Library Media Services
The mission of the Library Media Services department, in partnership with the Technology department, is to create the best possible learning experiences with relevant resources and innovative technology. In addition, the department provides support in processing and curation of all campus library digital and print materials.
Guide to Commerce ISD Library Book Selection Criteria
School library collections include a range of materials that are age appropriate and suitable to the campus and students the school library serves, offering guidance on the overall goals of a school library's collection. Under this guidance, a collection should enrich and support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) while taking into consideration students' varied interests, maturity levels, abilities, and learning styles; foster growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and societal standards; encourage the enjoyment of reading, foster high-level thinking skills, support personal learning, and encourage discussion based on rational analysis; and represent the ethnic, religious, and cultural groups of the state and their contribution to Texas, the nation, and the world.
Selection of materials are curated under the direction of a committee of educators and library staff. They will receive recommendations from parents, guardians and local community members as well as authoritative reviews. The committee chooses materials that are age appropriate and suitable to the campus and students the library serves.
Reconsideration of a specific item in the school district’s library catalog can be requested under a reconsideration process.
Library Material Reconsideration
Commerce ISD Board Policy allows parents of District students, students age 18 or older, staff, or any District resident to formally object to library materials currently available to students. Titles may be challenged if an individual believes the title does not meet the standards set forth in Board Policy EFB. The steps to request a reconsideration are included within this policy.
Commerce ISD is legally required to protect the First Amendment rights of its students. In accordance with established Supreme Court decisions, a District cannot remove a library book without first reviewing the work. The District’s policy is designed to ensure that an appropriate review is conducted prior to any title being removed so that the District satisfies the requirements of the First Amendment. However, the policy is also designed to ensure that educationally unsuitable materials, such as pervasively vulgar materials, are removed upon completion of review. See the legal framework in Board Policy EF for more information.
Per Board Policy EFB, "access to a challenged material shall not be restricted during the reconsideration process, except the District may deny access to a child if requested by the child's parent in writing."
Dr. Patricia Tremmel
Assistant Superintendent
903-886-3755