characters with diverse identities and experiences, and multiple perspectives on a wide range of topics.

This commitment extends to ensuring that our book collection includes voices from different cultures, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. By doing so, we aim to create an inclusive environment that fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse world in which our students live.

We encourage parents and guardians to explore the library collection and engage in conversations with our librarians and educators if they have specific questions or recommendations related to diversity in our library materials.

Do you have a policy for challenging or removing books in the school libraries?

Yes, our school district has a clear policy in place for handling challenged materials. This policy is governed by EF (Local), which provides guidance on the selection and management of instructional resources, including library materials.

A parent of a District student, any employee, or any District resident may formally challenge an instructional resource used in the District’s educational program on the basis of appropriateness.

In the event that a book or instructional resource is being requested to be removed, our policy outlines a structured process for addressing challenged materials. This process typically involves the following steps:

Review Committee: A review committee consisting of educators, librarians, parents, and community members may be formed to evaluate the book or resource in question. The committee's goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment that takes into account various viewpoints.
Criteria Evaluation: The review committee assesses the book's alignment with educational objectives, age-appropriateness, and its contribution to the diversity and inclusivity of the collection.
Decision: After a thorough review and consideration of all factors, a decision is made regarding the status of the book or resource in question. This decision may involve retaining the resource, relocating it within the library, or providing alternative resources.

It's important to note that our school district is committed to upholding the principles of intellectual freedom and freedom of inquiry as outlined in the policy. Our policy aims to strike a balance between providing access to a wide range of ideas and perspectives while respecting community standards and values.

If you have specific questions or concerns related to our policy on controversial or sensitive topics in the library collection, please feel free to reach out to our school librarian or administration. We value open communication and are dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns you may have in a transparent and collaborative manner.

How can parents stay informed about what their children are reading in the library?

Parents can stay informed about what their children are reading in the library by taking advantage of various resources and opportunities provided by the school.

Regularly Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's academic progress, including their reading habits and the books they're borrowing from the library. Ask the teacher about their reading assignments and any recommended reading lists.
Communicate with the School Librarian: Email the school librarian to discuss the library's collection and your child's reading choices. Librarians can provide insights into the types of books available and recommend age-appropriate materials.
Access the Library Catalog Online: Dallas ISD has an online library catalog that is public-facing. In the campus Catalog you can find the books available for checkout, eBooks, and information about each title including reading and interest level. Parents can use this tool to search for specific titles or topics their child is interested in.
Encourage Open Conversations: Foster open and non-judgmental conversations with your child about their reading preferences. Ask them about the books they're interested in and what they enjoy about them. This can provide valuable insights into their reading habits.

By actively engaging with your child's school and the library, you can stay informed about what your children are reading and ensure that their reading choices align with your family's values and educational goals.

How can parents provide feedback or express concerns about the library's book selection?

Parents can play an important role in suggesting book titles for their child's campus library. Feedback, including concerns about the library's book collection, is always welcome. Please reach out to your campus librarian or administrator with any concerns.

Collaborative efforts between parents, educators, and the librarian can lead to a more well-rounded and inclusive collection that meets the needs and values of the school community.