In recent years, the issue of book censorship within our education system has sparked impassioned debates, revealing the delicate balance between academic freedom, free speech, and the desire to shield young minds from potentially controversial or sensitive content. Shockingly, there has been a 713% increase in book bans, from the 2020 to 2023 school year. To address this, Texas HB900 has introduced legislative requirements for school districts, and Bookmarked's product - OnShelf - addresses these requirements and ushers in a new era for school libraries.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) took on the responsibility of crafting this policy, designated to them through HB900. (Article linked here.)
TSLAC policy mandates the following:
- Texas public school districts must endorse a collection development policy, specifying processes for acquiring, maintaining, and withdrawing materials.
- The policy put in place should consider age appropriateness, campus suitability, and outline procedures for evaluation, selection, and reconsideration, ensuring alignment with the school curriculum and periodic assessment.
- Districts are required to review and update the policy every three years, with the flexibility to add local procedures as long as they align with minimum requirements.
It is the responsibility of school districts to ensure adherence to these standards, read on for how OnShelf complies and answers all of these requirements.
Parental Empowerment Through OnShelf
OnShelf introduces a paradigm shift by incorporating a system that allows parents to actively monitor and make the final decision regarding their child's literary exposure. This development not only encourages dialogue between educators and parents but also seeks to preserve the fundamental values of education within a framework that respects diverse perspectives.
Streamlining Library Management
OnShelf provides data to support the evaluation, selection, acquisition, reconsideration, and deselection of library materials. The platform empowers educators and librarians to efficiently manage these processes, ensuring age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned, and diverse collections that foster intellectual growth and inclusivity.
A Nuanced and Inclusive Strategy
OnShelf supports TSLAC's procurement considerations by incorporating inclusivity, age-appropriateness, educational standards, and critical thinking within the available data insights. This allows districts to navigate the complexities of ensuring their library offers curriculum-aligned solutions that meet the needs of different age groups and backgrounds. The platform navigates the complexities of operating a library by providing a solution that embraces the importance of age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned, and diverse materials.
OnShelf is like a smart helper for school libraries. It's really good at picking the right books for the library, making sure they're good for kids of different ages, and matching what kids are learning in school. It also makes sure there are lots of different kinds of books from different cultures, so everyone can find something they like to read. OnShelf helps schools have the best books for students to learn and have fun with.
Enhancing Communication with Parents
OnShelf simplifies material management by integrating with the Student Information System and Parent Interface, allowing parents easy and efficient access to the school district's library and online catalog. The parent portal transforms the school library catalog into a user-friendly, fully searchable database, providing not only access but also empowering parents with full control over their child's library material access.
Safe and Inclusive Libraries
Maintaining libraries as safe spaces for students is paramount. OnShelf provides data on existing books in district libraries, flagging content that may require additional review for proactive decision-making. The platform also allows users to upload potential purchase lists to ensure they are bringing age-appropriate and diverse content into their library.
Seamless Compliance and Continuous Improvement
OnShelf’s features ensure compliance with the requirements of TSLAC’s collection development policy. The platform provides data for effective collection assessment and evaluation, actively monitors the school district's library catalog, and provides mechanisms for making seamless collection updates.
OnShelf is not just a software solution; it's a transformative tool that empowers educators, librarians, and parents alike. It represents a new era in school library management, fostering inclusivity, communication, and parental engagement while ensuring a safe and enriching educational environment for every student. OnShelf is not merely a product; it's a commitment to shaping the future of education through thoughtful, technology-driven solutions.
Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive and enriching educational environment for students? Join us in revolutionizing school library management with OnShelf. Click here to schedule a personalized demonstration and take the first step toward empowering educators, librarians, and parents with OnShelf's approach to school library management. Together, let's create a safer, more inclusive, and enriching learning experience for every student.