This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module 7: Resources Selection & Deselection

Selection and deselecting (weeding) library resources is one of the most visible aspects of the curation process. This involves determining selection criteria, identifying selection tools, and considering the role the learning community plays in the process; as well as determining when and how books should be weeded. In this unit, you will evaluate an existing title in your collection.

Module Objectives

Use selection tools to evaluate print and electronic resources for selection and deselection.

Think

  • Kerby, M. (2019). What sources do I use to select new materials? In An introduction to collection development for school librarians (2nd edition; 29-38). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
  • Kerby, M. (2019). How do I weed the collection? In An introduction to collection development for school librarians (2nd edition; 47-56). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
  • Review “Selection Tools” on pp. 95-98 of Hughes-Hassell (2020).

Create

  • Choose one book from your collection and evaluate it based on the MUSTIE criteria (Kerby, 2019, pp. 52-53). Should the book be kept or not? Why?
  • Choose one book from your collection and evaluate it based on the criteria in Table 6.4 (page 94) of the Hughes-Hassell (2020) text. Answer each question in the chart.
  • Assignment: Imagine you are collaborating with another educator (or better yet, actually collaborate!). Choose a grade level, topic, and basic lesson / unit outline. Use this information to pull together a curated collection of resources for the lesson in question that includes a variety of resource types (e.g., books, newspapers, databases, websites, podcasts, etc.). You may use any format you’d like to share your curated collection (e.g., Google Docs, website, padlet, Follett collection, etc.), but consider what will work best for the learners and educators you are working with. Write an introduction that explains your curated collection and describes how you considered the needs of your learners, including their developmental stages, abilities, interests, prior knowledge, and special needs. The following rubric will be used to evaluate your work on this assignment.

Curated Collection Rubric

Criteria

Unacceptable

Basic

Proficient

Knowledge of Resources (ALA/AASL/CAEP 3.1)

The curated collection does not include sufficient resources to meet the needs of the learning activity.

The curated collection includes sufficient resources that meet the needs of the learning activity.

The curated collection includes multiple types of resources (print, audio, video, fiction, nonfiction, etc.) that meet the needs of the learning activity.

Knowledge of Learners (ALA/AASL/CAEP 1.3)

The curated collection attempts to meet the needs of most learners, including developmental stages, abilities, interests, prior knowledge, and special needs.

The curated collection meets the needs of some learners, including developmental stages, abilities, interests, prior knowledge, and special needs.

The curated collection meets the needs of most learners, including developmental stages, abilities, interests, prior knowledge, and special needs.

Technology (ALA/AASL/CAEP 3.3)

The technology chosen to create and present the curated collection substitutes for a print guide.

The technology chosen to create and present the curated collection augments the instructional experience.

The technology chosen to create and present the curated collection modifies or redefines the instructional experience.

Supporting Instruction (ALA/AASL/CAEP 2.1)

Some of the resources reflect an understanding of the instructional goals of the activity and attempts are made to be developmentally and culturally responsive.

The resources reflect an understanding of the instructional goals of the activity and attempts are made to be developmentally and culturally responsive.

The resources reflect an understanding of the instructional goals of the activity and are developmentally and culturally responsive.

Overall Score

Three or more criteria are scored at the emerging level.

Three or more criteria are scored at the basic level.

Three or more criteria are scored at the proficient level; all criteria are scored basic or above.

 

Share

In the #7selection channel in post your curated collection with introduction. Then, summarize your experience with the module’s activities. Response to at least two of your classmates.

  • What surprised you about the evaluation and curation processes?
  • How might you schedule / manage the weeding process?
  • What questions do you have?

Grow

Share your takeaway from the module as well as any challenges you have experienced this week.