Resources & Training for Public Library Staff
Access the Washington State Library Training Calendar Here
Collection Management Policies
Creating and maintaining a robust collection development plan and collection management policy are key components of any library program. Whether you are revamping an old policy, or creating a new one from scratch, here are some resources to get started.
- Selection and Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries, American Library Association
Selection
- “Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books” by Louise Derman-Sparks, Teaching For Change
- ALA's Rainbow Book List is an annual curated bibliography highlighting books with significant LGBTQIA+ content aimed at youth ages birth-18.
- “Criteria for the Selection of Young Adult Queer Literature” by Stephanie R. Logan, Terri A. Lasswell, Yolanda Hood, and Dwight C. Watson, English Journal
Weeding
- “Weeding the Library Collection” from LibraryU, a program of the Illinois State Library and the regional library systems, accessed through WebJunction
- CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries
Evaluating Library Collections
- “Diversity auditing 101: How to evaluate your collection” by Karen Jensen, School Library Journal
- “Diversity Considerations in YA: Doing a Diversity Audit” by Karen Jensen. Outline and sources from the Teen Librarian Toolbox series on diversity audits.
- “The Problem with Picture-Book Monkeys: Racist imagery associating simians with Black people has a long history” by Edith Campbell, School Library Journal
- Criteria from How to Tell the Difference: A Guide for Evaluating Children's Books for Anti-Indian Bias by Doris Seale, Beverly Slapin and Rosemary Gonzales
Webinars & Self-Paced Courses
Check out the Washington State Library Training page for more information on upcoming workshops, webinars and the full collection of online training resources including WebJunction and Niche Academy.
- “Weeding the Library Collection” from LibraryU, a program of the Illinois State Library and the regional library systems, accessed through WebJunction
- Project READY: Reimagining Equity & Access for Diverse Youth a free online professional development curriculum developed by the University of North Carolina, Wake County Public School System and North Carolina Central University with funding from IMLS
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