Neill Public Library Collection Development Policy
Adopted by the NPL Board July 1997
Revised July 16, 2008
I. Purpose
II. Basis for policy
A. Mission
B. Community Served
C. Service Roles
1. Popular Materials Library
2. Early Literacy Cornerstone
3. General Information Center
4. Community Activities Center
III. Selection of Library Materials
A. Responsibilities
B. Sources
C. Principles
D. General Criteria for Selection of Library Materials
IV. Adult Services Collection
A. Fiction
B. Non-Fiction
C. Reference
D. Electronic Resources
1. Internet Access
2. Internet Use Policy
3. Web Linking Policy
4. Electronic and Online Databases
5. Equipment
6. Additional Selection Criteria for New (electronic) and Emerging Formats
E. Periodicals and Newspapers
F. Audio Visual Materials
G. Audio Books on CD or Cassette
H. Music CDs
I. DVDs and Videocassettes
V. Youth Services Collections
A. Picture Books
B. Readers
C. Juvenile Picture Books
D. Juvenile Fiction
E. Juvenile Non-Fiction
F. Juvenile Periodicals
G. Juvenile Reference
H. Young Adult Collection
I. Additional Selection Criteria for Materials for Youth
VI. Special Collections
A. Palouse Heritage
B. Parent Center
C. Professional
D. ESL – English as a Second Language
E. Art
VII. Collection Maintenance
A. Weeding Guidelines
B. Retention Guidelines
VIII. Censorship and Reconsideration of Library Materials
IX. Gifts
X. Appendices
Neill Public Library Collection Development Policy
I. Purpose
The purpose of this collection development policy is to ensure the collection, materials and electronic access support and express the library’s response to the information and learning needs of the community. This policy, together with a collection development plan, will both measure progress by defining the collection as it is now and also provide collection parameters to envision future needs. It will ensure responsible use of funds, define the purposes for the collection; and establish limits and priorities on collection parameters. The policy will inform and educate both the library staff and the public about censorship challenges. It will provide guidelines for accepting, declining, evaluating and acknowledging gifts. A policy cannot replace the judgment of individual librarians but provides guidelines to assist them in choosing from the vast array of available materials. In selection, the librarian uses professional judgment and expertise, based on an understanding of user needs and knowledge of authors, publishers, trends, and information resources in all formats.
II. Basis for Policy
Neill Public Library’s collection development policy is based on the library’s mission statement, community assessments, such as surveys and focus groups, and the service roles of the library as adopted by the board in 1992, revised in 2001, 2006 and 2008.
A. Mission Statement
To provide an open and non-judgmental environment in which individuals may freely avail themselves of the widest possible variety of ideas, information and opinions.
B. Community Served
Neill Public Library is, first and foremost, committed to meeting the needs of the citizens of Pullman. A second service population includes residents of Whitman and Latah counties as well as students of Washington State University and University of Idaho through reciprocal borrowing agreements.
Pullman is located in the Palouse region of SE Washington and is one of the core libraries that comprise PALIS (Palouse Alliance of Library and Information Services). We cooperate with these libraries to prevent unnecessary duplication of materials and look to them as a resource for meeting additional needs of our users. These libraries include local public libraries (Whitman County Library System, Latah County Library District), local school libraries (Pullman, Whitman County and Latah County School districts) and University libraries(Washington State University and University of Idaho). We have an especially close relationship with Whitman County Library as we share the Systems Administrator position.
Pullman is a unique community that was founded at the confluence of the three forks of the South Palouse River. Its heritage includes three distinct socio-economic traditions: the rural agricultural sector, the state university and the local business community. A growing industrial sector has been added to the city’s economic mix.
C. Service Roles
1. Popular Materials Library
The library features a vibrant selection of current and classic materials for all ages in a variety of formats in response to community interests and demand. Materials are selected for recreational interests and support life-long learning. The non-fiction collection consists primarily of material published within the past ten years and a diverse selection of magazines and newspapers. Top priority is given to patron requests for popular materials. The staff is knowledgeable about current popular interests, a variety of reading interests, publishing trends, and children’s and young adult literature. Our audio visual (A/V) collections are maintained at a moderate level due to resource and space limitations.
2. Early Literacy Cornerstone
The library recognizes the vital importance of early literacy and hands-on learning opportunities in the development of young children. As such, the library provides a rich literacy environment with a variety of resources, services and programs for young children, their families, teachers and caregivers. The Picture Book collection receives primary attention and resources from staff knowledgeable about early childhood development, early literacy and developmentally appropriate materials for young children. The Parent Center is a vibrant collection of resources about parenting issues, child development, childcare, early literacy and learning, home schooling and other relevant topics. The "L.O.C.K.E.R.” Box (Learning Opportunities! Connecting Kids! Experiencing Reading!) collection consists of literacy-based, theme-related resources with developmentally appropriate books and hands-on learning materials geared toward young children ages 3-8 years.
3. General Information Center
The library helps meet the need for information on a broad array of topics related to work, school and personal life and supports people in making informed citizen and consumer decisions. The library supports individuals of all ages in satisfying educational objectives and self-directed personal growth. The Information Desk is staffed all open hours. The library instructs students about using library resources and assists them in locating information for assignments.
4. Community Activities Center
The library is a central focus point for community activities, meetings and services and provides access to information on community history, resources and issues. Non-native English language speakers use the English as a Second Language (ESL) instructional program and materials collection. In accordance with our Display Policy, publications and publicity of community groups are given space in the library for distribution and display. Local government meeting agendas and minutes and other publications from these entities are housed in the library. In accordance with our Meeting Room Policy, library meeting rooms are provided free of charge to the public.
III. Selection of Library Materials
A. Responsibilities
The Board is ultimately responsible for the selection of all materials in the collection. The Board has chosen to delegate full responsibility for the selection of all materials to the Director of the Library. Under the authority of the Director, the Adult Services Librarian and Youth Services Librarian select and deselect library materials. High priority is given to requests from patrons, advisory boards, educators and staff. Staff also consults citizens with areas of special expertise in developing the collections.
B. Sources
Materials are selected from reviews in professional journals and general publications; standard collection guides which may include Public Library Catalog, Fiction Catalog and Children’s Catalog; annual selected bibliographies of recent publications; patron recommendations, publishers’ and booksellers’ catalogs and flyers and by inspection of materials at professional conferences, trade shows and retail outlets. Neill Public Library subscribes to a number of professional journals used in selection, including Library Journal, School Library Journal, Booklist, BookLinks and VOYA. There are also many collection development resources, reviews, web sites (both commercial and non-profit), lists and recommendations, including those from other libraries on the Internet.
C. Principles
Materials are selected and retained on the basis of their content. Neill Public Library collections represent diverse points of view. The library collections, as much as possible, reflect the community and its diversity of interests, perspectives and backgrounds. The library also seeks to bring awareness of those cultures, traditions and ideas not represented in the local community. The selection principles promote the American Library Association’s "Library Bill of Rights" and interpretations, "Freedom to Read Statement," "Freedom to View Statement," and "Intellectual Freedom Statements." (See Appendices).
D. General Criteria for Selection of Library Materials
In selecting materials for library collections, librarians use the following general criteria, in random order:
i. Appropriateness to library’s mission and service roles
ii. Relationship to existing collection and other titles available
iii. Availability elsewhere
iv. Requests by patrons and staff
v. Suitability of format for user’s need and subject
vi. Community interest and need
vii. Relevance to the experiences and contributions of diverse populations
viii. Levels of funding and cost of item
ix. Anticipated use
x. Physical quality of material
xi. Value of resource in relation to its cost
xii. Authority, accuracy and accessibility of presentation
xiii. Currency of information
xiv. Reputation of author, publisher or issuing body
xv. Attention and response of critics, reviewers and general public
xvi. Subject matter and scope
xvii. Historical significance
xviii. Quality and style of writing
xix. Inclusion of work in bibliographies, recommendation lists, indexes
More specific guidelines can be found in the Special Collections component of this policy.
IV. Adult Collection
The Adult Services Librarian has primary responsibility for the selection and maintenance of collections for adult patrons.
A. Fiction
The collection focuses on twentieth and twenty-first century literature including classics and standard titles, diverse genres and special interests. There is no single standard for inclusion in the fiction collection. Because of the large volume of fiction published, it is possible to purchase only a representative selection with emphasis on major authors and the most popular examples of a genre. Patron requests for fiction are purchased whenever possible and influence the addition of more copies (ratio of 5 patron requests per copy). Genre fiction such as mysteries, romances, espionage, horror, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy and westerns are purchased in proportion to demand and use statistics. Efforts are made to complete series, purchase award winning titles and to represent local (Northwest) authors, publishers and subject matter.
B. Non-Fiction
The nonfiction collection emphasizes timely, accurate and useful informational materials to support individual and community interests. It emphasizes materials that are current and in high demand. Resources are available for all ages and reading levels in a variety of formats. Materials are selected to represent a continuum of opinions and viewpoints when available. Titles with sustaining value and those of current, accepted authority are emphasized in the library collection. As new fields of knowledge emerge, the library responds with timely additions.
Neill Public Library emphasizes non-scholarly materials, as we rely heavily on Washington State University (WSU) and University of Idaho libraries for academic and in-depth coverage of subject areas. For example, WSU libraries are strong in history, genealogy, literature, art, architecture and music; therefore the Library does not collect heavily in these areas. An example of priority areas are: computer books, general religion, job hunting and resumes, personal finance, law for lay persons, test study materials, home repair, crafts, holidays (especially Christmas), pets, gardening, health maintenance and diseases including alternative medicine, cookbooks, popular biographies, travel and books on contemporary issues with representation of opposing viewpoints, which are primarily aimed at student researchers.
C. Reference
Reference materials are non-circulating. They provide quick, concise and up-to-date information. Included are indexes, encyclopedias, bibliographies, biographical resources, dictionaries, almanacs, phone books, and directories. The reference collection includes materials on investment, minutes and agendas of City of Pullman and Whitman County Board Meetings, consumer information and reader’s advisory resources.
Additional Selection Criteria for Reference
i. Ease of use
ii. Format
iii. Authoritativeness
iv. Frequency of use
v. Scope and depth of coverage
vi. Demands on subject areas which circulating collection cannot meet
D. Electronic Resources
1. Internet Access
Neill Public Library is part of the national information infrastructure providing people with access to global electronic resources and the opportunity to participate in the electronic arena. Electronic information and networking is a rapidly developing area of public and private activity. The Library recognizes that these developments pose new challenges as well as new opportunities for library users, board and staff. The Library believes these challenges and opportunities are best addressed by adherence to the fundamental principals of traditional library use and the principles of a free society.
These new methods of receiving information do not change the mission of Neill Public Library. Material selection and access to electronic resources are integral to fulfilling the mission of providing equal access to information, materials and services in an environment that welcomes interaction and personal enrichment for all people of our community. However, access is not the same as selection. Connection with electronic information services and networks provides access and information transfer rather than selection and acquisition of materials in the traditional sense. The Library system will use criteria to select the electronic services and databases and to select the Web sites linked to the Library’s pages.
2. Internet Use Policy
The Internet enables the library to provide free information resources beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. While it offers a wealth of materials that are personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal, inaccurate or incomplete. Internet access is filtered in the spirit of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The responsibility for what a minor reads or views on the Internet rests with his/her parents or guardians. Parents or guardians who wish to deny this Internet access may place a restriction on the minor’s library card.
In accordance with the Library’s mission, information is available in a variety of formats to meet the diverse needs of our community. To expand and enhance its information sources, Neill Public Library provides Internet access. Neill Public Library affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Board subscribes to the ideas enunciated in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights as interpreted for access to electronic information, services, and networks.
The Internet, as a global electronic network, enables individuals to search for ideas and information beyond the confines of the library collection. Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium; it provides a wealth of enriching material but also some that may be erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, or offensive. Library users are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions.
In order to comply with provisions of federal mandates such as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Neill Public Library filters content on all staff, public and wireless connections that use our network. More information on CIPA can be found at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html.
The library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and resources, including the Internet. If a parent/guardian does not wish his/her child to have Internet access at the library, (s)he may ask the library to deny access. The library will note this restriction on the child’s patron record.
Internet Code of Conduct, Privileges and Responsibilities
· Internet access is free to all library users.
· The library provides filtered Internet access.
· Parents/guardians are ultimately responsible their children's access on Internet stations.
The following are prohibited:
· Violation of copyright laws or software licenses
· Misrepresenting oneself
· Harassing others
· Installing and running programs or software on the Internet Stations that are not already installed on public Internet stations.
· Violation of the computer system security of Neill Public Library or other systems
· Destruction of or damage to equipment, data or software (including creation of viruses)
· Unauthorized use of accounts or network identification assigned to others
· Violation of federal, state or local laws and regulations. Publicly visible display of
sexually explicit material is unlawful (RCW 9.68.130)
· Illegal uses of library workstations not included in this document
Internet stations are to be used in a legal and ethical manner. Violations may result in the loss of library privileges and/or criminal prosecution or other legal actions. If a patron is a minor his/her parents/guardians will be notified. First violation: Warning note will be placed on patron's record. Second violation: Situation will be referred to the Library Director for appropriate action, which may include loss of Internet privileges and reporting of the violation to the police.
Reserving and Using Internet Workstations
· You must have a library card to use the Internet. If you do not have a library card you may request a visitor card at the Information Desk.
· Minors under 18 must have parental permission to obtain a library card - parent must be present at the time the card is issued.
· Time on the internet stations is allotted in sessions.
· Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
· No more than 2 people at the computer at one time.
· Latecomers will forfeit their reserved session time if more than 5 minutes late.
· File storage on public workstations is prohibited. Bring your own media such as a USB flash drive to save files. Using media such as a USB drive or other media is at your risk. The library is not responsible for recovering or managing any data stored on media or downloaded off the Internet.
· The library provides express Internet stations for patrons 18 and older. You may be asked to provide identification to verify your age.
· Please respect other's use and privacy.
Web Links Displayed on Neill Public Library Pages
The Neill Public Library’s website includes links to external websites that reflect the interests of library users. Key questions are considered before the library posts a link to a web page or web resource. These include:
· Is there a local emphasis?
· Who provides the information, and are they qualified to do so?
· Is it current and regularly maintained?
· Is it easy to use?
· Is it reliable?
End of list
Providing links to resources on the web does not mean Neill Public Library endorses the information provided. We consider the website a form of outreach to our patrons. Therefore links posted on the library website are at the discretion of the outreach staff.
Internet Use Policy Adopted by the
Neill Public Library Board of Trustees on 2/12/1997, Revised on 8/20/2008
3. Web Linking Policy - Choosing and Evaluating Sources
Similar to the library’s materials collections, professional staff will utilize the Library’s web site to identify and recommend interesting and useful Internet destinations and resources which support the library's mission and service roles. Links to information resources are based on staff's judgment of the best resources available and do not imply endorsement. Users should recognize the Library is not responsible for the content of linked sites, nor for the content of sources accessed through subsequent links. The library cannot control or monitor material that may be accessible from Internet sources because the Internet is a vast and unregulated medium with access points that change rapidly and unpredictably.
Additional selection criteria used when evaluating whether to link to a remote website:
i. Is the subject matter and information useful for our patrons?
ii. Is the remote site easily accessible?
iii. Is it relevant to the overall mission of the library?
iv. Is it a local resource?
v. Is the resource of sufficient quality to merit a link?
vi. Who has established the page? (Authority)
vii. Is there a sponsor?
viii. Is the information accurate?
ix. Is there a discernable bias?
x. Does the page have a posting and/or revision date?
xi. Is the site regularly maintained?
As with all collection development decisions, this policy does not replace the judgment and expertise of library staff. There will be instances when the library links to resources that may not fit all criteria. For example the "Community Resource Database" links to local resources regardless of the quality of the sites.
4. Electronic and Online Databases
NPL strives to work with consortia whenever possible in the selection of paid electronic databases and is currently working with Washington State Library as well as Whitman County Libraries. Electronic paid databases are selected according to the general selection criteria as well as applying the additional selection criteria for New and Emerging Formats.
5. Equipment
The library has a CD and DVD player available for public use in the library. A multi-media center is also available for group use in the library’s Hecht Meeting Room. A personal FM system for the hearing impaired can be used in the library or checked out by groups or organizations.
6. Additional Selection Criteria for New (electronic) and Emerging Formats
i. Impact on equipment, staff, storage and space
ii. Demand for format in community
iii. Durability of format for library use
iv. Suitability for direct public access
v. Availability of adequate startup and continual funding
vi. Capability for networked distribution
vii. Acceptable response time
viii. Timeliness in updating information
ix. Logical operation and ease of use for public and staff
x. Technical quality of production or reproduction
xi. Capability for information to be downloaded
xii. Reduction/replacement of print or other format materials
xiii. Availability of access in-house and remotely
E. Periodicals and Newspapers
Periodicals are an important source of new ideas, current topics, and consumer information and are in high demand as recreational reading material. Neill Public Library subscribes to a broad range of approximately 200 periodicals and newspapers. Additional full text periodical coverage is provided through paid databases accessible both in-house and online. Periodicals are generally retained for three months to one year in hard copy format and newspapers are generally retained for three months. The periodicals collection is reviewed annually for additions and deletions.
F. Audio/Visual Materials
As with print materials, the A/V Collections are selective rather than comprehensive in scope. All materials selected will contribute to the fulfillment of the goals of the Library as a whole, and criteria for the selection of A/V materials are much the same as those used by staff for other resources.
Additional selection criteria for Audio/Visual Materials:
i. Technical quality of audio and visual reproduction
ii. Presentation or experience that is unique to format and provides an alternative to print
iii. Significance of performance or diversity in interpretation
iv. Critical acclaim as demonstrated in awards, nomination for awards, and/or reviews
v. Suitability to be circulated or housed in a sturdy, safe and convenient manner
G. Audio Books on CD and Cassette
Audio materials are considered an adjunct to the print collection; this collection is not intended to mirror development of literature or to systematically cover non-fiction topics. Fiction is emphasized over non-fiction. As patrons move from cassette players to CDs the library largely buys books on CD.
H. Music CDs
The collection is intended to cover the broad spectrum of music over time, including significant works, composers, performers and performances. The CD collection is divided into eight genres: Pop/Rock/Oldies, Folk/International/Ethnic, Jazz/Blues/Rhythm, Country/Gospel, Children’s Music, Classical, Soundtracks/Show Tunes/Spoken, and Holiday. Some music by local artists and by artists who frequently visit the region may also be included. While current recordings are not precluded, in general the goal is to provide recordings of music of significant and enduring quality. Selections for the music collection are purchased in compact disc format only.
I. DVDs and Videocassettes
Neill Public Library currently maintains collections in both DVD and Videocassette format, but is currently purchasing only DVDs to add to the collection. The goals of the DVD and Videocassette collections are:
1. To provide basic information on a variety of subjects of interest to library patrons.
2. To provide children with a quality selection of preschool learning and entertainment ideas, film versions of children’s literature, selected non-fiction videos that reflect areas of interest across generations (i.e. dinosaurs, animals, ancient civilizations, etc.), and award winning children’s films.
3. To provide patrons with entertainment DVDs and videocassettes including feature films with an emphasis on family entertainment and literature based material. A representative sample of historically significant feature films, including award winning or critically acclaimed, classic American and foreign feature films, is collected.
V. YOUTH SERVICES COLLECTIONS
The Youth Services Librarian has primary responsibility for the selection and maintenance of collections for patrons from infancy through 12th grade, their parents, caregivers and teachers. The range of constituents served include infants, toddlers and preschool children, private and public school students, home schooling families and university students of Education, especially Children’s Literature. The primary collections include:
A. Picture Books - board books, wordless books, simple concept and informational
books, classic and contemporary preschool stories, CD/audio cassette/book kits
B. Readers - books specifically designed for emerging and transitional readers with controlled and/or progressively constructed vocabularies and story length
C. Juvenile Picture Books – picture books with story content/themes/subjects that are more sophisticated in nature (e.g., Holocaust, Slavery, etc.) and thus aimed at an audience age older than preschoolers
D. Juvenile Fiction- quality contemporary and historical fiction for readers from ages 7 to 12 years as well as genres (fantasy, science fiction, mystery,) and popular fiction series
E. Juvenile Nonfiction - informational books for youth up to age 12 with an emphasis on mythology and folklore, physical and natural science, arts and crafts, sports, poetry, biography and the culture, customs and history of people from regions of the U.S. and other countries of the world
F. Juvenile Periodicals - a selection of popular and quality children’s magazines for use by children and their families
G. Juvenile Reference and Reader’s Advisory - a highly selective collection of bibliographic resources for readers’ advisory assistance and encyclopedias for key areas of research by youth
H. Young Adult (YA) Collection - –comprised of fiction titles and graphic novels selected specifically to meet the recreational needs of teens (12-17 years). The fiction collection consists primarily of young adult novels and genre literature including mystery, science fiction, fantasy and romance. Graphic novels are selected from the same fiction genres.
The collection also includes a:
1. Highly selective collection of nonfiction resources for the personal interests of teens, with an emphasis on issues related to adolescent development, self-identity and teen advocacy
2. Limited collection of YA books on CD
3. Limited collection of popular magazines
Titles held in the Juvenile or Adult Collections may also be included in the YA Collection if they are of an exceptional nature and wide range of appeal, indicating that circulation expectations may warrant additional copies.
I. Additional Selection Criteria for Materials for Youth
i. Age and interest, appropriate content and presentation
ii. Emphasis on quality, critically acclaimed materials as demonstrated in awards, specialized bibliographies and/or reviews
iii. Quality and aesthetics of illustrations to stimulate the imagination
iv. Awareness of curriculum-based needs of public, private, and home school students, and secondarily, university students of Children’s Literature
v. Information and stories, which represent a spectrum of family styles, values and interests
vi. Materials, which represent the richness and diversity of young people’s local and world community
vii. Materials which meet the particular developmental needs of youth at different stages
VI. Special Collections
The Library maintains special collections for which the development and management differ somewhat from the general collections. Many of these special collections originated as gifts. Acquisition of new materials is supported by both gift funds and the library’s general budget with funding allocated as appropriate.
A. Palouse Heritage Collection
The library collects information and documents pertaining to the heritage of Pullman and the surrounding Palouse area. Materials pertaining to Palouse area history are selectively collected with awareness of, and in conjunction with, other local institutions having local history collections, including the Whitman County Historical Society, WSU Archives, Whitman County Library, the University of Idaho Library and the Whitman County Genealogical Society. Whenever possible, access to the content of these richer collections is preferred over duplication of the materials themselves, except where they directly pertain to the history of the city of Pullman. Material by local authors is also included when specifically about the local area, otherwise works by local authors are included in other collections as appropriate.
In order to preserve this collection, all items are non-circulating. When possible, a second copy is made available for check-out as part of the Adult circulating collections.
Because of the focal work of these other entities, Neill Public Library is not a preserver of rare documents nor does it maintain a comprehensive local history research collection.
The Palouse Heritage Collection reflects the library’s evolving role in responding to Pullman and local history resources and interests and includes the materials donated by Ivan R. Shirrod in honor of his parents G.F. and Olive V. Shirrod.
B. Parent Center
Neill Public Library is a founding partner in the Parent Resource Center consortium, with the mission of providing a secure environment for adults to access resources and engage in activities that promote positive parenting, and encouraging community agencies to collaboratively provide parenting resources. The collection was established in 1993 for parents and family members, caregivers and teachers. It includes: selected picture books which address family problems/crises, contemporary sources in a variety of formats on parenting interests and issues, child development and health, child care, early, emergent and continuing literacy, children with special needs, family management, home schooling and parental involvement in education. Resources for this collection are provided from the library’s general budget and grants or donations from cooperating agencies of the Parent Resource Center.
Public libraries cannot in general support the needs of higher education and research. The exception for Neill Public Library is in the areas of children’s literature and child development. Because of the extensive children’s collections and excellent Parent Center Collection the library is able to meet some of this demand.
C. Professional Collection
This is a collection of specialized materials pertaining to the management and development of public libraries and kept for use by library staff. This collection of materials is also maintained primarily for the use of Youth Services staff in offering programs, including: selected picture books, pop-up books, "Big" books, professional journals and resources for librarians working with young people. With the exception of "Big" books, these materials are generally non-circulating but can be requested for check out by patrons at the discretion of the Youth Services’ staff and are housed in the Youth Services’ office due to space availability and size constraints.
D. English as a Second Language (ESL) Collection
The English as a Second Language Collection supports ESL programs at Neill Public Library. The collection emphasizes materials for beginning and intermediate English language learners. Study guides are available for the TOEFL and TOEIC exams. The collection is available to all patrons. The collection includes a limited number of professional materials for use by the instructors.
E. Art Collection
The Neill Public Library Art Collection is representative of area artists and artists using the Palouse area as their subject matter. In order to maintain the quality and variety of the collection, selection standards are in place for the acquisition of new works of art. (See NPL Policies and Procedures Manual). The Art Collection is for library display only and does not circulate.
VII. Collection Maintenance
Neill Public Library recognizes the need for ongoing evaluation of its collections to assure currency and visually inviting and accessible collections. This ongoing maintenance includes weeding, replacement, repair, restoration and review of standing order agreements.
A. Weeding Guidelines
The Library will discard:
1. Materials with obsolete content
2. Materials which are infrequently used
3. Materials that have no anticipated use
4. Materials in poor or irreparable physical condition
5. Older editions of encyclopedias, almanacs, directories, yearbooks and standard texts. Encyclopedias should be no older than 5 years in the reference collection.
6. Materials of incomplete sets in which items missing seriously impair their usefulness
7. Works containing information that has been superseded or presented in newer, more comprehensive or more accessible formats
B. Retention Guidelines
The library will retain:
1. Materials with regular and ongoing use
2. Works containing useful local information
3. Primary works in particular disciplines or topics
4. Works representative of an era, trend or movement which provide unique coverage
5. Works listed in standard or authoritative up to date bibliographies regularly used by staff and public
6. Works for which replacement is not possible
The most cost-effective option is selected when making replacement versus repair decisions.
VIII. Censorship and Reconsideration of Library Materials
The Neill Public Library Board of Trustees believes the only acceptable censorship is self-censorship. Therefore, it is the intent of the Board that no challenged library material shall be removed from the collection except upon court order, and after adversary proceedings in which the Neill Public Library Board defends inclusion of the material, unless said material was placed in the collection in violation of this policy.
The Library Director shall devise and implement appropriate procedures for patrons to register complaints concerning materials, which must include appeal to the Neill Library Board of Trustees. (From materials selection policy ---adopted 10/7/82) See appendix for "Challenged Materials - An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights" and the form "Request for Reconsideration of Specific Library Material."
IX. Gifts
The library may accept gifts of materials as well as monetary donations to purchase materials to add to the various collections. Often gifts are given in memory of a loved one or to commemorate a special event. Donated items will be carefully reviewed for their overall contributions to the library’s mission, service priorities and relevance to the collection. Materials donated to the Library will be added to the collection if they meet the criteria for materials selection and are in good physical condition. Items which fall within the criteria for discarding will not be added as gifts. Processing costs are also weighed before placing a gift in the collection. Exceptions to physical condition include rare, out of print, reference and other materials that fill a specific gap in the collection.
Once given, all gifts are the property of Neill Public Library and will be treated on an equal basis with purchased materials with regard to the inclusion, display, housing, circulation and disposition of the material (for more specific guidelines see: Neill Public Library Guidelines for Donated Materials).
X. Appendices:
A. Library Bill of Rights, http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/librarybillrights.htm
B. Freedom to Read Statement, http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement.htm
C. Intellectual Freedom Statement, http://www.wla.org/if/ifstatmt.pdf
D. Freedom to View Statement, http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/ftvstatement/freedomviewstatement.htm
E. Challenged Materials, http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=31881
F. Request for Reconsideration of Specific Library Material, http://www.neill-lib.org/Departments/Library/DrawOnePage.aspx?PageID=627
G. Free Access to Libraries For Minors, http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8639
H. Guidelines and Considerations for Developing a Public Library Internet Use policy, http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/challengesupport/dealing/internetusepolicy.pdf
I. Neill Public Library Internet Use Policy, http://www.neill-lib.org/Departments/Library/DrawOnePage.aspx?PageID=113
J. Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (governs the conduct of all staff members), http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm
Neill Public Library Guidelines for Donated Materials, http://www.neill-lib.org/Departments/Library/DrawOnePage.aspx?PageID=110
