Alief ISD Libraries Selection and Reconsideration Policies

How can a parent/guardian see what books are available in the school library?

To view the library catalog, please visit the website for your child's school and click on Library and/or Destiny in the navigation. You do not need to be logged in to view the catalog.

Can a parent/guardian request a printed list of all the books that deal with a certain topic?

Alief ISD libraries do not categorize books by topic. Parents can view all books in your child's school library by reviewing the Destiny catalog.

Can a parent/guardian go to any campus library and check out a book?

Parents can check out books from the home campus of their student if their home campus participates in the parental checkout program. 

Why don’t all schools have the same library books?

Schools build library collections based on funding and student interest.

What is the procedure if I do not want my child to check out library books?

Library book check-out is voluntary. Please email the school librarian if you do not want your child to access library books.

What is the selection policy for library books?

In accordance with Alief ISD Board Policy EF (LOCAL)​, librarians are instructed to purchase items that are:  ​

  • Age-appropriate / Developmentally appropriate​

  • Include varied reading levels ​

  • Meet the curriculum needs of the campus ​

  • Historically and culturally relevant ​

  • Reflect the diversity of their population ​

  • Support the social and emotional needs of the community ​

  • Meet literary standards for publication ​

  • Connect to the district mission and goals ​

When selecting new items, librarians are encouraged to:  ​

  • Read book reviews written by those in the library field ​

  • View and read actual item copies (vendors, bookstores, other libraries) ​

  • Survey patrons and respond to community needs ​

  • Run collection analyses to determine collection areas that need updating and inclusion ​

  • Curate collections that enable students to see themselves in the collection ​

  • Choose a variety of books that enable patrons to feel welcome and safe 

What is the reconsideration policy for library books?

In Alief ISD, we have a process that we follow for book challenges in accordance with Alief ISD Board Policy EF (LOCAL)​. Board policy states:

A parent of a District student, any employee, or any District resident may formally challenge an instructional resource used in the District's educational program on the basis of appropriateness.

Informal Reconsideration

The school receiving a complaint about the appropriateness of an instructional resource shall try to resolve the matter informally using the following procedure:

  1. The principal or designee shall explain the school's selection process, the criteria for selection, and the qualifications of the professional staff who selected the questioned resource.

  2. The principal or designee shall explain the intended educational purpose of the resource and any additional information regarding its use.

  3. If appropriate, the principal or designee may offer a concerned parent an alternative instructional resource to be used by that parent's child in place of the challenged resource.

  4. If the complainant wishes to make a formal challenge, the principal or designee shall provide the complainant a copy of this policy and a form to request a formal reconsideration of the resource.

Formal Reconsideration

A complainant shall make any formal objection to an instructional resource on the form provided by the District and shall submit the completed and signed form to the principal. Upon receipt of the form, the principal shall appoint a reconsideration committee.

The reconsideration committee shall include at least one member of the instructional staff who has experience using the challenged resource with students or is familiar with the challenged resource's content. Other members of the committee may include District-level staff, library staff, secondary-level students, parents, and any other appropriate individuals.

All members of the committee shall review the challenged resource in its entirety. As soon as reasonably possible, the committee shall meet and determine whether the challenged resource conforms to the principles of selection set out in this policy. The committee shall prepare a written report of its findings and provide copies to the principal, the Superintendent or designee, and the complainant.

Appeal

The complainant may appeal the decision of the reconsideration committee in accordance with appropriate complaint policies, starting with the appropriate administrator. [See DGBA, FNG, and GF]