Shared Collection

The works that make up the shared collection are varied

In this way, the collection includes different types of document:

• picture books;
• novels;
• comics and graphic novels;
• non-fiction;
• poetry;
• etc.

The collection also aims:

• a parity between male and female authors;
• a diversity of points of views;
• a variety of types of illustration;
• a variety of subjects, and even representation of the regions of Quebec.

The shared collection is mainly made up of French-language books.

The works in the shared collection represent diversity.

They present a variety of social backgrounds and experiences.

They present different points of view that make up society in terms of :

• identity;
• body representation;
• functions;
• linguistics;
• culture.

The works in the shared collection are suitable for users

The shared collection includes works at different levels of difficulty to meet the reading levels of all students.

The works in the shared collection are universally accessible.

The shared collection offers an increasing number of accessible works. These works are in formats that are most compatible with the accessibility functions offered on the Biblius platform, such as text-to-speech or font adjustment.

The content of the works making up the shared collection is assessed to ensure its quality

The following criteria are taken into account when assessing the content of works to
be included in the shared collection:

• The content of the work is appropriate, relevant and interesting for a wide audience.
• The work is suitable for individual reading and is interesting for a wide audience. It does not require the guidance of a member of staff.
• The work stands out for its educational value and originality.
• The work is versatile and can be used in a variety of teaching contexts, in relation to the content of the Programme de formation de l’école québécoise (PFEQ), depending on the target audience.
• The writing reflects original and sensitive aesthetic research.
• The writing processes used are interesting and varied to highlight literary elements (character characteristics, theme, subject, value, etc.) or to create an effect (poetic, humorous, dramatic, etc.).
• The writing respects the correct use of language and the author makes judicious use of language registers.
• The narrative is coherent.
• The subject or point of view is original and appropriate for the target audience.
• The illustrations are original and enhance the text.
• The layout makes the information easy to understand.
• A table of contents, index or glossary makes it easy to find information within the text.

Criteria to ensure the accessibility of certain titles

Some of the works will have as many of the following features as possible, to meet the particular needs of a number of readers:

• a simple layout (coloured backgrounds are avoided);
• simple texts with short sentences;
• framed blocks of text and a predictable, regular layout for non-fiction books;
• positive outcome of the story when the subject is sensitive;
• concrete, familiar subjects that are close to the pupil’s everyday life.

In addition, realistic images and illustrations are preferred to abstract ones. Attention is paid to colour; limited contrasts are avoided, as are backgrounds that make it difficult to distinguish the text.