[Sample Assignment contributed by Pamela Voyles, Fall Semester 1998]
 
 

The Corpus Christi Independent School District’s Library Policy is dated 1988-1989. The policy does not have a title page. The majority of the names on the authorization page no longer hold the offices or jobs indicated. A Table of Contents is missing from the policy. The policy has sections that have been added; however, they are written as letters to school principals.

The responsibility for collection development is indicated on the page titled, Selection of Library Materials. The policy indicates five objectives. The collection development is confusing because at the end of the policy two letters were attached that were written to the school principals. The letters are dated October 2, 1997. A letter addressed to the principals adds one more objective relating to technical materials that the original page does not have. The letter to the principals also states the objectives must be met when accepting gifts or donations. This too is not indicated in the original policy; therefore, the policy appears to be in the process of being updated. The letter also suggest surveying the faculty when selecting new materials for the library.

The policy does not have a censorship statement policy; however, it does state that it supports the Library Bill of Rights. Under the section, Administrative Procedures, a committee is to be appointed to handle complaints regarding challenged materials. This committee is different than the one indicated earlier in the document. A form is included in the policy for handling complaints. The form is to be filled out and then a committee will review it. The second added letter to the policy has procedures a teacher must follow in order to use controversial materials in the classroom.

There is a short section on weeding. It explains when a book may be removed from the shelf and the procedures to follow. There is very little in the area of individual criteria. The area of general criteria is better presented. Library collection objectives are stated.

The Corpus Christi Independent School District Policy is difficult to follow. It is fragmented and has major sections missing. I became extremely frustrated trying to work my way through it. The school district would benefit by rewriting it before the next school year.