Frequently Asked Questions
-
How can I see what books are in ASD libraries?
You can search the ASD PAC (Public Access Catalog) here: .
-
How are books selected for ASD libraries?
ASD libraries are staffed by certificated librarians who select materials for their school. Librarians follow the collection development policy outlined in and .
-
How are books removed from ASD libraries?
Library based removal: Through the collection development work of a librarian, books are removed when they are damaged beyond repair, missing, no longer checked out by borrowers, or superseded by newer material.
Request based removal: Books may be removed from a collection through the Request for Reconsideration of Instructional or Library Materials process.
-
Who can challenge ASD instructional and library items?
Any parent/guardian, student, or employee of the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District, or community member who resides within the Municipality of ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø.
Challenges are for a single item, and challengers may only have one item before the committee at a time.
More information can be found on our Controversial Concerns Requests page.
-
How long does the reconsideration process take?
The Review Committee shall make a decision and summarize its findings in a written report within 30 workdays of the committee receiving the challenge form.
Requests may be submitted at any time, but the Review Committee meets from September-May.
Material that has completed the review and appeal process will not be subject to additional reconsideration for 36 months.
-
Who is on the ASD District Controversial Review Committee?
The District Controversial Issues Review Committee should include an odd number of members :
-
The Senior Director of Teaching and Learning and the Library Services Supervisor as chairpersons
-
Three community members who are not District employees and do not serve on more than one other District committee
-
Two students recommended by the Student Advisory Board
-
Six employees of the District including at least one principal, one teacher, and one librarian and representation at both the elementary and secondary levels
The Senior Director of Teaching and Learning or designee will accept applications and make appointments. The appointments should reflect the various backgrounds and viewpoints in our community. Individuals interested in applying for a seat must complete the District Controversial Issues Review Committee application.
The Committee shall be a standing committee with members appointed to three-year terms. If at the end of a term a committee member has not had an opportunity to participate in the process, an invitation to serve a second three-year term will be offered.
-
-
What standards does the ASD Controversial Review Committee use to make a determination?
The District Controversial Issues Review Committee will use the following process:
-
-
The essential criteria utilized to reconsider library materials will be the American Library Association Bill of Rights, BP 6163.1 and AR 6163.1(a) on Libraries/Media Centers.
-
Instructional materials will be evaluated to the extent to which the challenged instructional material supports the curriculum, the educational appropriateness of the material, and its suitability for the age level of the student. The curriculum coordinator for the content area may be invited as an ad hoc committee member.
-
Review challenged materials using the Checklist for Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials.
-
Challenged materials shall not be restricted or removed by a class, school, or the District until the Committee has made a final decision.
-
Materials must be considered in their entirety. Passages or parts may not be taken out of context. Values and faults are to be weighed against each other, and the opinions are based on the material as a whole.
-
The Review Committee shall make a decision and summarize its findings in a written report within 30 workdays of the date the committee received the challenge form. The committee's report may present both majority and minority opinions.
-
The report shall be submitted to the Superintendent and posted on the District controversial concerns website. The Senior Director of Teaching and Learning will notify the challenger of the decision.
-
-
-
How can I apply to be on the ASD District Controversial Review Committee?
ASD is not currently accepting applications for the Controversial Concerns Committee. Applications will be announced when new members are needed.