Juvenile Literature

Purpose: Juvenile literature materials acquired at Washington State University should support the Department of Teaching and Learning’s academic programs at the undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral (E.d.D./Ph.D.) levels in the College of Education, as well as its various teacher certification programs. Although there is some use of the collection by members of larger WSU community as well, materials selection should be primarily based on Teaching and Learning curriculum.

The juvenile literature collection includes picture books, chapter books, poetry, and non-fiction books and some young adult fiction as well. Emphasis should be placed on acquiring books that have won awards, including the Newberry, Caldicott, and other awards.

1. Languages: English is the primary language of the collection. Works written in other languages ordinarily are purchased only in English translation except for those acquired to support the bilingual and ESL curriculum in the Department of Teaching and Learning.
2. Chronological Guidelines: Emphasis is on children’s and young adult literature from the mid-twentieth century onwards. Literature from other periods is added on a selective basis.
3. Geographical Guidelines: Emphasis is on children’s and young adult literature published in the United States, with Canada and Great Britain being a secondary emphasis. Children’s and young adult literature from other countries may be acquired on a selective basis.
4. Treatment of the Subject: Literature written for and/or read by children and young adults, both fiction and non-fiction
5. Types of Material: Most materials acquired are monographs.
6. Date of Publication: Primary emphasis is on materials published since 1995. Retrospective purchasing is selective.
7. Other General Considerations: The juvenile collections are classified in abbreviated Dewey.