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Collection Development Policy

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Purpose 

 The Wilson County Public Library (hereafter “WCPL” or “the Library”) Collection Development policy provides a framework for the growth and development of collections in support of the mission of the Wilson County Public Library. It is the Library’s goal to provide a diverse community with Library materials that reflect a wide range of views, expressions, opinions and interests. Specific acquisitions may include items that may be unorthodox or unpopular with the majority or controversial in nature. The Library’s acquisition of these items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather makes available its expression. 

The Library provides free access to materials in a number of formats (print, media and electronic) to all customers. Library users make their own choices as to what they will use based on individual interests and concerns. WCPL supports the right of each family to decide which items are appropriate for use by their children. WCPL adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom, adopted by the American Library Association, as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements.   

Scope of Collection 

 Materials selected for the Library are intended to meet the information, cultural, educational, literacy instruction and recreational needs of WCPL customers.  The collection is curated to contribute to the development and sustainability of an engaged community through free access to ideas and information.  The Library provides access to content through print, multimedia and technology, within current budget and spatial constraints. 

Access 

 WCPL will not restrict access to any Library materials in public areas. 

  • All Library cardholders may check out materials in accordance with circulation policies and procedures. 

  • Materials are labeled only by classification or as a directional aid. 

  • Youth, young adult, and adult collections are differentiated based on reading level, language comprehension, format, and audience. These collections may be housed in designated areas to aid in discovery. 

  • Determining the appropriateness of materials for minors is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. 

  • Some materials are designated for use in the Library only. 

 

Selection Criteria 

 All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of the criteria listed below. An item need not meet all of these standards in order to be added to the collection. 

  • Contribution to the diversity and scope of the collection 

  • Contemporary significance 

  • Relevance to the needs and interests of the public 

  • Popular appeal 

  • Physical format 

  • Quality of production 

  • Receipt or nomination for awards 

  • Reputation or significance of the publisher or one of the creators of the work 

  • Available space 

  • Published evaluations or reviews 

  • Impact on materials expenditure plan 

  • Accessibility of material 

  • Accuracy and timeliness 

  • Relevance of format and content to the intended audience 

  • Effectiveness and suitability of format in communicating the content 

 

It is the responsibility of WCPL staff, acting under the authority and direction of the Library Director, to select and discard Library materials. These decisions are made within the limitations of available space and funding. Materials will be selected based upon their value as a whole. Selection presumes liberty of thought and intellectual freedom within the bounds of reason and law. 

Collection Maintenance 

 Withdrawal decisions are influenced by patterns of use and the capacity of each location. Selectors review the collection regularly using the following criteria: 

  • Physical condition 

  • Number of copies in the collection 

  • Relevance to the needs and interests of the community 

  • Current demand and frequency of use 

  • Accuracy and timeliness 

  • Local interest 

  • Availability elsewhere including other libraries and online resources 

 

Suggestions for Additions to Collection 

 To assure the acquisition of resources desired by Library users, customer suggestions are always considered for their addition to the collection. Customers can request that specific items be purchased by filling out a Title Suggestion form online; however, the decision to purchase ultimately rests with library staff.   

Requests for Reconsideration 

 WCPL recognizes that full information about issues of public concern requires access to resources that represent all those concerns. WCPL also recognizes the right of individuals to question both materials selected by the Library and those that are not. Individuals who wish an item to be removed from the collection may fill out a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form (included here) which will be reviewed by Library administration. Material under review will remain in the circulating collection until a determination is made.  

Gifts and Donations 

 WCPL accepts gifts and donations to enhance Library services. Materials gifts and monetary donations for purchase of materials are subject to the evaluation criteria stated in this policy. Donations are accepted with the understanding that WCPL has the right to determine the disposition of gift items. Materials not accepted by WCPL are offered to the Friends of the Wilson County Public Library for book sales.

Applicable Personnel/Departments

  • All Library Personnel

Approval(s)

  • Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Management Team (02/10/2022)
  • Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Board of Trustees (06/16/2022)