‍Introduction:

This Collection Development Policy outlines the guiding principles and procedures for the acquisition, maintenance, and evaluation of materials for the West Fork Public Library collection.  It aims to support the mission of the library, promote intellectual freedom, and meet the diverse informational and recreational needs of its patrons.

Responsibility for Collection Development:

The responsibility for collection development lies with thelibrary director.  The library directorwill utilize professional expertise, community input, and established selectioncriteria to make informed decisions regarding the acquisition and removal ofmaterials.

SelectionCriteria:

Materials will be selected based on the following criteria:

a.      Relevance: Materials should align with thelibrary’s mission and support the informational, educational, cultural, andrecreational needs of the community.

b.      Quality: Materials should be accurate, reliable,well-written, and produced by reputable publishers or creators.

c.      Demand: Consideration will be given to thepopularity, anticipated use, and requests from library users.

d.      Diversity: The collection should strive to include materials that present diverseperspectives, cultures, and experiences, fostering inclusivity and promotingunderstanding.

e.      Authority: Materials should be created byknowledgeable and respected authors, experts, and authorities in theirrespective fields.

f.       Format: The collection should encompass avariety of formats, including print, electronic, audiovisual, and emergingtechnologies, to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.

g.      Cost: Budgetary constraints will be considered,and cost-effective purchasing practices will be employed.

h.      Space and Preservation:  The availability of physical space, thelibrary’s preservation capabilities, and the ongoing maintenance of materialswill be taken into account.

SelectionSources:

The library staff will consult a range of sources to aid in theselection process, including but not limited to:

a.      Professional reviewing journals, newspapers, andwebsites.  

b.      Recommendations from library staff, communitymembers, and patrons.

c.      Bestseller lists, award winners, and resources.

d.      Online databases and electronic resources.

e.      Local, regional, and national collectiondevelopment policies and guidelines.

CollectionMaintenance:

To ensure the vitality and relevance of the collection,regular evaluation and weeding of materials will be conducted.  Withdrawn items will be disposed of in amanner consistent with the library’s policies and guidelines.  Such as donations, sales, or recycling.

ChallengedMaterials: (See Remediation Policy)

The library acknowledges the right of individuals toquestion or express concerns regarding materials in the collection.  Concerned parties will be provided with acopy of the library’s formal reconsideration procedure.  The library board will review the challengedmaterials according to established policies and guidelines and make decisionsbased on the principles of the intellectual freedom, diversity, and the library’smission.

Access toDigital Resources:

The library will strive to provide equitable access todigital resources and technology for all patrons.  Access will be offered within the confines oflicensing agreements, copyright laws, and the library’s acceptable usepolicies.

PolicyReview:

This Collection Development Policy will be reviewedperiodically to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.  Updates and revisions will be made asnecessary and approved by the library’s Board of Trustees.

Conclusion:

This Collection Development Policy serves as a guidingframework for the acquisition and management of the library’s collection.  It ensures that the library remains a dynamicand valuable resource for the community, fostering intellectual freedom, diversity,and lifelong learning.

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