In the context of this policy, the term “materials” refers to all items which make up the intellectual content of the Library’s collections. Specific formats include books, magazines, newspapers, microfilm/fiche, videos, compact discs, talking book cassettes, CD-ROMs, clippings and pictures, book/cassette kits, digital video discs (DVDs) on-line information data bases subscriptions, Internet web links.
The PURPOSE of the Stratford Public Library’s MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY is to state the principles upon which librarians choose materials from a vast array of available resources.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM is a cornerstone of the MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY and to this end, the Canadian Library Association’s “Statement on Intellectual Freedom” is incorporated into this policy as Appendix I.
The three service roles adopted by the Board reflect the key tenets of its Mission Statement which focuses on lifelong learning, literacy and leisure.
The roles are:
1. to promote basic and information literacy
2. to provide general information and leisure collections
3. to provide avenues for lifelong learning and formal education
The collections must reflect these roles in the most comprehensive way as the Library strives to achieve its mission.
LITERACY: Materials will be selected which both aid the individual learning to read and foster a lifelong habit of reading. Special emphasis is placed on the acquisition of materials for preschoolers and primary school children.
INFORMATION: In order to stimulate ideas; to encourage and facilitate understanding of many complex subject areas; to enhance appreciation of the arts and sciences; to assist the individual in learning or perfecting skills, hobbies and crafts; the Library will provide through its varied collections representative viewpoints. Reference materials in a variety of formats form a significant part of this service. Selection of appropriate web sites is also a significant aspect.
LEISURE COLLECTIONS:The Library will acquire materials which enhance the individual’s enjoyment of life, provide mental recreation, and reflect contemporary society.
EDUCATION: A primary role of the Library is to make the process of education a continuing one through the life of the individual. Materials will be acquired to assist individuals with self directed learning and career development. Emphasis is placed on purchasing materials to meet the research needs of all ages. The purchase of materials to support curriculum needs of the formal education system is the responsibility of the education organizations.
BALANCE: The Library Board recognizes that some materials may be regarded as individuals as controversial, whether because of bias, frankness of language, political expression or moral implication. Selection is not made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval by any one sector of the community but rather on the expert evaluation, by professional librarians, of the item’s literary merits, authenticity of information, honesty of presentation, topical and community interest and use to the audience. The primary objective in selection is to establish a balanced collection which adequately represents various points of view on many subjects.
DESELECTION: A necessary part of collection development is removal of materials from the collection; this process is called “deselection.” The Stratford Public Library uses the CREW method of deselection – Continuous Review Evaluation Weeding. The criteria for deselection include relevancy of content, accuracy of content, physical condition, circulation.
CANADIANA: It is essential for the Library’s collections to represent authors, film makers, artists and composers from across Canada whose works are deemed significant in the development of Canadian arts. Making Canadian works available to the public is a responsibility of the public library.
VIDEOS: In choosing videos, emphasis is placed on acquiring films which reflect the development of the film industry in the twentieth century, children’s films and films which meet the information and education needs of the borrower. (See Appendix II: Video Criteria)
DONATIONS: The Library accepts donations of materials provided they meet the principles of selection. Such donations may be included in the collection or sent to the book sale. Acceptance of donations is without conditions regarding potential disposal of the items.
Appendix I: CLA's Statement on Intellectual Freedom
Appendix I I: Criteria for Video Selection
RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Gifts and Donations
Lending of Materials
