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Objectives:

1. This collection exists to support the children's literature curriculum of the College of Education.
2. Priority is given to the kinds of books which most directly support reading methods courses preparing students to meet requirements of education degrees and credentials.
3. Materials related to the teaching or use of children's literature or to the teaching profession as such are collected under the auspices of the Library's overall collection development policy and are housed in the main stacks.

Scope:

1. Level and Treatment:
   a. The collection shall include books appropriate for preschool through grade six, shall represent samples of all format types, e.g., alphabet books, number books, board books, chapter books, big books, etc., and shall represent various spectrums of current thought even if controversial.
   b. Award winners, honor books, and books from recommended bibliographies shall be collected comprehensively through a collection plan arranged through standing orders and on-approval plans. Multiple copies of award winners will be ordered as budget allows.
   c. Recommendations from reading methods instructors are encouraged for purchasing such items as big books and books to support whole language theory.
   d. Both fiction and non-fiction works will be purchased along with biographies and autobiographies.
   e. Books of regional or Pennsylvania interest will also be given purchase priority.
   f. A limited number of reference books generally found in a school library may be collected. However, most such items as well as selection tools and other professional literature will be housed in the main collection. Journals will be housed in the main Serials Area.
   g. This collection shall be cataloged using the Dewey Decimal System to replicate a school library.
   
2. Languages:
   The primary language is English. Materials used to teach foreign languages or in bilingual multicultural environments are also collected. Some literature in foreign languages is collected for use as examples.
   
3. Chronology:
   Emphasis shall be on the most current materials. Outdated treatments or items replaced by newer versions will be weeded. Certain materials will be retained for historical and comparative purposes.
   
4. Geographical:
   Educational materials published in the United States are emphasized. Foreign publications may be acquired on a selective basis.
   
5. Cultural Diversity:
   Every effort shall be made to have the collection reflect all types of cultural diversity and promote respect for individuals and the global community.

Clientele:

1. This collection exists primarily for undergraduate education majors.
2. Other Library clients may use the collection as well.
3. The collection is not established to be used or browsed by children. Young children must have parental or other adult supervision while utilizing the collection since some titles may be too controversial for their independent use.