When building the library media center's collection, what should the library media specialist purchase?

Purchasing books that complement the school curriculum is essential for a library media center because it ensures that the collection supports the academic goals and learning objectives of the students and teachers. By aligning the library's resources with the curriculum, the media specialist enables students to access relevant materials that enhance their understanding of subject matter, encourage research, and promote literacy development.

This approach also fosters collaboration with educators, making it easier to design programs and activities that engage students and support their coursework. While best-sellers may attract interest, they do not necessarily contribute to the educational framework. Similarly, personal interests or non-educational materials may not meet the needs of all students and could lead to gaps in the collection. Materials approved by the parent-teacher organization could be useful, but should still align with curricular objectives to be most effective. Thus, prioritizing curriculum-related resources maximizes the library's relevance and impact on student learning.