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Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy
Youth Services Easy Reader Fiction This important collection serves the needs of children who are just learning to read, through the end of grade two. These fiction books have controlled vocabulary, large print, and, in some cases, short chapters. In the past, publishers were not responsive to the needs of public libraries in this area. There were never enough titles on this level; those that existed (with the notable exception of Dr. Seuss) tended to be pedantic, uninteresting, and patronizing, with choppy sentences. In the past five years or so, a revolution has taken place in this area. Due in large part to the pleadings of children's librarians, publishers have begun to assign easy readers to top-notch writers and illustrators. The quantity and quality of books available on this level has risen greatly. Influencing Factors Some series, such as Random House's "Step Into Reading," are greatly appreciated by parents because of their quality, and especially because the grade level is clearly printed on the books' covers. "Rookie Readers" are in demand because they are on school book lists and because the vocabulary is printed in the back of each book. "Word Bird" and "Sound Box" books teach phonics and word groups. Humor and illustrations are important features in these books in order to appeal to children who may be resisting learning to read. Because of high demand, the Youth Services Department purchases from six to eight copies of many titles in this category. This is an extremely heavily used collection. It is essential that library bindings rather than trade editions be purchased because of the durability needed for such heavy use. Books are kept as long as they continue to circulate and are in good condition. If a book has to be replaced and is still in print, it is more cost effective to order a new one rather than rebind the title. Rebound books do not circulate; the purchase of a fresh, new copy helps maintain a fresh, appealing appearance for the collection. Because of the heavy demand for this level of books, attention should be directed toward expanding this collection as quality titles become increasingly available. |
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