Collection Development Policy Library Mission Statements Provide resources to read, enjoy, and participate in the world. Protection of the Public Interest The Board of Library Trustees fully endorses the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements of the American Library Association. Copies of these documents are available on-line and upon request at the public service desks. Necessity and Procedure for Selection The Collection Development Policy provides the framework within which collection development and material selection operate in a way consistent with the needs of our unique and diverse community. Authority and responsibility for library material selection is delegated by the Board of Library Trustees to the Director, who delegates responsibility to staff who are qualified for this activity by education, training, and experience. Collection Development staff have responsibility for resource selection in a manner consistent with the library s mission and Strategic Plan. This Policy also provides guidelines for the allocation of funds to various areas of the collection; informs patrons, staff, and the Library Board about the scope of the collection and plan for its development; and provides a basis for estimating the planned expenditures over a several year period. Since a wide spectrum of opinions should be represented in public libraries, no group or individual will be permitted to impose a partisan bias upon the library s collection. Each item will be judged in its entirety on its own merit. Recommendations for purchase made by patrons shall be evaluated using the selection criteria. For many subject areas, hardcover books are preferred, particularly where they are expected to maintain their usefulness over a long period of time or receive heavy use. The library attempts to provide a diversified and balanced collection of print and nonprint materials, and access to electronic resources that satisfy current trends and lifelong learning needs. I. Collections A. Fiction and Nonfiction Fiction and non-fiction are purchased at a wide variety of reading levels and interests.
B. Reference Reference materials are purchased on the basis of professional judgment in the most appropriate format. These materials do not circulate, but a variety of online reference sources are available, some of which can be accessed outside the library by any Indian Trails Public Library District cardholder with internet access. C. Newspapers and Periodicals The library subscribes to major Chicago-area local and major national newspapers. The library holds a large and varied collection of periodicals available in print, microform, digital, or electronic formats. Microprint copies of some titles supplement the periodical collection. D. Audio-Visual Materials The library purchases audio-visual materials in various appropriate formats and on a wide variety of subjects. E. Electronic Resources The library subscribes to electronic resources, which are made available on the library s website within the library; many of which are available remotely to Indian Trails Public Library District card holders. F. Downloadable Media The library purchases downloadable media in various appropriate formats and on a wide variety of subjects. II. Withdrawls and Discards Indian Trails is not a library of historical record. Materials are regularly removed due to low circulation, datedness, physical condition, space limitations, lack of demand, or if they do not meet the library s vision, mission, or strategic plan. III. Gifts and Donations Gifts and donations of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that they may be used or disposed of as the library sees fit. New titles, duplicate copies, and replacements may be added to the collection if they are in good condition and meet the selection criteria. Gifts of materials made to the library but not accepted for the collection may be given to the Friends of the Library, Children s Advocates, or the Foundation for the Indian Trails Public Library District for sale or disposal as the group sees fit. Donors may request receipts at the time of donation. The library does not provide evaluation of gifts for tax deduction or other purposes. 2
Gifts to the library may consist of materials, equipment, or funds for the purchase of materials. Funds may be given for acquiring materials recommended by the library staff or for the purchase of items that meet the library s selection criteria. The Library encourages gifts not earmarked for specific items to permit the most flexible use of the donation for the enrichment of the collection. IV. Fund Allocation The library s materials expenditures will meet, or exceed, Illinois State Standards for Public Library materials in accordance with the library s strategic planning priorities. V. Selection Criteria A. Present and potential relevance to community needs B. Accuracy of content C. Suitability of subject, style, and format for the intended audience D. Relation to the existing collection and other materials on the subject E. Relevance to current or historical significance F. Attention given by critics, reviewers, and/or other materials selection aids G. Quality of design and illustrations H. Reputation and/or significance of author, illustrator, publisher, and/or producer I. Importance as a document of the times J. Physical limitations of library facilities K. Price and availability L. Relevance of format and compatibility with technological advances M. Suitability of physical format for library use N. Number and nature of requests from the public O. Materials that fit in with the library s strategic plan and service priorities VI. Request for the Reconsideration of Library Materials Any district resident has the right to question the inclusion or exclusion of any item in this library s collection. A Reconsideration Request Form is available at the end of this document and at the Member Service Desks. Forms must be completed by the patron and submitted to the Director. A. The Director and two professional librarians will review the patron s request and evaluate the material using published reviews and the library s selection criteria. The committee s decision will result in maintaining the current status, changing the location, or removing the item in question. B. Until such a review occurs and decision reached, no change or restriction shall take place. 3
The Director will notify the patron who submitted the Reconsideration Request of the decision. If the individual is not satisfied with the decision, a written appeal may be submitted to the Board of Library Trustees. The Board will prepare, or cause to be prepared, a written decision based on its findings. The decision of the Board is final. Adopted January 21, 1998 Revised March 15, 2000 Revised December 2002 Revised July 21, 2004 Revised October 17, 2006 Revised November 19, 2008 Revised March 21, 2012 4
Indian Trails Library District Recommendation Review Form 1. Author 2. Title 3. Publisher 4. Call Number 5. Web address (if applicable) 6. How was the item brought to your attention? 7. Did you read, view, listen to, or play the entire work? Yes No 8. What is your objection to the item? Please be specific, cite pages, track, scene, etc.: 9. What, in your opinion, is the theme of the item? 5
10. Have you read any reviews of this item? Yes No Please cite source, date, and page: 11. What do you feel might be the result of reading, viewing, listening to, or playing this item? 12. For what age group do you feel this item is appropriate? 13. What material would you recommend as a replacement that would convey a valuable picture and balanced perspective of the subject treated? 6
14. What would you like the library to do about this item? Print/Type Name: Signature: Organization or group represented, if applicable: Phone Number: Date: Address: Town/State/Zip: E-mail address: Return form to: David Seleb, Director Indian Trails Library District 355 Schoenbeck Rd. Wheeling, IL 60090 Revised 2004 Reviewed 2006 Revised 2008 Revised 2012 7