It only becomes a problem if you DON'T check the other selection tools
before you make your purchase. The problem that I've seen is that there
are librarians using Amazon and Barnes and Noble as their primary
selection tools (not for ordering the books--that's something entirely
different)...what I'm talking about is reading the information written
by individuals to determine if it fits your selection policy and the
criteria that you have regarding placement of books in the library.
If you read reviews written by individuals (or even some magazines or
non-professional journals) on Amazon to get an idea of what the book is
about and don't see those standard reviews found in professional
journals--but merely "John Smith from Boon-dock High School" reviewing
the book---then you might want to check another source before you
decide. =20
"John's review" won't hold-up to the scrutiny of a review /
reconsideration committee when you're facing a parental (or any other)
challenge to the book being placed in your collection.
It's not about locating a book that someone likes....it's about
defending a book that someone doesn't like.
Spend some time with other professional sources...
~Shonda Brisco
Trinity Valley MS / US Librarian
Fort Worth, TX
briscos@trinityvalleyschool.org
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Cindy Rider
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:34 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: Gossip Girl Challenge
I'm writing to defend the librarian who mentioned using reviews on
Amazon.com instead of "standard selection tools." I frequently use
Amazon as a source of reviews when I need something quickly and can't
find the title in the BIP database. It never seems to be as up-to-date
as Amazon! Since Amazon frequently includes reviews from "standard
selection tools" such as SLJ, Kirkus, and Booklist, I see no problem
with consulting it.
>>> "Brisco, Shonda" <briscos@TRINITYVALLEYSCHOOL.ORG> 09/30/04 08:37AM
>>>
We each have our selection policies and curriculums that guide us to
make the choices that we do for the materials in our libraries; however,
when it comes to making those professional choices, I would much rather
choose those "standard selection tools" that we have been trained to use
to make selections for libraries than to use the "reviews in Amazon--or
any other online bookstore."
Just as we teach our students to "review websites" to determine
authenticity, accuracy, authority (etc.), we should also remember that
when we do a quick search online through Amazon (or other online
sources) to find information about a book, we should also look through
our professional journals for TRUE reviews done by credible
authorities--librarians.
The book is listed on the ALA List for Relunctant Readers and it is also
reviewed by these professional journals. (Please choose your
favorite(s) to determine if the review offers you a "heads up" before
you purchase them.) Remember...books online through bookstore reviews
are written by "who knows who" ....and the website's purpose... (as we
ask our students this question also ---???) is to sell books! =3D20
Booklist 06/01/02
Kirkus Review 04/15/02
Publishers Weekly 01/21/02
Teacher Librarian 04/01/03
Voice of Youth Advocates (V.O.Y.A.) 04/01/03
******************************
~Shonda Brisco
Trinity Valley MS / US Librarian
Fort Worth, TX
briscos@trinityvalleyschool.org
=3D20
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Cindy Lafferty
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 8:09 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Gossip Girl Challenge
Dear LM_netters,
If you have not read this series of books, and I haven't, you might
want to read the customer reviews on Amzon.com.
The kids are very honest about what is in the book (drug use, sex,
inappropriate relationships between teens and adults) and very honest in
their opinions.
It will give you an idea about the content and why it is appealing.
After perusing the reviews I know I will not be spending my budget on
these particular titles.
Cindy Lafferty
Media specialist
Trinity Catholic High School
Ocala, Fl
clafferty@tchs.us
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