Library Policies II
Collection Development Policy
The Wallkill Public Library attempts to provide a comprehensive, well-balance collection of materials to meet the needs of the community. Library materials are provided to facilitate informal education and encourage life-long learning as well as to meet informational and recreational needs.
The Library Director/Manager is responsible for the selection of books and other library materials and for the weeding of worn and out-dated materials. Annually, the director reviews the materials budget of the library and designates funds into selection areas for the growth, maintenance, or replacement needs of the collection.
Materials are purchased both for circulation and the non-circulating reference area. Materials may be placed in the reference area because they are necessary to support the research needs of the community, their high cost, or extreme demand. Every attempt is made to place the most current edition of a reference book in the reference area within the confines of the budget. Some of the older editions may then be moved into the circulating collection.
The collection of materials in the library is divided into four collection areas: Adult, Young Adult, Juvenile, and Reference. Patrons are guided to materials which are best suited to their needs; however no patron is restricted to any collection because of age. The use of materials by patrons is an individual or family responsibility. It is the policy of the library not to act "in loco parentis" in keeping with the principles of equal access to information and materials for all.
It is the responsibility of the public library to meet the informational and recreational reading needs of all the members of the community. If a patron finds it necessary to request reconsideration of the placement of materials in the library's collection, he may obtain a "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form from any staff member. The form should be completed in its entirety and must be signed in order to be accepted. The director will review the material in question and find other professional opinions in regard to the material. The request will then be reviewed at a public meeting of the Board of Trustees and the patron notified in writing of the decision.
Material Selection Policy
Materials are chosen on a selective basis to improve the quality and representation of the collection. Selection decisions are based on:
- Accuracy of information
- Authoritativeness
- Readability
- Social significance
- Availability of funds
- Critique and comments offered in library review publications
- Popularity and interest
Patrons are encouraged to suggest titles to be considered for purchase. Patron suggestions will be evaluated using the selection criteria applied to other library purchases.
Periodic checks shall be made of library holdings against standard library lists. This will assure the possession of important and significant works and proper balance in the collection.
Serious works presenting an honest aspect of some problems of life are not excluded because of frankness or coarse language. The Wallkill Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and follows the principles of the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View statements. Censorship of books will not be accepted.
Gift Policy
Memorial books and gifts are always welcome. Unless a specific book or use of funds is indicated, the library staff or trustees will make the decision as to how the money is utilized. Money for the purchase of materials will be accepted only with the understanding that the Wallkill Public Library exercises the final responsibility for deciding which titles will be purchased. However, the library staff will consult with the donor to ensure that the selections are mutually satisfactory.
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