"The mission, goals, and objectives of libraries cannot authorize librarians or library governing bodies to assume, abrogate, or overrule the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians. As Libraries: An American Value states, 'We affirm the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children's use of the library and its resources and services.' Librarians and library governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child.  Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that only parents and guardians have the right and the responsibility to determine their children's—and only their children’s—access to library resources.  Parents and guardians who do not want their children to have access to specific library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children."

 

The above was taken from the American Library Association's Free Access to Libraries for Minors: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.  If you would like to read the whole article go to the following web address:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/freeaccesslibraries.cfm

 

Following is the LCPS Library Media Center Instructional Materials Selection Policy taken from the Loudoun County Public Schools Policies and Regulations Manual

This regulation supplements Policy §5-7 by providing methods and procedures

Instructional materials shall be selected in accordance with the following

1. Library media center materials shall be selected by the library media

specialist of each school in consultation with the principal or designee,

appropriate teachers, and other specialized personnel if available. Final

recommendations for purchase shall be made by the library media

2. Division media center materials shall be purchased by the Media

Supervisor based upon recommendations of school-level previewers or

appointed by the Deputy Superintendent. State guidelines for adoption of

textbooks shall be followed. Recommendations of review committees

shall be approved and submitted to the School Board by the Deputy

4. Other instructional materials shall be selected cooperatively by

appropriate subject or grade-level teaching personnel, library media

5. Parents and students may be involved in the selection process when

a. To provide materials that will support and enrich the curriculum

and the needs of students, taking into consideration their varied

b. To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual

knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical

c. To provide materials that will help students extend the boundaries

of their knowledge and experience, pursue self-directed learning,

explore and satisfy their curiosities and interests, and find

employment in the rich stores of the imaginative expressions of

d. To provide a background of information that will enable students to

e. To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues in

order that students may develop under guidance the practice of

f. To provide materials that realistically represents our pluralistic

society and reflects the contributions made by various groups and

g. To place principle above personal opinion and reason above

prejudice to assure a comprehensive media collection of high

d. Appropriateness, accuracy, and authenticity of the content and the

reputation and significance of the author, artist, composer,

e. Authoritativeness, accuracy, and authenticity of the content and

the reputation and significance of the author, artist, composer,

g. Motivational value of materials in terms of attractiveness, vitality,

i. Recency and relevance of materials and treatment of possible

l. Availability and compatibility of equipment needed for use with

n. State, regional, and national standards