Collection Development Policy
A. Introduction
The Freeman Public Library provides free library service to all persons living in Freeman and the surrounding area.
Through cooperation with other area libraries and through the SD State Library, the Freeman Public Library attempts to provide a wide variety of library resources and services to individuals and community groups in the area.
This development policy is intended to implement the general objectives of the public library: to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community with a full range of modern library services and resources.
B. Selection Statement
1. General Statement
The library attempts to purchase, within budgetary limitations, the best possible materials of both permanent and current interest in most subject areas. The selection of library resources is a prime activity within the library and is based on the needs and requests of the community which it serves.
2. Responsibilities
Final responsibility for selection of all library materials rests with the library director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the board of trustees. Problems will be referred to the director for resolution. Suggestions from board members and library users are encouraged and seriously considered.
3. Criteria for Selection
Those librarians selecting materials draw upon their experience and knowledge of available resources, the existing collection, and the community (its needs, demands, and other library holdings.) The overall value of the material to the collection is the chief criteria for selection.
Factors considered in recommending library materials for purchase are:
a. The author's authority and competence,
b. Importance of the subject matters to the collection,
c. Availability of material on the subject,
d. Timeliness or permanence of the item,
e. Appearance of the title in standard bibliographies or indexes,
f. Clarity and accuracy of presentation,
g. Reputation and standing of the publisher,
h. Budgetary consideration and price,
i. Suitability of format and price, and
j. Availability of the material in other library collections.
4. Selection Aids
Printed reviews play an important role in the selection process. Since the library can afford only a small portion of the books and other materials published each year, it is vital that the library select those items which best serve the needs of the community.
Some important reviewing sources are:
a. Booklist by the American Library Association,
b. Library Journal,
c. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and
d. School Library Journal
Current editions of these standard bibliographies may also be consulted:
a. Children
The children’s department is for preschool through the 2nd grade. It maintains a collection of easy readers, step books, board books, and audio books.
b. Juvenile
The Juvenile department serves children from 2nd grade through the 5th grade. It includes non- fiction books and chapter books. It also includes materials ranging from standard titles to high-interest items.
c. Young adults
A separate collection of fiction books is maintained for our young adults (grades 6-12.) These books are especially suited for young adult needs and interests.
It is recognized that there is a great range of maturity between children and young adults, and that all materials selected might not be equally suited in subject and vocabulary for all ages. Final responsibility for children's and teenagers' choice of library material rests with their parents or legal guardians.
d. Adults
The Freeman Public Library has developed the adult collection to serve the interests of the general reader. Resources for patrons engaged in serious and extensive research are available from the academic and special libraries in the area. The library also recognizes the special needs or preferences of some adults for materials such as large print books and audio books.
7. Maintenance of collection
a. Weeding
Weeding is the systematic withdrawal of items which are outdated, no longer needed, or damaged. This process is an integral part of collection development and maintenance. In general, the criterion used in selecting new materials also applies to weeding. Materials that fall into the following categories should be withdrawn:
1) Materials which contain outdated information;
2) Superseded editions;
3) Worn or defaced items; and
4) Duplicate copies of seldom used titles.
b. Duplication and multiple copies
Multiple copies of titles are purchased where there is an expressed need. Duplication is kept to a minimum; however, materials must be in sufficient supply to make the library a dependable source for the people it serves. Because of over-lapping interests and reading abilities, titles occasionally appear in more than one circulating collection (adult, large print, audio book, young adult, or children's.) Such duplication is made at the discretion of the librarians in charge of these collections.
c. Replacement
Titles for which the last copy has been withdrawn are considered for replacement. The same criteria that apply in the original selection apply to the replacement with consideration given to the following:
1) The continued value of the particular title;
2) The demand for the specific title;
3) The extent of adequate coverage of the field in the
existing collection;
4) The availability of newer or better material in the field;
and
5) The availability of the title for reordering.
d. Binding, Rebinding, and Mending
Books are kept in the best condition possible due to humidity, air quality, and light of the library building. Decisions must be made continuously on how to handle worn books - whether to mend, bind or withdraw them from circulation. Decisions are based on:
1) The actual condition of the book;
2) The current validity of its contents;
3) Availability of the title for reorder; and
4) The cost of mending or binding versus the cost of replacement.
8. Special Formats Print
a. Paperback
Paperback editions are added to the collection for reasons of economy and because this format appeals to many readers. General selection policies and criteria apply to the purchase of paper bound materials.
b. Large Print Books
Books in large type are purchased for patrons with partial vision (they are available for anyone to read.) General selection policies and criteria apply to the purchase of large print books. The collection is shelved separately.
c. Newspapers
Local newspapers, plus a selection of major newspapers, are augmented by the internet and are purchased for the following purposes:
1) To provide current news coverage;
2) To satisfy recreational reading needs; and
3) To provide a unique source of local information.
d. Periodicals
Periodicals are chosen for the following purposes:
1) To supplement the book collection as an additional source of information -especially current information;
2) To satisfy recreational reading needs; and
3) To serve as book selection aids and professional reading for the staff.
Periodicals shall be kept for a current 12 months.
e. Interlibrary Loan
The library cannot attempt to have available in its own collection all the materials for all possible needs. Fortunately, there are several other libraries in the area which are open to the general public. The Freeman Public Library can cooperate with these and other libraries to ensure broad access to materials for all library patrons.
When an item is requested, that is unavailable locally; the library considers purchasing it or tries to borrow the item from another library through the cooperative interlibrary loan service. If the item is to be borrowed through interlibrary loan, the library user must pay a fee equal to the price of postage for the transaction.
9. Special Format Non-print Materials
Freeman Public Library is open to consideration of acquiring information and other resources in a wide range of currently available formats but reserves the right to select those formats that best fit its mission within its limited resources. The Library reserves the right to determine what equipment and software it will make available for citizens. Not all available formats will be supported by either in-house or loanable equipment or software.
e. DVD movies and CD books
The library maintains a collection of video and audio sources primarily for the home use of adults, youth and/or children. The library acquires these sources to serve both recreational and informational purposes.
format.
The Freeman Public Library provides free library service to all persons living in Freeman and the surrounding area.
Through cooperation with other area libraries and through the SD State Library, the Freeman Public Library attempts to provide a wide variety of library resources and services to individuals and community groups in the area.
This development policy is intended to implement the general objectives of the public library: to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community with a full range of modern library services and resources.
B. Selection Statement
1. General Statement
The library attempts to purchase, within budgetary limitations, the best possible materials of both permanent and current interest in most subject areas. The selection of library resources is a prime activity within the library and is based on the needs and requests of the community which it serves.
2. Responsibilities
Final responsibility for selection of all library materials rests with the library director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the board of trustees. Problems will be referred to the director for resolution. Suggestions from board members and library users are encouraged and seriously considered.
3. Criteria for Selection
Those librarians selecting materials draw upon their experience and knowledge of available resources, the existing collection, and the community (its needs, demands, and other library holdings.) The overall value of the material to the collection is the chief criteria for selection.
Factors considered in recommending library materials for purchase are:
a. The author's authority and competence,
b. Importance of the subject matters to the collection,
c. Availability of material on the subject,
d. Timeliness or permanence of the item,
e. Appearance of the title in standard bibliographies or indexes,
f. Clarity and accuracy of presentation,
g. Reputation and standing of the publisher,
h. Budgetary consideration and price,
i. Suitability of format and price, and
j. Availability of the material in other library collections.
4. Selection Aids
Printed reviews play an important role in the selection process. Since the library can afford only a small portion of the books and other materials published each year, it is vital that the library select those items which best serve the needs of the community.
Some important reviewing sources are:
a. Booklist by the American Library Association,
b. Library Journal,
c. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and
d. School Library Journal
Current editions of these standard bibliographies may also be consulted:
- Public Library Catalog and
- Fiction Catalog
a. Children
The children’s department is for preschool through the 2nd grade. It maintains a collection of easy readers, step books, board books, and audio books.
b. Juvenile
The Juvenile department serves children from 2nd grade through the 5th grade. It includes non- fiction books and chapter books. It also includes materials ranging from standard titles to high-interest items.
c. Young adults
A separate collection of fiction books is maintained for our young adults (grades 6-12.) These books are especially suited for young adult needs and interests.
It is recognized that there is a great range of maturity between children and young adults, and that all materials selected might not be equally suited in subject and vocabulary for all ages. Final responsibility for children's and teenagers' choice of library material rests with their parents or legal guardians.
d. Adults
The Freeman Public Library has developed the adult collection to serve the interests of the general reader. Resources for patrons engaged in serious and extensive research are available from the academic and special libraries in the area. The library also recognizes the special needs or preferences of some adults for materials such as large print books and audio books.
7. Maintenance of collection
a. Weeding
Weeding is the systematic withdrawal of items which are outdated, no longer needed, or damaged. This process is an integral part of collection development and maintenance. In general, the criterion used in selecting new materials also applies to weeding. Materials that fall into the following categories should be withdrawn:
1) Materials which contain outdated information;
2) Superseded editions;
3) Worn or defaced items; and
4) Duplicate copies of seldom used titles.
b. Duplication and multiple copies
Multiple copies of titles are purchased where there is an expressed need. Duplication is kept to a minimum; however, materials must be in sufficient supply to make the library a dependable source for the people it serves. Because of over-lapping interests and reading abilities, titles occasionally appear in more than one circulating collection (adult, large print, audio book, young adult, or children's.) Such duplication is made at the discretion of the librarians in charge of these collections.
c. Replacement
Titles for which the last copy has been withdrawn are considered for replacement. The same criteria that apply in the original selection apply to the replacement with consideration given to the following:
1) The continued value of the particular title;
2) The demand for the specific title;
3) The extent of adequate coverage of the field in the
existing collection;
4) The availability of newer or better material in the field;
and
5) The availability of the title for reordering.
d. Binding, Rebinding, and Mending
Books are kept in the best condition possible due to humidity, air quality, and light of the library building. Decisions must be made continuously on how to handle worn books - whether to mend, bind or withdraw them from circulation. Decisions are based on:
1) The actual condition of the book;
2) The current validity of its contents;
3) Availability of the title for reorder; and
4) The cost of mending or binding versus the cost of replacement.
8. Special Formats Print
a. Paperback
Paperback editions are added to the collection for reasons of economy and because this format appeals to many readers. General selection policies and criteria apply to the purchase of paper bound materials.
b. Large Print Books
Books in large type are purchased for patrons with partial vision (they are available for anyone to read.) General selection policies and criteria apply to the purchase of large print books. The collection is shelved separately.
c. Newspapers
Local newspapers, plus a selection of major newspapers, are augmented by the internet and are purchased for the following purposes:
1) To provide current news coverage;
2) To satisfy recreational reading needs; and
3) To provide a unique source of local information.
d. Periodicals
Periodicals are chosen for the following purposes:
1) To supplement the book collection as an additional source of information -especially current information;
2) To satisfy recreational reading needs; and
3) To serve as book selection aids and professional reading for the staff.
Periodicals shall be kept for a current 12 months.
e. Interlibrary Loan
The library cannot attempt to have available in its own collection all the materials for all possible needs. Fortunately, there are several other libraries in the area which are open to the general public. The Freeman Public Library can cooperate with these and other libraries to ensure broad access to materials for all library patrons.
When an item is requested, that is unavailable locally; the library considers purchasing it or tries to borrow the item from another library through the cooperative interlibrary loan service. If the item is to be borrowed through interlibrary loan, the library user must pay a fee equal to the price of postage for the transaction.
9. Special Format Non-print Materials
Freeman Public Library is open to consideration of acquiring information and other resources in a wide range of currently available formats but reserves the right to select those formats that best fit its mission within its limited resources. The Library reserves the right to determine what equipment and software it will make available for citizens. Not all available formats will be supported by either in-house or loanable equipment or software.
- Music recordings will not be updated in the library’s
- Art prints will be accepted as gifts at the discretion of the
- Software and CD-ROMs will be purchased as need for library use only.
- Educational toys, games, and puppets will be purchased for
e. DVD movies and CD books
The library maintains a collection of video and audio sources primarily for the home use of adults, youth and/or children. The library acquires these sources to serve both recreational and informational purposes.
- VHS recordings will no longer be purchased or
format.