Collection Development Policy

I. Purpose

The purpose of the Levi E. Coe Library is to offer materials and services for the educational, informational and recreational needs of people of all ages within the community.

II. Overview

A. The Levi E. Coe Library selects materials in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View statements.

  • The Levi E. Coe Library will collect titles in fiction, nonfiction, reference materials, software, and audiovisual format.
  • The library will strive to collect up-to-date and accurate materials.
  • Duplicate copies may be purchased depending on patron demand.

B. The selection of materials will be done by the Director, Assistant Director and Children’s Librarian as well as any approved library staff.

  • Materials will be selected as to the demand of the community. No material will be denied simply because it is considered controversial or depicts a viewpoint different from the considered norm.

III. Selection Criteria

When selecting material for the Levi E. Coe Library collection the library will use the

same standards and criteria as the other departments within the library.

  • Fiction

The Levi E. Coe Library will purchase fiction titles to cover a broad range of interests, reading levels and patron demand.

  • Non-fiction and Reference

The Levi E. Coe Library will purchase materials that are up-to-date with accurate information and will also be purchased to cover a broad range of interests and reading levels.

IV. Controversial Materials

The Levi E. Coe Library abides by the American Library Association’s guidelines as put forth by the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View statements. Copies of these statements will be given upon request.

  • In the event of challenged materials, staff is to explain to the patron the American Library Association’s statements and the general viewpoints of the library.
  • Any questionable material that the patron may want to have investigated and reevaluated by the library is free to fill out the Challenged Materials form available upon request.
  • Once the form is completed, a copy is given to the library director and the department head, whose collection is being challenged. They will meet and evaluate the complaint and review the material.
  • A response to the complaint will be given to the patron within two weeks of the dated form.
  • A copy of the complaint and the library’s response will be forwarded to the Library Board of Directors and kept on file.
  • If the patron wishes to appeal the library’s decision, the patron is welcome to schedule a meeting with the Director and the Board of Directors to discuss the controversial material.
  • A written formal statement from the Board of Directors will be mailed to the patron within two weeks of the appeal.

V. Gifts

The Levi E. Coe Library will accept gifts of materials in good condition. The library reserves the right to discard or sell in their book sale any materials that are not added to the collection.

VI. Collection Maintenance

As materials become worn or outdated, the Levi E. Coe Library will discard and/or update the titles in its collection.

 

*Revised October 2007

 
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