Bryan-Bennett Library Materials Selection Policy

Introduction

The purpose in building a collection is to make available to all people who enter the library as comprehensive an assemblage of recorded knowledge as possible within the limits of funds available and the needs of the community.

The library recognizes that the needs of the community are of primary importance in selection, and because the community is a conglomerate of individuals, each individual's needs will be considered in conjunction with the majority of the present and potential patronage. A diverse collection is important, but no more so than the individual's select needs or demographics within the whole of the community.

An open shelf policy will be followed at all times.

Statement of Purpose

This selection policy defines the standards and outlines the responsibility for materials selection for the Bryan-Bennett Library. Within these guidelines, the librarians use their professional judgment to determine the materials which best meet the objectives of the Library and the needs of its patrons.

Objectives in Materials Selections

The general objectives in materials selection are to carry out the Library's goals of providing the community with a variety of significant media to meet their informational, educational, and recreational needs.

Responsibility for Selection

Overall responsibility for collection development rests with the Library Director who operates within this framework of policies determined by the Board of Library Trustees. Typically, the Library Director delegates or shares this responsibility with designated members of the staff. However, all members of the Board, staff and patrons may recommend titles for consideration, and recommendations for materials from citizens of the community should be encouraged.

Suggestions for materials to be purchased are always welcome from any Board member or library staff member, and patrons are encouraged to make suggestions by filling out a "Materials Request Form" at the circulation desk.

All requests are given serious consideration. An attempt will be made to borrow through interlibrary loan any requested item which is out of print, or that the Library determines does not meet the criteria for purchase.

Criteria for Selection

The general criteria considered in selecting materials include: 1) significance and permanent value to the existing collection, 2) qualifications of author or producer, 3) suitability of subject and style for intended audience, 4) quality of format, 5) currency or timeliness, if applicable, 6) demand by patrons, 7) price, 8) attention given to the item by reviewers and general news media, 9) availability of materials in other libraries, and 10) technical quality of non-book materials. In selection, consideration will be given to the work as a whole. No work shall be excluded because of specific passages or pieces taken out of context.

Selection Tools

Because it is impossible for librarians to examine all items being considered for purchase, they depend on reliable selection aids. The librarians regularly depend on the reviews found in standard sources. Other selection aids, such as "Notable Book" lists chosen by the American Library Association, National Book Awards lists, Pulitzer Prize lists, and published lists of bestsellers may also be used as required.

Scope of Collection

Through careful selection, the Library strives to maintain a diverse collection of quality materials, including items of contemporary significance and permanent value, as well as a selection of materials concerning social issues and ephemeral items. Circulating materials are supplemented by a variety of reference materials for in-house use. Because the Library serves a public embracing a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, and reading skills, it will always seek to select materials of varying complexity.

 An effort is made to include information representing all sides of controversial issues as such material becomes available. The criteria for the selection of controversial materials are the same as for any other materials. Controversial materials have no distinguishing labels and are shelved in the general collection.

Statement of Specific Policies in Selected Areas

Blind and Physically Handicapped

Any juvenile or adult who cannot read or handle conventional printed matter because of a physical disability is eligible for services of the Homebound Delivery Service (when the service is provided by the Library), specially selected library resources such as large print or audio books, support services of Interlibrary Loan through the Library System, Talking Books, or special materials supported by the Library of Congress.

Foreign Language Materials

Materials in foreign languages are considered as community needs change. Individual needs for foreign languages not purchased by the library may be served by requests through interlibrary loan.

Materials for Children and Youth

At the Bryan-Bennett Library, children and young people have access to all parts of the Library; however, collections in Youth Services serve children and young people from preschool through young adult. Materials appropriate for the interests and needs of the ages served are chosen for these collections. They contain some duplication of classic titles in other collections.

The collections maintained for children and youth include picture books, beginning readers, junior fiction, junior non-fiction, junior reference books, young-adult fiction, periodicals, and a wide range of non-book materials such as resources for parents and teachers.

Materials for Adults

The materials in Adult Services are selected primarily to serve the needs of adults and high school students; consideration is also given to the non-fiction needs of the middle school students. The collection includes reference and circulating non-fiction books, fiction books, and non-book materials.

Fiction

The fiction collection provides books for a wide range of interests of the general reading public, including classics, titles representing periods and styles of writing, current titles of a lasting nature, and those titles meeting popular demand for recreational reading.

Business Section

The Library purchases items which are contemporary and are of interest to the general public.

Genealogy

The Library maintains a small non-circulating collection which consists primarily of indexes, bibliographies, and verification tools, and listings of sources for vital records in particular states and foreign countries. Histories of individual families are purchased only if they are of unusual national or local significance. Microfilm as well as books and other special materials for this immediate geographical area are purchased as needed. The Library collection is selected to complement materials available in the local Genealogical and Historical Society library.

Literacy

Materials in the Literacy collection are selected to serve the needs of new adult readers. There is heavy emphasis on materials on coping with everyday life situations, and other high-interest, low reading-level fiction and nonfiction. The Library collection is selected to supplement and complement materials provided by the local literacy program.

Non-Book Materials

The criteria for and the methods of selection of non-book materials are listed in Section IV.

Non-book items purchased by the library for in-house use or for circulation may include pamphlets, study prints, art prints, computer software, microfilm, digital versatile discs, compact discs, compact disc book kits, games, toys, puzzles, and puppets.

The acquisition of a variety of non-book materials is under constant evaluation and is subject to change. Cost of items, budget, use, and availability of new items are the determining factors in selection.

Complaints

Strong objection to any library materials must be made in writing according to "Procedures for Handling Complaints about Library Materials.” Examination and reconsideration of materials, if necessary, will be handled as outlined in these procedures. A copy of these procedures as well as forms for registering complaints may be obtained at the circulation desk. Complaints and requests for reconsideration may be made only by registered patrons.

The Bryan-Bennett Library subscribes to the provisions of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association. These documents are considered a part of this policy. All individuals have the right to choose which library materials they will use. However, no one has the right to restrict the freedom of others to read whatever they wish. No book or other material in question is automatically removed from the collection because of an objection to it.

Collection Maintenance

Duplicate Copies

The number of copies purchased varies with the expected use of any item. As extensive use for individual titles is demonstrated, duplication to meet the demand is implemented.

Weeding

In order to maintain the best possible collection of materials, a continual weeding process takes place. Items are discarded if they are outdated, if they no longer circulate, if there are more duplicate copies than needed, or if they are in poor physical condition. Items discarded are plainly marked and may be donated to the Friends of the Library for sale.

Revision of Selection Policy

Because the needs of the community change, this materials selection policy is revised as needed.