Materials Selection Policy
Basic to the library’s materials selection policy is the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the Council of the American Library Association.
The objective of selection is to collect those books and other library materials that will inform, entertain, and contribute to enrichment of mind and spirit. Materials are selected to provide a background of information which will enable children, youth and adults, as citizens, to make intelligent choices. Librarians do not necessarily endorse every idea contained in the materials they make available.
The collection should contain materials which are objective in the areas of opposing viewpoints and controversy, representing all sides of these areas, so that, as citizens, readers may develop the practice of critical thinking and evaluation.
Chief points considered are readability of material, authenticity of factual matter presented, quality of writing, cost, format, existing library holdings, and suitability of material to the community.
Titles are selected on the basis of content as a whole and without regard to the personal history of the author. In no case is any book included or excluded merely because of the race or nationality, or the political or religious views of the writer.
Adult fiction is selected to contribute positively to the individual’s awareness of self, community and world culture; and to provide pleasure reading for recreation or the creative use of leisure time.
Serious works which present an honest view of an aspect of life are not necessarily excluded because of frankness of expression. In this regard, responsibility for the reading of children rests with their parents and legal guardians; selection of materials for the adult collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their parents consider inappropriate.
Children’s materials are selected first, to encourage the child’s joy of reading and in being read to. Children’s books are selected which offer adventures of mind and spirit to child, cultivating an appreciation of literature, both oral and written, and encouraging inquiring minds. Special attention is given to books of use and value to parents, teachers and other adults working with children.
Final responsibility for book selection rests with the Library Director, who operates within a framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The responsibility for initial selection of books and other materials is shared by staff members, since no one person is omniscient or fully qualified to determine the reading needs of all persons in all sections of the community. Suggestions from readers are always welcomed and given serious consideration.
