Library Policies:
Materials Selection Policy
Revised October, 2007
Purpose: This policy sets broad guidelines for the selection of library materials that correspond to the Library’s mission. It may also be used to inform the public and staff about the principles upon which selections are made.
Definitions:
Selection refers to the decision to add, retain, or withdraw materials in the library’s collections.
Library materials include all items in the library’s collections, regardless of format.
Access is the availability of materials in a variety of formats for users of all ages and abilities.
Goal of materials selection
The goal of materials selection shall be to provide collections that meet the informational, educational and recreational needs and interests of the residents of Wethersfield.
Responsibility for materials selection
Selection of all materials shall be the responsibility of the Library Director, who shall operate within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. A staff of librarians with professional education and training shall assist the Director in materials selection. Both the general public and staff members may recommend materials for consideration.
Criteria for materials selection
The library supports intellectual freedom and as such has adopted the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights. Policies on discards and donations have also been adopted.
Each type of material shall be considered in terms of its own merit and the audience for whom it is intended. No single standard can be applied in all cases. It shall be the goal of the library to be inclusive, not exclusive, in developing collections.
Reviews in professionally recognized resources are a primary source for materials selection. Standard bibliographies, book lists by recognized authorities and the advice of knowledgeable people in specific subject areas shall also be used.
The Library shall keep its collection vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential materials. Works that are worn, outdated, inaccurate, of little historical significance or not longer in demand shall be removed on a systematic and continuous basis.
Gifts
Gifts shall meet the same selection criteria as materials purchased for the collection. As set forth in the Donations of Materials policy, the Library shall retain unconditional ownership of all donations and shall make the final decision on acceptance, use or disposition. The appraisal of the gift for tax purposes shall be the responsibility of the donor.
When the Library receives a cash gift for the purchase of materials, whether as a memorial or for any other purpose, the general nature of the subject area of the materials to be purchased shall be based upon the wishes of the donor. However, the library staff, in accordance with the needs and selection policies of the Library, shall make the selection of specific titles.
Special collections and memorial collections shall not be shelved as separate physical entities and collections shall be accepted only with the donor’s understanding that such collection shall be integrated into the general collection. A gift plate may be used for memorial identification at the donor’s request.
Reconsideration
The borrower’s choice of library materials for personal use shall be an individual matter.
Responsibility for the use of materials by children and adolescents shall rest with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or her children, he or she shall not exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others.
Any borrower in the Library’s service area who objects to the presence of a work may question the presence of the item in the collection by completing the Statement of Concern about Library Resources form.
The Library Director and the Library board shall review all statements of concern that are submitted. While an item is under review it shall remain in the collection. The borrower shall be informed of the Board’s decision regarding the challenge.
Approved by the Library Board
October 29, 2002
Revised October 23, 2007
Statement of Concern about Library Resources
Wethersfield Public Library
The Library Board has authorized the use of this form as part of its Materials Selection Policy.
Date______________
Your name____________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Town____________________________________ Zip___________________________
I represent myself________ Organization______________________________
Position within organization_______________________________________________
Title of item_____________________________________________________________
Author_________________________________________________________________
Format: (i.e. book, video, audio book, etc.)___________________________________
Did you read, view or listen to the entire work?_______________________________
What concerns you about this material?
When completed, this form should be returned to the Library Director, Wethersfield Public Library, 515 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109.
Approved by the Library Board
October 29, 2002
Revised August 22, 2006
Revised June 24, 2008
