Revised 11/9/05

Aberdeen District Library Collection Development Policy

I. Introduction

A. Goals for Collection Development

1. Provide full and impartial access to library services and materials for all persons regardless of need, age, sex, ethnic origin, or religion

2. Assemble, preserve, and administer a varied collection of books and other materials

3. Seek to identify and respond to community needs for library materials and services

4. Encourage continuing education by promoting the use of all available library resources

5. Ensure continued cooperation with other libraries

6. Support the “Library Bill of Rights and “Freedom to Read” statement

B. Selection of library materials is vested in the Director of the Aberdeen District Library who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the board.

C. Basic to the Aberdeen District Library’s collection development policy is the citizen’s right to Intellectual Freedom, and free and equal access to information and library materials without restriction.

II. Criteria for Selection

The Library staff relies upon a variety of sources for assistance in selecting library materials. Reviews in professionally recognized periodicals, book lists by recognized authorities, and recommendations of staff and patrons are some of the sources used for selection.

A. Factors that determine the value of materials to the collection include:

1. Demand

Requests and recommendations from patrons are a significant part of the selection process, because they indicate public interest, community relevance, and timeliness of topic.

2. Value

Materials acquired should meet high standards of quality in content, expression, creativity, imagination, and format. Emphasis is placed on authoritativeness, factual accuracy, effective expression, and significance of subject.

3. Balance

Aberdeen District Library acquires materials to serve the diverse needs and viewpoints of the community.

4. Alternate Access

The library avoids needless duplication of costly or specialized materials that may be accessed electronically. Materials may also be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

5. Cost

III. General Policies and Considerations

A. Formats

Materials will not be excluded on the basis of format.

B. Collection Maintenance (Weeding)

A practical, useful collection will be maintained through a continual process of discard and addition. Materials are withdrawn based upon their being outdated, no longer of interest or in demand, unnecessary duplicates or multiple copies, worn or mutilated. Weeding is done with the same care, thought, criteria, and judgment as selection.

C. Gift of Materials

The library accepts books and other materials that are given as gifts without conditions attached.

IV. Constitutional Protection

The Library Board considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Idaho State Constitution. If a patron claims that a particular item is not constitutionally protected, the burden of proof rests with that patron.

If a court having jurisdiction over Aberdeen District Library decides that any material in the collection is unprotected by these constitutions, such material will be removed immediately. Material under court consideration will remain available to patrons until a court ruling is made.

V. Collection Review Procedure

A. The Board of Trustees recognizes the right of individuals to question materials in the library collection.

The library will give serious consideration to each patron’s opinion. Material being questioned will remain available to patrons until a decision is made.

B. The Board of Trustees of the Aberdeen District Library believes that censorship:

is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for himself/herself books and/or library material of which he/she does not approve, the individual cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others to read, view, or hear. Parents have the responsibility to guide and direct the reading/viewing/ listening of their own minor children. The library does not stand in loco parentis (in loco parentis: in place of a parent; charged with a parent’s right, duties and responsibilities.

C. Any patron questioning materials in the library collection may ask the Library staff about such materials.

If that patron wishes to express his or her opinion in writing, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Patrons will receive a copy of this Collection Development Policy and a Patron’s Opinion form.

2. The Patron’s Opinion form will be given to the Director who will refer it to a staff committee for review.

3. The Director will make the decision and reply to the individual in writing as soon as practical. The Library Board will be informed at the next public meeting.

4. Persons still wishing to express concerns to the Board about materials in the collection may be heard during a regular meeting at a time designated by the Board for public expression.

VI. Policy Implementation, Evaluation, and Revision

The Collection Development Policy of the Aberdeen District Library will be reviewed as needed. Revisions will be referred to the Board of Trustees for final approval.