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The XYZ Public Library
Model Materials Selection Policy
The XYZ Public Library provides materials and services to support
the informational and educational needs of citizens of XYZ . The
primary functional roles (or list Service Responses) that support
this mission are:
- Popular Materials Library and
- Preschoolers' Door to Learning.
Secondary roles are
- Independent Learning Center and
- Community Information Center.
These functional roles will be considered in the development of
the collection, and will receive priority in the allocation of resources
and funds.
Selection and purchase of library materials rests with the library
director who may delegate some responsibilities to other staff members.
Staff will adhere to accepted professional practices when making
selection decisions. First, the recreational, educational, and informational
needs of the community will be considered in selecting materials.
Before the beginning of each budget year, the director will determine
how limited funds will be allocated among the major collection subdivisions
(e.g., adult non-fiction, fiction, youth collection, reference,
periodicals, non-print). Circulation statistics and counts of in-house
use of materials will be maintained to assist in decision making.
Average cost per item, as determined by the pervious year's purchases
and reports in library and publishing journals, will also be considered
in allocating funds.
Materials will be selected based on positive reviews in professional
journals or actual examination and evaluation of materials. Instead
of reviews, popular demand (bestsellers, school bibliographies,
local interest) may be used as the criterion for selection of materials.
Items that must be updated every year may be placed on a standing
order list to ensure timely delivery. Suggestions from the community
for items to be considered for purchase are strongly encouraged,
but materials must meet selection criteria.
The XYZ Public Library does not attempt to acquire textbooks that
support local curricula, but may acquire textbooks for general use
by the public. Multiple copies of popular books (e.g., bestsellers,
resume guides, tax preparation manuals) may be purchased to meet
demand. Paperback books will be purchased when available to meet
short-term demand. The library will attempt to have information
available in a variety of formats (book, non-book, pamphlet, magazines,
etc.) when available and practical. Generally, only one copy of
materials in other formats (video, compact disk, computer programs)
will be purchased unless long-term high demand is anticipated. Video
and audio recordings will be selected for potential long-term use
to meet general interests. Regardless of an item's popularity, the
library may choose not to select it, because its format is not durable
enough to withstand reasonable library use, or it would require
excessive staff time to maintain.
Objections to items in the collection should be made in writing
to the library director. (See also the "Request for Reconsideration
of Materials" policy.) Materials that no longer meet the needs
of the community and no longer support the library's collection
will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with the library's
"Deselection of Materials" Policy.
Approved by XYZ Board of Trustee on (insert date)
_____________________________
Signature of responsible representative
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