Background

The Scottsdale Unified School District 2007 Capital Override allocated approximately $627,142 per year for the purchase of library materials. The "Library Capital Override Committee" was formed in February 2008 to develop guidelines and procedures for recommending materials for purchase. The committee is made up of 3 high school librarians, 2 middle school librarians, 1 K-8 librarian and 3 elementary school librarians. Dr. Jackie Olson, Director of Curriculum, monitors the committee's work, providing guidance and support. The committee has based its work on the assumption that a significant portion of the library allocation will be spent on district-wide purchases to ensure equity at all sites. The committee also recommends that a portion of the allocation be sent to the sites for local purchases.

 The Plan developed by the committee is based on state and national standards and the goals and objectives of the SUSD School Library Program. The Plan also adheres to the SUSD Library Selection Policy . The committee, with input from SUSD curriculum experts, determined that focusing on one curriculum area each year would best serve our students and teachers. The focus during the first year of the override was on books and DVDs to support the science curriculum. The committee will recommended significant collection development during the first year in literature, biography and general reference. Professional development for teachers and administrators will be an important part of this year's program.

2009-2010

The focus during the second year of the Capital Override is on supporting the Social Studies curriculum. The committee met several times this spring, including two all-day collaborative meetings with the SUSD Social Studies curriculum support specialist. Recommended lists for purchase have been posted on the grade level sites below.

Recommended resources this year include printed books, audio books (Playaways), ebooks, DVDs and research databases. The ebooks are accessed through our research databases.

Wireless barcode scanners were purchased for each school library in December 2009.

In addition to the materials purchased at the district level, each school received an allocation of $2.60 per student for the purchase of library materials. The deadline for ordering those materials was February 16, 2010.