Re: [LM_NET] GEN: Parthington firing news story

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I'm concerned that there is a trend among principals to "micro-manage"
libraries and collection development procedures.  While the book in
question may be inappropriate for younger elementary students, it may
certainly be appropriate for some 6th graders who are often searching
for books that are moving into the young adult realms.  A principal
who does not understand these types of trends but attempts to
challenge a professional librarian's decision to make a book available
to students (without reading it first) is certainly coming close to
censorship.

The article discusses the principal looking at reviews but not reading
the book.  The article does not discuss the selection policy or
"reconsideration forms" that any individual would normally need to
complete in order to review the placement of a book within a
collection.  Once again, this seems to appear that a principal makes
an over-riding decision about what should or shouldn't be added to a
library collection without following any library policy for removal or
allowing a library PROFESSIONAL to show reviews, provide
documentation, or  have an adult discussion once the book HAS been
read. (I wouldn't be surprised if Richie's "leaving in disgust" was,
in part, due to the obstinance of an administrator who was
micro-managing the library and questioning every aspect of collection
development by a library professional.  Perhaps this was due to the
fact that these administrators have NEVER worked with a true library
professional, but have instead, only dealt with paraprofessionals /
clerks who did exactly as they were told, rarely defended books that
were challenged, and were not aware that libraries have policies to
uphold, including the Right to Read.)

My guess is that many administrators making these types of
micro-management decisions are doing so because they have never worked
with a true library professional, have no idea what librarians are
able to do, and do not know how to allow these professionals to do
their jobs!

~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
District Librarian
Peaster ISD
Weatherford, TX 76086

Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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