Selection of Materials

CHAPTER III

SELECTION OF MATERIALS

INTRODUCTION

The Elisha D. Smith Public Library is primarily a "popular materials library." As such, the first criterion for inclusion in the library's collections is public demand. The collections support the leisure, cultural, educational, self-improvement, and economic development needs of the community. Current materials are emphasized over the development of historical collections. The library adds duplicate materials to meet demand.

A. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION

All materials added to the library collection will support the mission of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library as stated in Chapter I. Library materials selection is invested in the Library Director and, under the supervision of the Director, such members of the staff who are qualified by reason of education, training and experience. Any book or other library materials so selected shall be held to be selected by the Board of Trustees. The public is encouraged to recommend materials for purchase. The most recently adopted Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statements as adopted by the American Library Association are incorporated as part of this selection policy.

B. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Materials which do not support the stated mission of the library and which do not qualify for inclusion in the library collections under the provisions of the "Selection of Materials" policies may be considered for removal from the collection. Patrons' objections to materials in the library collection will be reviewed upon written or oral request.

1. Patrons may bring complaints directly to library staff members. Staff members have the right to refer complaints to the Library Director and should refer all unsatisfied complaints to the Director. Staff members may not remove library materials from the collection in response to a patron complaint without the express consent of the Library Director or Library Board.

2. A "Request for Reconsideration of Materials" form is available to patrons to assist in expressing concern about particular materials, but complaints in other formats will receive appropriate consideration.

3. Patrons may meet with the Director to review the objection and the material in question. The Director will decide whether the book will be maintained in the library's collection or removed.

4. The decision of the Director may be appealed to the Board of Trustees whose decision is final.

C. GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS

1. General. Whether purchased or donated, materials added to the collection must meet some of the following criteria:

a. Appropriate format for library use.

b. Suitable subject and presentation for intended audience (not necessarily all library patrons).

c. Author generally accepted as appropriate for public library collections.

d. Contemporary significance or lasting value.

e. Complimentary relationship to the existing collection.

f. Scarcity of information in a particular subject area.

g. Community/patron interest or requests.

h. Complimentary to established school curricula (MJSD, local private schools, or home schools).

i. Non-availability of otherwise appropriate material elsewhere in the community, particularly if unavailable through Interlibrary Loan or the Winnefox Automated Library Systems consortium.

j. Reasonable price relative to value.

k. Favorable review in one or more publications.

Selection of current and popular materials is emphasized. Older materials included in standard library indices and/or in demand by patrons are purchased.

2. Controversial material. The library provides a resource where the public can examine issues freely and make independent decisions. The library will attempt to provide variety and balance of opinion whenever possible on subjects of interest to the public, including materials on various sides of controversial questions. Inclusion of a particular title or subject in the collection should not be considered an endorsement by the library of the viewpoint expressed. A title which meets the selection criteria will not be excluded because of the beliefs of the author.

3. Gift materials are welcomed with the understanding that they will be evaluated for addition to the collection on the same basis as purchased materials. It shall be understood that the library, if it cannot use the gifts, may dispose of them as it sees fit. Funds may be given to the library for purchase of items suggested by the donor. Gift funds not designed for a particular purpose permit the greatest flexibility for collection enrichment and are, therefore, encouraged by the library.

4. Duplication of titles is determined by popularity, by the continuing importance of the subject or author, and by the budget.

5. Replacement and binding. The library may replace, repair, or rebind books or other materials which are lost, damaged, "non-returned," or worn as need and budget dictate.

6. Withdrawals. To maintain the quality of the collection and fulfill its role as a "popular materials center," the library will engage in a continual program of collection weeding. Factors considered in the weeding decision will include frequency of circulation, current demand, currency of content, availability of newer and more authoritative materials, and physical condition.

D. GUIDELINES BY FORMAT. All general selection criteria apply as well as these additional criteria established by format.

1. Books

a. Hard bound books are purchased when the library expects them to have lasting value or heavy demand, or when they are unavailable in paperback.

b. Paperback books are purchased when they are deemed likely to encourage greater circulation, they duplicate popular titles or subjects, they are of temporary value, they are available only in paperback, or are likely to have infrequent use.

c. Textbooks. The library will not attempt to directly support school curricula with textbooks. They may be added to the collection when they supply information in areas in which they may be the best or the only source, or where there is a demand by adult patrons.

d. Large print books. The library will maintain a collection.

2. Periodicals are selected to supplement the book collection by providing current materials, information not yet in book form, additional reference and research sources and recreational reading. Selection criteria include: general material selection criteria, community interests, accessibility of content through available indices, representation of a variety of viewpoints.

a. Fraternal and club magazines. Subscriptions will be accepted as gifts provided the magazines meet general selection criteria.

b. Industry and corporate magazines. Subscriptions will be accepted as gifts provided the magazines meet general selection criteria and there is space available for display.

c. Religious denominational magazines. The library subscribes to a limited number of major religious periodicals. In addition, subscriptions will be accepted as gifts provided the magazines meet general selection criteria. Generally, no more than one magazine per denomination will be accepted.

d. Gift subscriptions. The library will solicit other gift magazine subscriptions provided the magazines meet general selection criteria. Gift subscriptions should be in the library's name and preferably for multi-year periods to minimize bookwork.

3. Newspapers published locally are acquired and retained. Representative regional and national newspapers are acquired.

4. Vertical file. The library maintains vertical files (filing cabinets) with miscellaneous uncataloged materials such as pamphlets, photographs, documents, maps, clippings, etc. on a variety of subjects, particularly relative to Menasha history, business, and culture. Vertical file materials must meet the same selection criteria as other materials.

5. Recorded sound. Musical recordings representing a wide variety of musical style and taste are selected. Composition, arrangement, performer, recording quality, and community interest are considered. Non-musical recordings, which supplement the book collections, are selected according to the general criteria. Recordings are collected as compact disks, tapes, digital or other formats. Efforts are made to insure that copyright laws are not infringed.

6. Video/Films. The library maintains a collection of video programs of both educational and entertainment nature. The library may maintain video collections in VHS, DVD, or other formats. The library may acquire public performance rights when available. The library may arrange for copying or off-air taping of programs when such action is deemed legal and suitable. Every effort is made to insure that copyright laws are not infringed.

6. Microfilm and Electronic Data. The library acquires or provides access to some digital information sources for its patrons in a variety of delivery formats. Some materials are obtained on microfilm to conserve space. Periodicals, which are indexed and anticipated to be of lasting value to the community, may be retained on microfilm. In the case of local materials, microfilm assures access after the original has deteriorated.

a. The library creates and maintains a website designed to facilitate access to the library's collections and services, as well as to facilitate website users' access to information and resources on the World Wide Web.

b. Website addresses may be "selected" for access actively facilitated by the library's website or computer network. Such facilitation shall conform to relevant portions of this selection policy, with the understanding that website content may change without the library's knowledge or may permit linkage to websites which do not conform.

c. Database subscriptions accessed through the library website and/or library computer network may be provided and will meet all other usual selection criteria, but may be altered without the library's knowledge, or may facilitate linkage to web resources which do not meet his library's standard.

8. Government documents. Federal and state documents are acquired on the basis of the general selection criteria. They are processed and organized according to their format and subject. Local documents are actively sought and maintained for current and historical value.

9. Other types of materials may be collected. New types of collections will be approved by the Board of Trustees.

E. MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES

1. Fiction

a. In adding titles to the fiction collection, the library responds to popular demand as the most important selection criterion.

b. A collection of classic works of fiction is maintained.

c. A selective representation of foreign fiction published in the English language or in English translation is also maintained. The library will selectively collect titles which reflect new trends in the writing of fiction.

d. The library re-affirms its adoption of the Freedom to Read statement.

2. Foreign language. The library purchases dictionaries and instructional materials on various languages. The library does not attempt to purchase books in foreign languages for its English speaking patrons, but does purchase materials in foreign languages for members of the community whose primary reading language is not English (particularly Spanish and Hmong materials, and in support of languages taught by Menasha Joint School District (Spanish, German and Japanese).

3. Genealogy. The library purchases some books of general information on methods of genealogical research. It may selectively acquire family histories pertaining directly to local families. Patrons wishing to pursue genealogical research in greater depth will be referred to libraries with substantial genealogy collections. The library will also endeavor to obtain specific genealogical materials for patrons through Interlibrary Loan. A fee may be charged non-local residents for genealogical research work done by the library staff.

4. Health. The library provides up-to-date, non-technical material on health, nutrition, hygiene and diseases. Books in this area are selected with special concern for their reliability. When there is any uncertainty on the soundness of a book, the staff consults authorities in the field, special bibliographies, or reviews in professional journals. There may be differences among authorities. If a title that has had mixed reviews is one that receives strong public demand, it may be purchased. THE LIBRARY WILL NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

5. Law. The library purchases standard and popular books in the field of law which may be of interest to laymen. For more specialized or technical information, patrons will be referred to libraries with larger legal collections. THE LIBRARY WILL NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.

6. Local history.

a. The library collects copies of all printed materials which contribute to the knowledge of Menasha, past and present. Reference and circulating copies of significant materials are obtained. The library also collects photographs to supplement the local history collection. Local government documents are collected and organized, but not necessarily cataloged.

b. The library collects non-fiction materials dealing with Wisconsin, past and present. These works are selected on the basis of their subject matter, and not on the residency of the author. Works of fiction by "Wisconsin" authors follow the general criteria for fiction. Government documents are collected in areas in which there is an expressed local interest.

7. Pseudo-science. Because of the great degree of interest in them, the library purchases a limited number of titles in those borderline areas of science in which subject matter or content is not recognized by reputable scientific authority.

8. Reference

a. Reference materials are designed to be consulted for definite items of information rather than to be read consecutively. Reference materials are acquired to satisfy the general and more frequently expressed special informational needs of the community.

b. Specific factors considered in reference selection include authority, reliability, scope, timeliness, treatment, arrangement, cost, and existing holdings.

9. Religion

a. The library attempts to maintain a well-balanced collection in which materials about all the major religions, including their sacred scriptures, are represented.

b. Authoritative materials which introduce and explain the basic concepts and practices of the various religions, denominations, and beliefs are also included.

c. In addition to material pertaining to particular beliefs, the collection includes basic authoritative studies in the areas of history of religion, theology, comparative religion and mythology. The collection also encompasses popular works on trends, ideas, and movements which are currently taking place in the field of religion.

F. GUIDELINES FOR YOUNG ADULTS

The materials selection policy for Young Adults coincides with the objective and selection criteria of the library. The specific objectives of this collection are to recognize the particular needs and interests of young adults and to provide books and other materials as a means of meeting these needs and interests on both informational and recreational levels. The library considers the individual reading selection of any young adult to be the responsibility of that individual and/or the parents.

1. Fiction. The Young Adult fiction collection is selected primarily for patrons from the sixth through the eighth grade levels. Since young adults vary greatly in reading skills, background and development, the titles selected for them will vary in content and reading difficulty. Fiction will be selected for the quality of writing, readability and interest to teenagers. It is recognized that many teens, particularly high school students, will find much of their fiction reading in the Adult Fiction collection.

2. Non-fiction. Young adults have access to the entire adult collection and are encouraged to use the regular adult reference and information services. Titles specifically written to meet the needs of this age group will be included in the adult non-fiction collection. Selected non-fiction paperbacks may be included in the Young Adult collection.

3. Periodicals of special interest to teenagers will be selected.

4. Paperbacks. A browsing collection of paperbacks, both fiction and non-fiction, of high interest for young adults will be maintained.

G. GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN

The materials selection policy for children's materials coincides with the selection criteria for the library as a whole. In selecting books and other materials for children, the specific objective of the Children's Department is to make available a collection that satisfies the informational, recreational and cultural reading needs and potentials of children from preschool age through grade 5. Children using the collection vary greatly in age and development. The library considers the individual reading selection of any child to be the responsibility of the parent.

1. Books are selected which meet the general demands of the majority of children. Books whose special qualities make them useful to children with special needs, talents, problems or interests are also included in the collection.

a. Readers. A limited selection of readers (books used in the primary grades to teach reading skills) are acquired, especially those not currently in use in the local schools.

b. Textbooks. The Children's Department does not provide basic texts or materials needed in quantity for schoolwork. In general, textbooks are added only when there is little or no information available from another source. Books which complement or supplement the material in textbooks are acquired.

c. Adult shelf. A limited collection of adult and juvenile books is maintained for use by parents, teachers and other adults working with children. Materials on parenting, childcare and childhood education are also located in the library's adult collection.

2. Toys are acquired for circulation: to develop learning skills in young children, to encourage creativity and imagination, to make available toys considered too expensive for private purchase and to encourage library use by families with young children.

3. Recordings. Musical and "talking book" audio recordings are acquired in delivery formats appropriate for children. Video materials in appropriate formats are also collected.

4. Magazines edited for children of various age levels will be collected. Besides providing the magazines themselves for children's use, the library wishes to encourage families to subscribe to magazines for home delivery to their children.

5. Other materials may be collected as they support the objectives of the Children's Department and coincide with general selection policies.