Service Learning Journal: Entry 2

Service Learning Journal: Entry 2

09/12/12

This week was a busy week trying to locate the school’s collection development policy.  I spoke with Mrs. Whaley about this project, and she told me that she did have a policy, but it was not on file with the county.  She stated the policy was unofficial, and was something that she had created while she held a high school librarian position.  She did tell me that it would need some updating, and I agreed to read the policy and try to offer suggestions and help her update the policy.  Mrs. Whaley told me that she would locate the policy and email it to me so that I could begin looking over the procedures.  I did not receive an email or hear from her so two days later I decided to contact her once again regarding the CD policy.  She stated that she was unable to find the policy and offered me some suggestions on how to create a CD policy for the school.  After hanging up the phone, I immediately began searching for examples of elementary school CD policies.  I found two examples that I thought were thorough and easy to comprehend:

Barnhill, T. (2012, August 09). Westwood elementary school library collection development               
        policy. Retrieved from http://www.wcs.edu/wes/Media/collection.htm

Baltimore county public schools selection criteria for school library media center collections.        

       (2012, September 12). Retrieved from http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/office/admin/selection

 

These sites offered great insights regarding topic and content.  I used these two sites, my notes, and input from Mrs. Whaley to create a rough draft, or starting point, of a CD policy for Richlands Elementary School Library. 

 

            I feel like the assignment went okay.  At first, I had a difficult time trying to decide what needed to be in a CD policy for the school.  I compared the two CD examples, and looked for common ground.  I also consulted Mrs. Whaley, asking her what she preferred to be included.  I did use some of the information regarding library policies from the Community Analysis assignment.  If I had to do this assignment again, I would prefer to sit down with my SL and ask her to collaborate with me and work together to create the policy.  At times, I felt lost.  I think that an experienced librarian helping to create such an important document would greatly benefit the student’s learning and mentality.