Material Selection Policy
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Appropriate materials will be selected to make the Newton County Library an informational and cultural center that satisfies local needs for continuous self-education, enriched personal lives, recreation and enlightened citizenship. Materials will be chosen for excellence as well as utility.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION
The Librarian will select the materials according to the Selection Criteria and may select the materials in consultation with the Library Board or those with expertise in the field.
MATERIALS SELECTION CRITERIA
The following will be considered when selecting materials: The reputation/significance of the author, the relation of the item to the existing collection and other materials on the subject, reliable recommendations, and favorable reviews by standard or professional selection aids.
DONATIONS
Donated materials must meet the same criteria as those purchased. The library is not obligated to accept or add to its collection any unsolicited gift. Books and other materials will be accepted on the condition that the Librarian has the authority to sell or dispose of items as he or she deems advisable.
WEEDING
In order to maintain the collection, the Librarian will consider for withdrawal items that are no longer in demand, that have been replaced by newer or more accurate resources, or that are in poor physical condition.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
The Newton County Library will adhere to principles of intellectual freedom as interpreted in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and "The Freedom To Read" statement. The Library Board and staff recognize their obligation to ensure equal access to all library resources. Parents only, and not the library, have the right to restrict children's access to materials.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
When a patron complains about any book or other library material, staff should listen courteously and offer the complainant the appropriate form to file a written complaint. Anonymous or unwritten complaints will not be considered. The Librarian should examine the item and consider the objections in terms of the library's selection criteria. A decision will be made at a meeting of the Board and the Librarian. The complainant will then be notified of the decision in writing and, if not satisfied, may appeal to the Board. Complaints should be handled as opportunities for better understanding in the community of the principles of intellectual freedom.
MATERIAL SELECTION COMPLAINTS
Final Material Selection Complaints will be resolved by the Library Board.
Appropriate materials will be selected to make the Newton County Library an informational and cultural center that satisfies local needs for continuous self-education, enriched personal lives, recreation and enlightened citizenship. Materials will be chosen for excellence as well as utility.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION
The Librarian will select the materials according to the Selection Criteria and may select the materials in consultation with the Library Board or those with expertise in the field.
MATERIALS SELECTION CRITERIA
The following will be considered when selecting materials: The reputation/significance of the author, the relation of the item to the existing collection and other materials on the subject, reliable recommendations, and favorable reviews by standard or professional selection aids.
DONATIONS
Donated materials must meet the same criteria as those purchased. The library is not obligated to accept or add to its collection any unsolicited gift. Books and other materials will be accepted on the condition that the Librarian has the authority to sell or dispose of items as he or she deems advisable.
WEEDING
In order to maintain the collection, the Librarian will consider for withdrawal items that are no longer in demand, that have been replaced by newer or more accurate resources, or that are in poor physical condition.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
The Newton County Library will adhere to principles of intellectual freedom as interpreted in the American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights" and "The Freedom To Read" statement. The Library Board and staff recognize their obligation to ensure equal access to all library resources. Parents only, and not the library, have the right to restrict children's access to materials.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
When a patron complains about any book or other library material, staff should listen courteously and offer the complainant the appropriate form to file a written complaint. Anonymous or unwritten complaints will not be considered. The Librarian should examine the item and consider the objections in terms of the library's selection criteria. A decision will be made at a meeting of the Board and the Librarian. The complainant will then be notified of the decision in writing and, if not satisfied, may appeal to the Board. Complaints should be handled as opportunities for better understanding in the community of the principles of intellectual freedom.
MATERIAL SELECTION COMPLAINTS
Final Material Selection Complaints will be resolved by the Library Board.