Introduction
The purpose in building a collection is to make available to all people who enter the library as comprehensive an assemblage of recorded knowledge as possible within the limits of funds available and the needs of the community. The library recognizes that the needs of the community are of primary importance in selection and because the community is a conglomerate of individuals, each individual’s needs will be considered in conjunction with the majority of the present and potential patronage. A diverse collection is important, but no more so than the individual’s select needs within the whole of the community. An effort is made to include information representing all sides of controversial issues as such material becomes available. The criteria for the selection of controversial materials are the same as for any other materials. Controversial materials have no distinguishing labels and are shelved in the general collection. Responsibility for the reading choices of children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection for the adult collection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently fall into the hands of children. An open shelf policy will be followed at all times.
I. Statement of Purpose
This selection policy defines the standards and outlines the responsibility for materials selection for the Wilmington Public Library District (WPLD). Within these guidelines, the library staff use their professional judgment to determine the materials which best meet the objectives of the Library and the needs of its patrons.
II. Objectives in Materials Selections
The general objective in materials selection is to carry out the Library’s goals of providing the community with a variety of significant media to meet their informational, educational, and recreational reading needs.
III. Responsibility for Selection
Overall responsibility for collection development rests with the Library Director who operates within this framework of policies determined by the Board of Library Trustees. The Library Director may delegate all or a portion of collection development responsibilities to designated members of the staff. All members of the staff and patrons may recommend titles for consideration.
An attempt will be made to borrow through interlibrary loan any requested item which is not available locally.
IV. Criteria for Selection
Non-book items purchased by the library include a variety of different materials.
The acquisition of materials is under constant evaluation and is subject to change. Cost of items, budget, use, and availability of new items are the determining factors in selection.
The general criteria considered in selecting materials include:
1. Significance and permanent value to the existing collection
2. Qualifications of author or producer
3. Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
4. Quality of format
5. Currency or timeliness, if applicable
6. Demand by patrons
7. Price
8. Attention given to the item by reviewers and general news media
9. Availability of materials in other libraries
10.Technical quality of non-book materials.
In selection, consideration will be given to the work as a whole. No work shall be excluded because of specific passages or pieces taken out of context.
V. Selection Tools
Because it is impossible for staff to examine all items being considered for purchase, they depend on reliable selection aids such as the reviews found in standard sources. Other selection aids may also be used.
VI. Scope of Collection
Through careful selection, the Library strives to maintain a diverse collection of quality materials. Because the Library serves a public embracing a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, and reading skills, it will always seek to select materials of varying complexity.
VII. Statement of Specific Policies in Selected Areas
A. Materials for Children and Youth
The WPLD subscribes to the following policy: “Free Access to Libraries for Minors”: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (as adopted by the ALA Council, 1981). At the WPLD, children and young people have access to all parts of the library. There are specific collections that serve children and young people from preschool through eighth grades and their parents and caregivers. Materials appropriate for the interests and needs of the ages served are chosen for these collections.
B. Materials for Adults
The materials in adult services are selected primarily to serve the needs of adults and high school students. The collection includes books and non-book materials.
VIII. Complaints [Reconsideration of Materials]
The Library District’s philosophy is that censorship is a purely individual matter. While anyone is free to reject for oneself any material of which s/he does not approve, s/he cannot use this right of censorship to restrict the rights of others. No book or other material in question is automatically removed from the collection because of an objection to it. Requests for review of any material in the collection may be made by filling out and submitting to the Library Director a Request for Evaluation of Library Material (Appendix A).
A. The request must be filled in completely.
B. The complainant must be fully identified, a resident of the District and a registered borrower of the District.
C. The Library Director shall then act upon the complaint and notify the complainant in writing of the decision reached. The Director will report the complaint and resolution to the Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The complainant may appeal the Library Director’s decision in writing to the Board of Trustees. Final action upon this request rests with the Library Board of Trustees.
The WPLD subscribes to the provisions of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association.
IX. Collection Maintenance
A. Duplicate Copies
The number of copies purchased varies with the expected use of any item. As extensive use for individual titles is demonstrated, duplication to meet the demand is implemented.
B. Weeding
In order to maintain the best possible collection of materials, a continual weeding process takes place. Items are discarded if they are outdated, no longer circulate, are in poor physical condition or if there are more duplicate copies than needed. Items discarded are plainly marked and may be placed in the book sale or discarded.
X. Revision of Selection Policy
Because the needs of the community change, this materials selection policy is revised as needed and/or is reviewed at least every two years.
Adopted 09/21/98
Amended 10/15/01, 03/15/04, 3/20/06, 11/17/08
Reviewed 11/15/10, 09/17/12, 10/21/13, 9/15/2014, 9/19/16, 11/20/17, 11/19/18, 9/16/19, 3/15/21, 2/21/22,1/16/23,9/18/23, 9/16/24