Collection development is an process that requires a continues assessment of the library collection and adequate funding in order to maintain the integrity of a quality collection that provides students and staff access to reliable information. During the 2000-2001 school year, a massive library collection upgrade was made possible with 10.529 million. This funding made possible for library media specialists to reach 80% of the target collection size of 15,000 items for middle schools and 18,000 items for high schools. The project was a huge success. Check out the responses from every library media specialist. For a complete history of the project, view information at the School Library Facts homepage.

In order to continue our collection development efforts, 1.4 million was appropriated for 2001-2002 by the Board of Education and the County Council. Funding distribution to schools is $20.00 per pupil for the purchase of library books. Below are the guidelines and information for this year's collection development program.

The Office of Library Information Services is the account manager for this program. As such all orders must be approved by this office.

Ordering using the online selection lists developed by the Office of Library Information Services in collaboration with Follett Educational Resources, Grolier, and World Book are already approved for purchase. These companies were selected based on their ability to meet our project specifications and availability of quality materials that support the Baltimore County Public School Essential Curriculum. The online ordering process will remain the same as with last year's collection development program. A procurement card has been set up for this account to be used with the above companies. Since Follett, who represents thousands of publishers, is our major book jobber for this project NO paper purchase requisitions will be honored. All orders must be placed online with the above vendors.

Library Materials Approved Selection Lists

Follett | Grolier | World Book

H.W. Wilson Core List - Available December 2001
Includes materials cited in the 2000 and 2001 Supplements to the 15th editions of either the Junior/Middle School Library Collection or the High School Library Collection. After you send your order to Follett, titles for which you already own will be removed from the order. This is a process coined by Follett as "deduping on the back end." Follett will correspond with you regarding the removal of duplicate titles prior to final processing and shipment of your order..

Curriculum Map 2001-2002 - Available December 2001
Includes materials to support new curriculum developed during the 2001 Summer Curriculum Workshops. The Office of Library Information Services worked with each curriculum office to identify key concepts within the curriculum indicators.
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LOLA 2000-2001 Selection List Revisited - Available December 2001
Customized lists which includes ONLY books NOT previously ordered from any of the approved selection lists prepared for the 2000-2001 LOLA project. It is extremely important that you follow these instructions when using this lists. (1) make selections, (2) merge the lists, and (3) rename the list "LOLA 00-01 Revisited," (4) submit order to Follett as usual.
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Award Winning Books - Available February 2002
Includes all books for which awards have been made, including School Library Journal starred reviews.
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Spring Books - Available March 2002
Includes newly published books up to and including March 2002.
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Consideration File - You may post at any time. Limit TWO lists per school.
Includes books that you and your faculty wish to order for your school to address special programs, needs, and interests of your school community. All materials must comply with the Baltimore County Public Schools Materials Selection Policy.
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Professional Library Books - Available March 2002
Includes books that are recommended for professional use by school staff.