Collection Development Policy
Purpose
In keeping with our library’s mission statement, the purpose of the Lied Pierce Public Library is to provide information, serve leisure needs, contribute to education and encourage the development of reading skills and habits. Although emphasis is place on reading materials, the library provides a variety of communication formats such as videos, DVD’s, audiobooks, and cakepans. The Library is supported by the taxpayers of the City of Pierce and Pierce County, and its materials are made available to residents of all ages on an equal basis. It provides a broad range of general interest materials, offering between informational and leisure materials, popular works and those of lasting value.
Principles
In selecting materials, the library follows the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the principles outlined in the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements of the American Library Association. (See Attachment)
The Library attempts to meet the needs of the total community, recognizing that some material may be viewed as controversial by individual patrons. It is the responsibility of the individual library patron to select those materials, which suit his/her tastes. Supervising the use of library materials is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, not the library staff. The library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents.
Authority
Final responsibility for material selection rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. In the event of a formal request for reconsideration of materials, the ultimate decision rest with the Library Board.
Criteria for Selection
Materials must be considered in terms of their own merit and intended audience. A variety of aids are considered prior to selection, including standard review sources, bibliographies, publisher’s catalogs, direct examination, and patron requests. All selections must meet some of the following criteria to be considered for selection:
- Needs and interests of the library’s patrons
- Value of the material for informational, recreation, or education
- Contemporary significance or permanent value
- Accuracy
- Authority of author
- Relation of work to existing collection and balance of viewpoints expressed in the collection
- Price, format and ease of use
- Scarcity of information in subject area
- Availability of material elsewhere in the community
- Popular demand
- Artistic excellence
- Vitality and originality of thought
Scope
The Library attempts to fulfill most of the informational needs of the community, but it is not an in-depth research library. Textbooks are the province of school libraries and are included in the collection only when the best current information on a topic cannot be found elsewhere. Duplicate copies are provided based on staff assessment of current and future needs, space and budget limitations.
Collection Maintenance
To maintain a useful and attractive collection, materials may be repaired or rebound; or removed from the library when they become badly worn or damaged, out-of-date, or unused. Final responsibility for removal of these materials, and the manner of disposition, rests with the Library Director. The Director may delegate this authority to other staff members. Replacement of specific items is made when the materials are of continuing interest. General collection development of replenish subject and interest areas is undertaken in accordance with the selection criteria stated in this policy.