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Board approves second read of revised instructional/library material policy after librarian concerns
Summary
After extensive discussion and at least one library media specialist's written concerns, the RSU 5 board approved a second-read revision to policy IJJ with three edits: reinsert two preamble sentences affirming library programs, restore "whenever possible" for personal evaluation by library specialists, and fix a typographical error on the complaint form.
The RSU 5 board conducted a lengthy second-read debate June 3 over revisions to policy IJJ, "Instructional and Library Media Material Selection," and approved the updated policy with three committee-promised adjustments.
Policy committee members and administrators said the revisions were based on updated sample policies and legal review; a local library media specialist (Heidi, name in written comment) raised two substantive concerns in writing: removal of language affirming district support for a robust library/media program and changes to language about who personally evaluates materials.
Board members debated whether reaffirming district support for libraries belongs in this policy or in a different document. The policy committee agreed to restore the first two sentences of the previous fourth paragraph (preamble) to reaffirm district support for library media programs. The board also agreed to reinsert the phrase "whenever possible" to clarify that a library media specialist should personally evaluate materials when practical, and to correct a typo on page 5 related to the complaint process.
Policy committee chair and board members emphasized that the policy governs selection criteria and process (selection of instructional and library materials), not curriculum adoption, and that final language should preserve flexibility for educators while ensuring clarity in the selection and challenge process.
The board took a second-read vote and approved the package (with the agreed edits) so that the updated policy will be on the books going into the summer; the committee committed to further review and outreach to other library staff at the start of the next school year if additional issues arise.
