Re: Query: Choosing books

["Wassink, Patricia L." <wassinpl@UWEC.EDU>]

Robin asked how we keep track of the reviews for the books we ordered in
order to support the choices if necessary...
=20
While reading review journals I write title, author and review source on
an old catalog card for any book I think we might order.  (Actually now
that I have some clerical help I just put a check next to the review and
she writes the cards).  These cards are filed alpha by author in a
consideration file.  If a second card is written, my aide pulls both
cards and puts them in a category marked "doubles".  For the most part,
this is the stack I order from.
=20
When the book arrives, the review source is noted on the back of the SL
card (yes, I know that might be an anachronism since we are automated,
but I find I refer to the SL quite often).  If a question arises as to
why a book was ordered I can look the reviews up again.  In the event of
a serious challenge I would contact the Cooperative Children's Book
Center in Madison WI for additional reviews, or perhaps ALA's
intellectual freedom office.
=20
At the elementary level, I skim through each picture book at the time I
approve the cataloging.  Non-fiction books I do not read unless the
topic is controversial.  I do read almost all of the new fiction (may
skip books in known series).
=20
I think we need to remember that with the best policy, the best
selection procedures, and the best intentions, we may still end up with
a book that is inappropriate and place it on the shelf without being
aware of the content.  I sent a book to the middle school this summer
simply because it was too difficult for my students (reviews indicated
gr. 5-8, but I can't see 5th and 6th reading it unless they were
specifically studying the topic--it was non-fiction and I wouldn't have
read it either except that I had a personal interest).  In the event of
a challenge we should be willing to admit that we agree that some books
may have be placed on the shelves in error and not have to defend them
simply because someone else challenges them.
=20
Pat Wassink   (now retired!...but still interested)   wassinpl@uwec.edu
<mailto:wassinpl@uwec.edu>=20

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