Collection Development Policy
Policy approved by Library Board
09/20/2023
Objectives
The purpose of the Bayfield Carnegie Public Library is to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.
The Library Director and the Board of Trustees believe that a well-rounded collection should include diverse voices and experiences. This policy has been developed to support the mission statement of the library.
Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs. The Collection Development Policy is used by the Library Director and staff in the selection of materials and serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.
The First Amendment of the Constitution, The Library Bill of Rights, and The Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Bayfield Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of the policy. They are printed in the Appendix.
The Collection Development Policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised as the need arises.
Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of the policies determined by the Bayfield Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility may be shared with other members of the library staff; however, because the director must be available to answer to the library board and the general public for actual selections made, the director has the authority to reject or select any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.
Criteria Used for Selection
The points considered in the selection of materials are:
Individual merit of each item
Popular appeal
Suitability for clientele
Availability of funding
Existing library holdings
Availability of shelf space
Diversity
Sources used in seeking information about new material include but are not limited to:
NY Times Best Seller lists
Baker & Taylor and Ingram catalogs
Online book distributors
Staff and patron suggestions
Annual awards summaries
CCBC Book List
Goodreads.com
Booklist magazine of the ALA
The lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole reason for rejecting a title that is in demand. Materials are judged on the basis of work as a whole and not on a part taken out of context.
Interlibrary Loan
Because of limited budget and space, the library cannot provide all materials that are requested. Therefore, interlibrary loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that are beyond the scope of this library's collection.
In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Bayfield Carnegie Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries across the state.
To participate in the interlibrary loan services, the patron must comply with the following conditions:
Have a valid Bayfield Carnegie Library or Northern Waters Library card, with current information
Have no outstanding fees for lost or damaged items
Adhere to the conditions and due dates set forth by the lending library
Understand that renewals are on a case by case basis and must be requested within the ILL system by the librarian
Gifts and Donations
The library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if appropriate and needed. If they are not needed because of duplication, condition, or dated information the director can dispose of them as they see fit. The same criteria of selection which are applied to purchased materials are applied to gifts. Memorial gifts of books or money are also accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book at the patron’s request. Specific memorial books can be ordered for the library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board. It is desirable for gifts of or for specific titles to be offered after consultation with the library director. Book selection will be made by the director if no specific book is requested. The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.
By law, the library is not allowed to appraise the value of donated materials, though it can provide an acknowledgment of receipt of the items if requested by the donor.
Weeding
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, availability of space, and availability of newer editions.
This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Library Director and/or staff members under the supervision of the director, and is authorized by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
Statement of Concern
The Bayfield Carnegie Library Public Library assures free access to both physical and virtual programs and materials that reflect diverse community interests and multiple points of view. Library users are free to select or reject materials and programs for themselves. Responsibility for the material read by children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
Library users may express concerns to the staff about library programs and materials in the library collection. Library staff will attempt to resolve concerns as they occur.
If requested, staff will proceed with a formal process by giving the concerned individual a Statement of Concern form. Completed Statement of Concern forms are submitted to the Library Director for review. The director will investigate statements of concern from individuals who are both Bayfield Carnegie Public Library cardholders and members of the Bayfield Library service area.
The Library Director reviews the Statement of Concern form, then contacts the individual with a proposed resolution. If the situation remains unresolved, it may be appealed to the Library Board. Library board decisions are final.
The Bayfield Carnegie Public Library does not withdraw or restrict access to materials or cancel programs without following the Statement of Concern process.
