When a school librarian or public library young people's librarian chooses books for their collection, they use specific selection criteria. These vary depending on specific needs and policies, and the reason for purchasing a particular book.
This article relates to non fiction books for school age children, of approx 7-12 years of age. It does not relate to very easy information books for toddlers.
Basic non fiction selection criteria (in no particular order), may include some or all of the following -
- Do we need more books on this topic?
- What do we already have on the topic? Does it add to that, or just duplicate it?
- Is it written at the age appropriate and developmental level we require?
- Is it writen at the reading level we require?
- Is the size of the text appropriate?
- Is the cover and overall presentation appealing? (Yes, the cover can be important, especially if there are a number of books on the same topic readily available).
- Does it have a useful table of contents?
- Does it have a useful index?
- Does it have a glossary?
- Is the progression logical?
- Are the illustrations or photos supported by meaningful captions?
- Are the illustrations or photos well presented?
- Is the spelling British English or American English? (not always crucial)
- Do we have other books in this series? Were they used? Do we wish to compete the series?
- Does it have clear chapter headings?
- Does it have clear topic headings?
- Is the content relevant?
- Is the content accurate?
- Is the content objective an unbiased?
- Is the content up to date?
- Are the pages numbered?
- Is it well set out?
- Are there other aids to information retrieval? e.g. sidebars, information boxes, a glossary etc.
- Is it comprehensive enough for the age group and curriculum topic?
- Is the book intended mainly for research or for recreational reading?
Then comes the crunch. What is our budget? What else do we need to buy? How long does that money have to last until the next budget? How high does this book come in the priority order? Sometimes libraries purchase a book with the needs of one specific customer in mind. More often, they need to meet the needs of a broader client base.
Book and Education Professionals
This may seem like an exhaustive process, but remember that librarians and teacher librarians are experienced book professionals. They can flick through a book, and note all of the above very quickly. They have a trained eye, and can make their decisons based on the big picture for their particular situation, in short sharp time.
Understanding what book professionals and education professionals look for, gives you an insight into the structure of a children's non fiction book. A key element is considering who will use the book and in what context. A book for research, has more stringent criteria applied, than a book intended for recreational reading. Work out which criteria are most important as you plan and develop your children's non fiction manuscript.
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