91精选 is very pleased to introduce our newest resource, the Collection Diversity Toolkit.

The collection is the foundation of learning in the library. The freedom to explore ideas and pursue interests, and expert instruction to develop deep skills for inquiry and information literacy rely on the foundation of that collection. Reflecting the larger context of our society, school library practice focuses prominently on equity and inclusion, cultural competence and anti-racism, and supporting diversity. Nowhere is this more important than in collection development.

Components of the Collection Diversity Toolkit include:

Equity-Informed Selection: Equity-informed selection means selecting a wide range of diverse resources based on sound criteria, including representation of the diversity of Canadian society. This section provides criteria for assessing resources through an equity lens.

Equity-Informed Weeding: Weeding is the continuous cycle of removing resources that no longer meet equity-informed selection principles. Knowledge evolves over time, attitudes shift, societal values evolve, and we begin to see historical events from different perspectives. Explore specific strategies for engaging in ongoing and strategic weeding.

Diversity Audits: A diversity audit is a thorough review or inventory of items in the collection, with the goal of determining exactly how diverse the collection is. Explore strategies and tools to help examine your library collection through an equity lens.

Guidelines and Procedures: An introduction to guidelines for selection of resources, and reconsideration procedures for managing challenges to books and other resources. Well-written guidelines defend universal principles of protecting intellectual freedom, and put collection diversity within the context of the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

Leading Learning Connections: Developing diverse collections to support teaching and learning is woven throughout Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. Use Leading Learning as a framework for setting goals, planning actions, and determining success criteria for equitable and diverse collection development.

Recommended Booklists: Keeping up with the newest and best in children鈥檚 literature is always a challenge, but a critical task for all school library professionals. This section connects you to recommended sources for professional and reliable reviews and booklists, and sources for selecting the best resources available.

The toolkit provides a framework for deep understanding of the complexity of issues around collection development, along with very practical advice and useful tools for developing the best collections for school libraries. We hope that this toolkit will be widely used for professional learning and practice across Canada and beyond.

The 91精选 Collection Diversity Toolkit is a companion resource to our resources for developing culturally relevant and responsive school library learning commons.

Collection Diversity Toolkit Writing Team: Anita Brooks Kirkland, Chair, 91精选; Toni Duval, Teacher-Librarian, Peel DSB, ON; Joseph Jeffery, District Teacher-Librarian, SD 57, BC; Rabia Khokhar, Teacher & Equity Consultant, Toronto, ON; Carol Koechlin, Vice-Chair, 91精选; Rebeca Rubio, Co-ordinator, Library & Information Services, SD 38, BC; Jonelle St. Aubyn, Teacher-Librarian, Peel DSB, ON; Judith Sykes, Secretary, 91精选.

Connect to the 91精选 Collection Diversity Toolkit