Lesson 3 - Building a Reference Collection

Before starting this lesson, and this course, I really had no knowledge about how to build a reference collection and indeed haven't had much interest in doing so.   At this point in time, very little research is taking place in my library due to several factors:  the library is only open 1.5 days each week as that is all time I have; there is no time available as all library time is built into a fixed schedule with each class visiting the library once a week for a brief lesson and book exchange; the library is a very small, uninviting space; most "reference materials" are on-line; and teachers normally just any relevant books to their class to use - these books are not necessarily typical "reference" books.  Fiona seems to be in a similar place as me, in fact musing "I don’t believe that I’m going to say this, but, why would we bother spending money on print reference materials"

This lesson introduced us to the selection and evaluation of reference materials,  school library standards expected in terms of reference materials and some sources of those items.   The textbook presents an approach to evaluating reference materials that is fairly straightforward and comprehensive without being overwhelming.  Riedling has different criteria for each type of reference material, clearly illustrated in a concise manner that I could actually use.  What is lacking in Riedling's approach is, as pointed out by both Ben, Chris and many others in the class is the context or specific audience that the resource is intended for.   I also examined the BC Ministry of Education document Evaluating, Selecting, and Managing Learning Resources: A Guide (2002) and found that it was far more detailed than Riedling. One think I specifically like about the Ministry document is the need to evaluate the resource on the basis of “social considerations” such as gender bias, sexual orientation portrayal, multiculturalism and socio-economic references. I think this puts some of that “context” into the evaluation. You are adding the “is this right for the students at MY school part of the evaluation in, which Riedling does, in fact, refer to as well, although she does not explicitly list it in the evaluation criteria; “A thorough knowledge of existing resources, as well as the community and school population served, is crucial to successful evaluation of reference materials” (p. 22). The Ministry document presents different criteria to look at for different formats of reference material (print, manipulatives, electronic) but not the different types of materials as Riedling does.  In the end, I think Riedling's criteria boxes for each type of reference material will be useful, given that you keep the needs of your students in mind at the forefront of the selection process.  In fact, I may create a document that contains all of the criteria boxes to put into my binder on selecting resources for the library collection.

In terms of standards, Achieving Information Literacy (2003) has some pretty high standards set for elementary schools in terms of reference materials.  30-35 periodicals, 10-15 reference databases, 25+ electronic and digital resources, and more!  My library is definitely lacking in this area and I can not see this changing any time soon.  Again, it sounds like I am not alone in this situation as Jennifer and Fiona expressed the same thoughts.  Given the miniscule size of my library budget, purchasing 30-35 periodicals subscriptions just isn't going to happen!  My focus thus far has been finding students reliable and authoritive reference materials on-line.  My school district has Worldbook Online and I have researched some other appropriate sites for students to use as well.  I am very excited to explore some of the sites and resources listed in our textbook, as I am sure to find others to add to the growing list of bookmarks available for students at our school to use.

Asselin, M.,  Branch, J.L., & Oberg, D. (2003). Achieving information literacy: Standards for school library programs in Canada.  Ottawa: The Canadian School Library Association.

BC Ministry of Education. (2002). Evaluating, selecting, and managing learning resources: A guide. BC: Ministry of Education.