Hickory Public Library
Collection Development Policy

Updated 2000

Table of Contents

Introduction

Criteria of Evaluation

Selection Aids

Clientele to be Served

Policies by Format of Material

Handling of Complaints Regarding Library Material

Gifts

Weeding

I. Introduction

The purpose of the Hickory Public Library is to select, organize, and make freely and easily available to the people of the community printed and non-printed materials, within the limitations of space and budget, which will aid them in education, information, research, recreation and culture, and in the use of leisure time.

The words "library materials", as they occur in this policy, have the widest possible meaning. Every format of permanent record that is suitable for library usage may be included in the library's collection.

"Selection" refers to the decision that must be made either to add a given title to the collection or remove one already in the collection.

The library recognizes that many books, magazines and newspapers are controversial and that any given item may offend someone. Selections will not be made on the basis of any assumed approval or disapproval, but solely on the merit of the work as it relates to the library's purpose and as it serves the needs and interests of the community as a whole.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and nothing will be sequestered except for the express purpose of protecting it from mutilation or theft.

Responsibility for the reading of minors rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of adult materials will not be limited by the possibility that they may come into the possession of minors.

Patrons not finding desired material in the library's collection may request that it be borrowed on interlibrary loan following set requirements, or that it be considered for purchase by using a "Request for Purchase" form. Patrons finding certain library materials objectionable to the community may request that it be reconsidered by using the "Request for Reconsideration" form. Both forms will be readily available at all service points in the library.

The materials selection policy will be reviewed continuously by the library staff to ensure that it meets community needs.

The "Library Bill of Rights", the "Freedom to Read Statement", and the "Freedom to View Statement", as adopted by the American Library Association, are a part of this Materials Selection Policy. Materials selection policy is also guided by General Statute of North Carolina 14.190.1 and the United States Supreme Court obscenity guidelines as defined by the 1973 decision of Miller v.California 413 U.S. 145.

Responsibility for Selection

The final responsibility for the selection of library materials, as for all library activities, rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority and policies established by the Hickory City Council. The responsibility for selection is shared by the various department supervisors of the library system.

Selection of Materials

The library recognizes its responsibility to have available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users. The selection of library materials is a prime activity within the library and is based on the needs and requests of patrons of all ages, races, and creeds, and of organizations with a wide range of interests.

The library takes no sides on public issues, and does not attempt to promote any beliefs or points of view, nor does it endorse the opinions expressed in the materials held. The library recognizes its responsibility to provide materials presenting various points of view, within the limitations of space, budget, and availability, to enable people to make their own decisions.

II. Criteria of Evaluation

Materials will be judged on the basis of the content and style of the work as a whole, not by selected or random passages or scenes.

A policy, however high its standards, cannot replace the judgment of the librarians. A policy provides goals and guidelines that will assist librarians in choosing from a vast array of available materials. Librarians utilize professional judgment and expertise based upon an understanding of community needs and knowledge of authors and publishers in the process of selecting materials. They are also aided by reviews found in professional, literary, specialized and general periodicals in addition to standard lists of basic works. At times, the library staff may consult subject area specialists to obtain advice on building certain technical fields.

Factors influencing selection of an item include:

Contemporary or permanent value

Authority, skill, competence, reputation, and significance of the author

Clarity, accuracy, logic, objectivity, and readability

Social significance

Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment

Appropriateness and effectiveness of the medium to the content

Quality and suitability of the physical format to the library

Attention of critics and reviewers

Importance of the subject matter to the collection

Scarcity of materials on the subject

Accessibility to the title through indexes and bibliographies

Price

Local interest

Availability of materials from other area organizations, particularly from library partners such as the Lenoir-Rhyne College Library, the CVCC Learning Resource Center, and the AHEC library.

Potential use

Budgetary limitations

Need for duplicate materials in the collection

Space limitations

Moreover, criteria for selection, withdrawal, and replacement of works of imagination - fiction, drama, and poetry - also include:

Representation of a significant genre or national culture

Originality

Literary quality

Strength of characterization and plot

Sustained interest

Authentic reflection of human experience

Demand is a valid factor in book selection. Material selected for this service will be of popular interest and in high demand or of significant current interest, not always enduring value. Best sellers are evaluated on their individual merits following selection policies.

Non-Fiction Selection by Subject (Dewey Decimal Classification)

000 Generalities

Bibliographies of certain subjects are purchased where there is a demonstrated need for further resources beyond the library's holdings. They are also used by the staff as buying guides.

Materials relating to library science are selected primarily for the professional development of the staff.

Encyclopedias for general reference use are selected using the regular criteria. Computer software guides are purchased only on general subjects, or the most common programs.

100 Philosophy

The library selects representative material from all the areas included in this classification: metaphysics; knowledge; specific philosophical viewpoints; psychology; ethics; ancient, medieval, and oriental philosophy; and modern western philosophy.

In the area of popular philosophy, parapsychology, and occultism, public demand is a major consideration in the library's selection.

200 Religion

In accordance with the selection criteria, the library collects materials on the subjects of the Bible; Christian doctrinal theology; religious orders; the history and denominations of the Christian church; other religions of the world; and comparative studies of religions. The tenets of the Library Bill of Rights are carefully adhered to in the interest of providing understanding amongst members of different religions. Sectarian materials of an inflammatory nature which tend to foster intolerant attitudes are collected only if they have historical or research value.

The personal religious convictions of individuals or groups of staff members should not influence the selection of materials in this area.

300 Social Sciences

The library attempts to provide materials of interest to the general reader on statistics, political science, economics, public administration, social pathology, education, commerce, and customs.

As many viewpoints as possible are represented on both controversial and noncontroversial subjects. No attempt is made to purchase materials of interest only to specialists.

Popular and standard reference materials are purchased on the subject of law. No attempt is made to purchase encyclopedic or case law, as these materials are available at the Law Library in the Justice Center. Other titles of interest and value only to attorneys are also not purchased.

A continuing emphasis is being placed on the purchase of materials of interest to local businesses.

400 Language

The 400's include general works on language and linguistics in English and other languages. A heavy emphasis continues to be placed on the study and use of the English language. The library will continue to purchase materials in a wide variety of formats for students of the English language. A wide variety of dictionaries are purchased for reference use.

500 Pure Sciences

The library purchases for the general, nonspecialist reader materials written on various levels of difficulty on mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, paleontology, life science, botany, and zoology.

No attempt is made to collect in great depth on any of these subjects for practicing professionals, undergraduate students, graduate students, or researchers.

600 Technology (Applied Sciences)

The library purchases many materials for the lay citizen on such subjects as drugs, diseases, diet, and preventive medicine.

To meet popular demands, many titles are purchased on automotive repair, gardening and farming, homemaking, pet care, managerial services, and building skills.

Works dealing with chemical technologies and manufacturing are limited to those which are used by the general public.

Again, there is no attempt to collect for practicing professionals, undergraduate or graduate students, or researchers.

700 The Arts

An attempt is made to provide representative coverage of both major and minor artists, periods, and media.

"How to" books in public demand are also included.

A heavy emphasis continues to be placed on handicrafts, sports, and other recreation.

800 Literature

Essays, poetry, drama, short stories, and selected works of criticism on these forms are included, but exhaustive literary criticism on any author is not maintained. Titles on techniques of communication such as professional writing and public speaking are also purchased.

Heavy preference is given to American and British literatures, but representative works of the literature of other countries are collected to some extent in translation.

900 General Geography and History

The library collects works on all periods of history with heavy emphasis on American. Standard travel guides for parts of the globe that are of interest to the community are purchased.

Books about local places, events, and people are usually acquired.

Political, geographical, and historical maps and atlases are collected for reference.

Biographies of well-known persons are routinely collected.

A strong emphasis has always been placed on genealogy and local history.

III. Selection Aids

The following are generally recognized guides to selection but selection will not be limited to these:

Booklist

Children's Catalog

Children’s Software Review

Fiction Catalog

Horn Book Magazine

Library Journal

Multicultural Review

Public Library Catalog

Publisher's Weekly

School Library Journal

VOYA

Wilson Library Bulletin

IV. Clientele to be Served

Adults

The library will provide materials relevant to adults’ day-to-day needs, interests, and activities for general reading, reference and recreation. All backgrounds, abilities and levels of education identifiable in the adult community served by the library will be taken into consideration as materials are selected.

Using book reviews, pertinent bibliographical publications, and the judgment of the librarians, titles are recommended for inclusion on the basis on content, style, and intended audience. Books are judged on total effect rather than specific words, passages or scenes which in themselves may be offensive to some readers.

In selecting fiction, the library has set up no arbitrary single standard of literary quality. An attempt is made to satisfy a public varying greatly in education, interests, tastes, and reading skills.

Young Adults

The Hickory Public Library recognizes the importance of providing materials to meet the needs of the young adult community. We consider young adults to be individuals from approximately 12 to 18 years of age.

As an important partner of our local public school systems, our top priority will be to attempt to meet the curriculum-related needs of this group for up to date information on research paper topics, science fairs, literary topics, etc. within budget limitations. Every attempt will be made to meet the needs of public school-related fiction reading lists (English course lists, Accelerated Reader Lists, etc.) by purchasing multiple copies of teacher-recommended titles. However, we cannot act as an individual school's media center and the purchase of 30 copies of a title for any class is outside the scope of our collection.

Award winning fiction and non-fiction (i. e, ALA Notable, Best Books for Young Adults, etc.) will be purchased whenever possible. Popular high demand titles and series that are likely to be ephemeral may also be purchased.

Materials satisfactory for some young adults will be found in the upper level books of the children's department, while others will be found in the adult department. There are also some materials that are considered specifically "young adult." These materials will be placed in the adult department and the Young Adult Paperback section. Titles purchased for young adults may also address topics of real concern to this age group: personal appearance, sex education, popular culture, and hobbies. Persons in this age group are of widely varying levels of maturity and interests. It is the responsibility of the parents to decide if an item is suitable for their child.

Juveniles

The juvenile collection will contain materials for families, teachers of children, and children from 0 to 12 years of age. One of the major roles that the Hickory Public Library plays is as a Preschoolers Door to Learning. The library will continue to purchase quantities of quality materials for this age group. All formats of materials will be considered as long as they are suitable for circulation in a public library. Knowing that the library is a major resource for the reading needs of area childcare centers, multiple copies of in-demand titles will be purchased to fulfill those needs. Quality standards will be considered but if a subject is covered only by a non-reviewed item, it may be purchased.

For school age children, the Hickory Public Library will not duplicate the textbook materials ordinarily supplied by public schools or purchase any other curriculum. However, the library is an important partner of our area public school systems in educating our children and will respond to school assignments by providing an extensive variety of resources and materials directly related to the Department of Public Instruction’s Standard Course of Study.

The library will purchase all award-winning children's materials whose format is suitable for placement in a public library whenever possible. The emphasis will be on American awards, but other award winning materials will be purchased if they are likely to be popular (Carnegie Medal, etc.).

Popular and in demand titles and series that do not necessarily meet quality standards may be purchased for all age children. Series reading is a proven method of nurturing emergent literacy and increasing a child's reading ability. Series that are on required reading lists will be given top priority but others will be purchased as the budget allows.

The library is also an important resource for teachers and parents. The juvenile section will contain a "Parent-Teacher Resource Center" with child development information and materials to help families with the ordinary problems of everyday life. This section will also contain materials for teachers that enrich and supplement curriculum and deal with ordinary problems in the classroom.

Materials reflecting the growing diversity of the area will be placed in the Multicultural Collection. The emphasis will be on children's materials and materials for people who work with children. All formats of materials will be bought to help non-English speaking families to learn English. Materials with information about our diverse ethnic backgrounds will also be collected.

Religious materials of a general nature will be purchased. Traditional stories from world religions and informational books about world religions will be purchased following the guidelines of the adult section. No materials espousing a particular belief or sectarian view will be purchased.

The library believes that individuals may reject materials that they find unsuitable for themselves or their children, but cannot make those decisions for others. Parents who wish to limit or restrict the reading of their own children should personally oversee their children's selections.

BEAVER LEARNING RESOURCE COLLECTION

The library houses the Beaver Learning Resource Collection. This is a separate collection donated to the library by the Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center. The purpose of this collection is to assist individuals with learning differences, and educators and other professionals that work with these individuals. Primary emphasis is on school age students, but materials for adults are also included as budget constraints allow. The collection includes materials in a wide variety of formats. Selection is the responsibility of the Learning Resource Coordinator and follows the same general selection criteria outlined in the library's collection development policy.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE COLLECTION

Recognizing the diversity of the Hickory community, the library tries to provide a collection of materials in a variety of foreign languages. Works of fiction and nonfiction are included within budget constraints. Preference is given to works in the languages of groups with a significant presence in the Hickory community, but other languages are added as the need arises.

V. Policies by Format of Material

BOOKS

Most books selected for the library, especially those considered to be of lasting value, are purchased in hardback.

Books of ephemeral interest, mainly for recreational reading, are obtained in paperback. Occasionally a title of lasting worth to the collection will be available only in paperback. The subject matter or age level of a book will also make a paperback copy more appropriate. Examples include annual editions of reference materials, or computer books.

LARGE PRINT MATERIALS

Large print materials are purchased to meet the needs of the community. They are all judged by the same standards of content and format that apply to other material purchased by the library. Talking books, tapes and Braille material are readily available from the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and are therefore not collected by Hickory Public Library.

SLIDES, FILMS, FILMSTRIPS, RECORD ALBUMS

The library makes no attempt to purchase any of these materials.

VIDEOTAPES

Videotapes are added to the collection, following the same criteria as books.

COMPACT DISCS

Music of all types is added to the compact disc collection. Selection is based on professional knowledge of the staff, and reviews where available.

AUDIO BOOKS

Recorded books are purchased within the same guidelines as other books. This collection will also contain foreign language instruction.

NEWSPAPERS

The Hickory Public Library subscribes to the Hickory Daily Record and Hickory News, and to other newspapers from the area and nation. Microfilm files are kept on the Hickory Daily Record and the Charlotte Observer. In addition, subject vertical files on local businesses and people are maintained in the Carolina Room.

MAPS

A limited number of maps are available in the map file. Maps for reference use are contained in atlases. Other maps may be obtained using Internet resources.

PAMPHLETS

Inexpensive, ephemeral, and timely pamphlets are collected to supplement the regular book collections. They are periodically reevaluated and weeded.

PERIODICALS

Selection criteria for periodicals are the same as those for books and other materials. Periodicals are purchased for general and popular reading. Periodicals are also purchased for reference work and general research work. There is no attempt to purchase specialized periodicals for professionals, undergraduate or graduate students, or researchers.

MICROFORMS

The library maintains a small number of periodicals and newspapers on microfilm.

ONLINE RESOURCES

The library has a variety of electronic resources including periodical databases, online encyclopedias, college catalogs, and business resources. New resources that meet the same general selection criteria as books are added as funding permits.

 

VI. Handling of Complaints Regarding Library Material

A disputed book will not be removed from the shelves because of a complaint until such recommendation is agreed upon by the Director and supervisor and approved by the Library Advisory Board as a whole.

VII. Gifts

Funds available from governmental sources have not kept pace with the needs of the community. Therefore, the policy of Hickory Public Library is to encourage donations of materials, or gifts of money for the purchase of materials, which meet the stated selection criteria. The library reserves the right to decide if gifts are appropriate for inclusion in the collection.

Suggestions of specific titles or subjects are welcomed when memorial or honor donations are given, but the final decision, based on the library collection, rests with the library.

Furthermore, the library accepts gift books with the understanding that those which would enrich the library collection will be retained, and others disposed of in a Friends of Hickory Public Library booksale. In accordance with selection criteria, out-of-date material, duplicates of items for which additional copies are not needed, and material in poor physical condition will not be added to the collection.

The library must consider the needs of all library customers carefully before making any commitment to keep any collection or group of books on a special shelf apart from other books in the library. The library by necessity reserves the right to intershelve gifts with other materials on the same subject as the need arises.

Individual volumes will be marked with bookplates identifying the donor if requested.

The library does not appraise gifts or provide evaluations of gifts for tax deductions or other purposes, but will acknowledge receipt of gifts in writing if requested by the donor.

Donors are encouraged to consult the Library Director or Deputy Director in advance concerning donations of materials.

VIII. Weeding

Weeding is the continuous evaluation and removal of materials that are no longer appropriate for the library's collection. This process, which is carried out by the professional library staff, is an integral part of collection development and maintenance.

Hickory Public Library uses the ALA-approved CREW guidelines for weeding. Basically, there are six criteria for weeding. Used with judgment and a knowledge of our patrons, they are as follows:

• Materials contain misleading and/or factually inaccurate information
• Materials are worn and beyond mending or rebinding
• Materials have been superseded by a new edition or by much better materials on the subject
• Materials are irrelevant to the needs and interests of our patrons
• Materials have no discernible literary or scientific merit
• Materials are not included in the standard public library bibliographies, or have not been checked out in three years.