Are you looking for a great book to read? Are you interested in learning about new book releases or new authors? Below are some links to sites, including blogs, that contain recommended book lists, information about authors, book awards, reviews, and more. Check these out to find a book that appeals to your interests, or just catch up on what's going on in the world of literature. There are so many interesting new books available, but there are many classics as well that you might find enjoyable. Take a look!

*Remember that, although there are so many great books to be found in these sites, not all books may be right for you. Just as you would in a bookstore, use good judgment in deciding which book you will read next. Just because a book is accompanied by a positive review does not mean you have to read it. Choose books not only if they appeal to you, but if they are also appropriate for you. :)

• Goodreads

• Newbery Medal Home Page

• Reading Matters

• Recommended Reading for Boys

• What Should I Read Next?

Are you aware of what current copyright laws say? Do you know what it means to practice ethical behavior on the Internet?

As citizens, it is our responsibility to use information ethically and legally. When we use information that is not our own, it is necessary to properly cite the source and follow the copyright and fair use guidelines. In fact, it is the law. This applies to information that we obtain from books, music, websites, and more. We are to give credit where credit is due.

Review the websites below to learn: how to be a responsible user of information, whether for school or personal use; how to properly cite a resource; and how to protect and license your personal work.

• BibMe

• Copyright Basics

• Copyright & Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers

• Copyright Kids

• Creative Commons

• EasyBib

• Please Don't Cheat

• Taking the Mystery out of Copyright

• What is Plagiarism?

Mission Statement

Lincoln Lutheran exists to equip young people to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ by providing an excellent, Christ-centered education.

Objectives

The Lincoln Lutheran Media Center strives to provide students and staff with a wide range of educational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with diversity of appeal, allowing for presentation of many different points of view. Our goals are specified as follows:

• To build a collection that supports the mission of Lincoln Lutheran and the Christian beliefs held by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LC-MS).

• To implement, enrich, and support the instructional program of the school, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, learning styles, and maturity levels of the students served.

• To select reading materials that are rich in literary merits, that will excite the students to discover the joy and beauty of the literary world, that will inspire readers to seek truth and wisdom, and that will encourage moral and ethical integrity.

Responsibility of Selection

Selection of library materials is an ongoing process shared by the many people who use them. Departmental recommendations and individual suggestions from teachers, staff, students, and other community members are crucial to the usefulness of the collection. Responsibility for review, evaluation, selection, acquisition, and collection development rests with the Media Specialist. The school principal will also be involved if deemed necessary.

Criteria for Selection

The following criteria will be considered in the selection of materials:

• Curriculum support

• Overall support of Christian Values

• Validity, timeliness, and appropriateness of material

• Favorable reviews found in standard selection sources

• Quality and format

• Reputation of author, producer, or publisher

• Potential user appeal

• Value proportionate to cost and/or need

• Subject matter and treatment of the subject matter

• Effectiveness and appropriateness of language

• High artistic quality and/or literary style

The following sources will be used to aid selection:

• Booklist

• Horn Book Guide

• School Library Journal

• Kirkus Reviews

• Choice

• Voice of Youth Advocates

• Christianity Today

• Literary Awards

Gifts

Gift materials (donated items) are subject to basic selection standards. The Media Specialist may choose to accept, reject, or distribute the gift materials for other use if not otherwise specified by donors.

Weeding Resources

Collection development is an ongoing process that includes the removal of materials no longer appropriate and the replacement of lost and worn materials that still hold educational value. Weeding is essential to maintain a relevant, attractive collection. Materials considered for weeding include the following:

• Items in poor physical condition

• Items containing obsolete subject matter and/or outdated information

• Items no longer needed to support the curriculum or student/faculty interests

Reconsideration

Lincoln Lutheran community members may occasionally disagree with some materials in the Media Center despite the quality of the selection process. Individuals have a right to ask that materials be reconsidered. The review of questioned materials will be treated courteously and calmly, and as an important action. Every effort will be made to consider objections, keeping in mind the best interests of the students, the school, the curriculum, and the community. In the event of a complaint, the following procedures will be observed:

• The complaint should first be addressed to the Media Specialist in writing by completing the Request for Reconsideration Form. The Media Specialist will then review the material in question.

• If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily for the complaint, the individual may request the matter be brought before the Principal.

• If addressing the matter with the Principal does not bring resolution to the issue, the individual may request the matter be brought before the Executive Director.

• If addressing the matter with the Executive Director does not bring resolution to the issue, the individual may request the matter be brought before the Board of Directors by indicating so to the Executive Director. The Executive Director and the President of the Board of Directors will make arrangements for such action.

• The Board of Directors will render a decision in the matter that will be considered final.