MATERIALS-001: Collection Management

The Library aims to build a broad collection based on community needs and wants, within budgetary parameters.
A variety of factors determine collections such as demand, value, balance, format, interest, alternate access, timeliness, and cost.

Materials selection is guided by the Library mission statement. Items selected will offer differing ideas and views to meet the needs of our diverse community. Patrons are free to choose what they like from the collection, to reject what they don’t like, but not to restrict the freedom of others to choose. Inclusion of an item in the collection does not imply that the Library endorses information contained in the resource.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

MATERIALS-002: Collection Review & Withdrawal of Materials

A practical, useful collection will be maintained through a continual process of review. This process identifies items for replacement, retention or removal. Benchmarks are created to ensure a quality collection.

The Library regularly withdraws from the collection. Systematic evaluation and weeding of the collection are required in order to keep the collection responsive to patron needs, to insure its vitality and usefulness, and to make room for newer materials. Staff involved in the weeding process rely on the professional guidelines found in Crew: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries (Texas State Library and Archives Commission.) The Public Library Core Collection database is also consulted and assists in decision making, although it is not the final criteria.

The weeding process helps to identify which materials are inaccurate, outdated, trivial, in poor condition, available elsewhere, poor circulation or irrelevant to the community needs. Weeding also helps staff evaluate the collection by identifying areas or titles where additional materials are needed or where updated editions are desirable.

Revision Date(s): 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 10/15/2019

MATERIALS-003: Requests for Review of Library Materials

The Library recognizes its responsibility to make available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users, including materials that represent various sides of controversial questions.

Patrons may request a review of materials by following established Library procedure. The process is as follows:

  1. Patrons concerned with materials should schedule a meeting to discuss their concerns with the Head of Information Services, Head of Youth Services, the Assistant Director or Library Director. Staff will provide the Library’s materials policies to the patron.
  2. After discussion with one of the listed staff members above, if the individual is still concerned about the material, they may complete a materials review request form.

Upon receipt of a request form:

  1. The Director and appropriate Department Head(s) will review the material, and a copy of the review request will be provided to the Library Board.
  2. The decision of the review will be provided to the patron and the Library Board.
  3. If the patron is not satisfied with the outcome, he/she may request in writing to the President of the Library Board that the procedure be reviewed by the Board for consideration at an upcoming meeting. The Board is limited to a review of whether the library policies have been appropriately applied. If a determination is made that the policies have not been applied appropriately, further action may be taken as needed by the Board.

Revision Date(s): 2/15/2022, 10/15/2019
Latest Reviewed & Approved Date: 2/15/2022, 10/15/2019