Reference
General Comments
This collection primarily exists to help staff fulfill the informational
and educational needs of patrons (adults or children). Children and adults
also utilize this collection to find materials and answers to their questions.
Some materials on children's literature are unique to the reference collection
in the Children's Department such as indices to children's songs and poetry,
bibliographies and guides to children's literature, and biographical sets
of children's authors and illustrators. This part of the collection responds
to the needs of children's literature students and teachers seeking guidance.
A complete collection of Caldecott and Newbery award winners are important
components of this collection. These award winners are often used as a
browsing source by young patrons and adults seeking read aloud books.
Development Plan
This collection is minimal and limited to specific areas of development.
One goal of this collection is to provide introductory information for
children through grade six. Another goal of this collection is to represent
and enhance the subject of children's literature for the wide range of
patrons pursuing information in this genre. In order to meet these goals,
the Library:
- strives to provide a wide range of basic reference tools with lower
reading levels included.
- strives to provide complete collections of Caldecott and Newbery award
winners.
- evaluates new supplements to existing standard guides to children's
literature and authors, and adds them to the collection as warranted.
Influencing Factors
Purchases and buying patterns are determined in large part by:
- Caldecott and Newbery award winners.
- availability of supplements or updates to existing standard guides.
- reading level.
- new works.
- budget constraints.
- visual appeal.
Retention/Weeding
- Caldecott and Newbery award winning titles are always retained.
- Reference tools are replaced and supplemented as needed to maintain
currency.
- Books are withdrawn due to damage and loss.
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