| What is
the population? |
I try to get to know my patrons as much as possible. A school media center’s collection will be different from a public library, a parochial school's different from a public school, and so on. Selection should support the specific interests and needs of the local community. |
| Is the book on a list? | An exclusive book list is an excellent way to determine the quality of a book. There are several good ones. The most current ALA/ALSC Notable List for Children, http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/childrensnotable/notablecbooklist/currentnotable.htm and books dealing with diversity, http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/booklists/BooksonDiversity.htm. The Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, http://www.nsta.org/ostbc and Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, www.socialstudies.org/resources/notable/ are both great sources for non-fiction. The social studies notable books no longer offer the current year free of charge, although you can view all previous years at no cost. |
| Has the book won an award? | There are several notable awards. The Newbery http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberymedal.htm and Caldecott http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal.htm award books. The Coretta Scott King Award: http://www.ala.org/ala/emiert/corettascottkingbookawards/winnersa/cskawardwinners.htm The Pura Belpre Award: http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/belpremedal/belprmedal.htm The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award: http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/sibertmedal/Sibert_Medal.htm and The Black-Eyed Susan Award: http://www.tcps.k12.md.us/memo/besall.html. |
| Was the book reviewed in a journal? | Library journals are a great source for reviews and recommendations. However, it is important to recognize that each journal has its own criteria when reviewing books. School Library Journal and Book List are two of the best choices. The Horn Book or Horn Magazine tends to be more upscale than others and very opinionated, though it can still be a good source. |
| Is the subject matter or specific title in high demand? | There are some cases when all of the above criteria take a back seat. Some subjects are so popular with children that the quality of the book isn’t as important as what it is about. I have discovered that you can never have enough books on animals and sports. The demand of certain topics will require a larger supply, provided the budget allows for it. It is also important to recognize a specific title that children request. If I am asked for a title more than once, it always try to order it. What one child enjoys, generally others will also enjoy. |
Does the book meet more than one of the above criteria? |
I always keep the above criteria in mind when selecting a book. However, the more criteria the book meets, the more likely it is a great selection. |