coping with challenges kids and libraries-1

7/28/2019 Coping With Challenges Kids and Libraries-1

1/3

Coping with Challenges

Kids and Libraries: What You Should Know

Kids and curiosity go together. Children and teenagers have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that

usually pleases but sometimes overwhelms their parents. Why? How? The questions never seem to end!

Fortunately, there are libraries and librarians to help answer these unending questions, send kids on

wondrous adventures and provide them with the resources they need to learn and grow. And parents can

relax knowing it is a friendly place for all families.

With so much available, how can you help your family make the best use of the library?

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions, along with suggestions for helping children become

lifelong learners and library users.

What is the role of libraries and librarians in serving children?

Libraries are family-oriented public institutions charged with making a broad selection of materials

available for everyone, including children and teenagers.

Most public libraries have special areas for children and teens with materials that appeal to various ages

and interests. Libraries also offer summer reading programs, storytelling, book discussions and otherspecial programs for young people. Programs such as these help kids learn to enjoy libraries and use them

for their information and entertainment needs.

School libraries have a responsibility to support their schools curriculum and to provide materials that

serve the diverse backgrounds, interests, maturity levels and reading levels of the entire student body.

How do librarians select their collections?

Each library has its own selection and collection development policies. Criteria may include popular

demand, ensuring diversity in the collection, available space and budget. These policies must be approved

by the library or school governing board, which is made up of community representatives.

The ultimate responsibility rests with the library director or school superintendent, who delegates selection

to appropriate staff acting within the framework of the established policies. In schools, librarians work

closely with teachers and school administrators to provide collections that support and supplement the

schools curriculum.

The majority of books and other materials selected have been reviewed and recommended by professionallibrarians or reviewers. Purchases are also sometimes made on the recommendations of book discussion

groups or requests by library users.

Selection is an inclusive process, in which librarians seek materials that will provide a broad range of

viewpoints and subject matter. This means that while library collections have thousands of items families

want, like and need, they also will have materials that some parents may find offensive to them or

inappropriate for their children.


2/3


3/3

coping with challenges kids and libraries-1

Documents