NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee school libraries could soon have to list all of their materials online if a new bill becomes law. The bill would specifically impact public schools and public charter schools.
If passed, school libraries would not only have to create the list and make it available online, but they would also have to make a policy that reviews and develops the library collections. This includes feedback from parents, students and school employees.
This would start for the upcoming school year.
The policy dictates that there must be a way for schools to develop a library collection that is consistent with the educational mission of the school. The collection must also be appropriate for the age and maturity of the kids who have access to it.
According to the bill, this would be done periodically. It does not specify what makes something appropriate or not.
If feedback is given by students, parents or staff, the district will evaluate the material, and if school officials deem the book inappropriate, then it would be taken out of the library.
The bill is to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
