Collection Development Policy [COL 01] Date: Revised Date: SECTION: Collections Purpose of Policy This collection development policy has been created: to clearly state the policies of the Library Board, to identify responsibility for collection development and provide staff with consistent guidelines for development and maintenance of the collection, to provide a process for public input, to assist in budget allocation for materials, and to defend freedom of information and protect against censorship. Policy Framework PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION The Library Board believes that the public library is the principal source for information that is freely available to everyone. Therefore, the Brantford Public Library shall: acquire and organize educational, informational and recreational materials to promote the communication of ideas, an informed community and an improved quality of life, provide materials through which inquiring minds may discover original and sometimes controversial ideas essential to a society that depends on the free circulation of ideas for its existence, provide a progressive, user-oriented service which anticipates and responds to the educational, cultural, leisure and other information needs of the community of Brantford and the surrounding area, and acquire as quickly as possible as many formats (print, digital and audio) as needed based on availability and budget.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE MISSION, GOALS AND STRATEGIC PLAN OF THE LIBRARY The Library's mission statement is as follows: "Connecting the community to information, partnerships and place. To achieve these goals the library will: acquire and organize a well-balanced and broad collection, in various formats, representing a variety of viewpoints, provide useful, current information sources for individuals, businesses, and organizations, monitor the needs of the community by doing surveys, use studies, etc. regularly, ensure that the collection reflects the priorities in the current strategic plan, and make the collection freely available to everyone. THE LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY As a public, tax-supported institution, the Library must serve all sections of a diverse community. Materials are selected on the basis of their interest and information to all people in the community. The Library encourages comments and opinions regarding the collection from customers. Discussion and the exchange of ideas between customers and the Library help to ensure that the collection more accurately reflects and supports the needs and interests of customers. The Library welcomes suggestions for the purchase of material from customers. These suggestions shall be considered in light of the Library's selection criteria. In addition, the Library carefully monitors demand through the use of surveys and reports, including reports generated by the Library's Information System, to be innovative and timely in our response to changing needs in the community. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM The Brantford Public Library Board endorses the Statement on Intellectual Freedom of the Canadian Library Association which states: All persons in Canada have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation's Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right to intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian society. Libraries have a basic responsibility for the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom. It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some elements of society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, libraries shall acquire and make available the widest variety of materials.
It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee the right of free expression by making available all of the library's public facilities and services to all individuals and groups who need them. Libraries should resist all efforts to limit the exercise of these responsibilities while recognizing the right of criticism by individuals and groups. Both employees and employers in libraries have a duty, in addition to their institutional responsibilities, to uphold these principles. (Ratified by the Board of Directors and Council, Canadian Library Association, at the 29th Annual Conference in Winnipeg, June 1974 and amended Nov. 17, 1983 and Nov. 18, 1984.) In accordance with this statement, the library staff develops collections to represent as many viewpoints as possible within constraints of budget, space, and availability of resources. The presence of materials in the library does not constitute endorsement of their contents by the Library Board. The Library Board does not purchase, retain, or make accessible in its permanent collection, resources and materials in violation of the statutes of Canada or Ontario. GIFTS/DONATIONS The Brantford Public Library welcomes gifts/donations of books and other materials. Gifts/donations are added according to the same selection criteria as purchased materials. However, since processing and housing materials is expensive, the library reserves the right to accept or discard any materials received as gifts/donations. In addition, the library has the right to reject or discard any materials because of age or physical condition. Gifts/donations that are not added to the collection are usually put in the library book sales or forwarded to other libraries. Once received, materials are the exclusive property of the Brantford Public Library. Cash donations and bequests of money may be made to the Brantford Public Library. The donor may request that these funds be used for the development of specific collections, but the Library Board reserves the right to select materials it deems appropriate. Authority and Responsibility RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for collection development and maintenance, acting in accordance with the general policies established by the Library Board. In practice, the CEO delegates these responsibilities to members of the library
staff who are qualified by reason of education or training. Any library materials so selected are held to have been selected by the Board. The CEO may elect to bring to the attention of the Board any acquisition which in her judgment may be of concern to the Board. The presence of any book, video or other material in the library does not indicate endorsement of its contents by the Library Board. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER The library realizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some customers. While the library staff is available to assist individuals and groups to select material, the ultimate responsibility for the choice of materials lies with the customer. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN'S READING The Brantford Public Library provides access to its materials to all customers. Responsibility for children's use of library materials rests with parents and legal guardians. Collection development decisions are not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials that their parents consider inappropriate. The Library believes that individuals have the freedom to choose their own reading material and that it is the right and obligation of parents to develop, interpret, and maintain their own values in their family. PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCHOOL LIBRARY ROLES The library attempts to provide materials which complement and augment the reference, research, and leisure needs of students of all ages. The library does not duplicate the collections of school libraries. The library acquires textbook and other curriculum related material only if they may be useful to the general reader or are valuable sources of information on a particular subject. Criteria SELECTION CRITERIA Materials selected will meet high standards in quality, content, expression and format. Whether purchased or donated, materials shall be considered according to the following criteria: a) Suitability of subject and style for intended users; b) Comments of reviewers, critics and publishers; c) Strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection; d) Timeliness and accuracy of the information;
e) Reputation and authority of the author and publisher; f) Purchase price and other budgetary considerations; g) Contribution to balance of treatment of a controversial subject; h) Contemporary significance or permanent value; i) Suitability and quality of physical form, layout and construction; j) Space requirements; k) Availability of materials through other libraries in the area; l) Demand in the community. Taking the materials budget into consideration, the Library will attempt to respond to exceptionally high demand with purchase of multiple copies. An item does not have to meet all of the above criteria in order to be acceptable. Materials which do not meet these criteria may be recommended for purchase to satisfy heavy reader interest. Providing access to the history of Brantford and the surrounding area is an important function of the Library. Works by and about local authors, and materials relating to the history of Brantford and area shall be sought, subject to the selection criteria community need. SELECTION TOOLS To find material which meets the selection criteria, the Library makes use of various resources. Since it is not possible for the professional Library staff to personally read and review the large number of books published annually, certain sources are used to facilitate the selection process. Standard reviewing tools such as professional journals are the primary source for authoritative information about current material. Selections are also made from publishers' announcements of forthcoming materials. By keeping up-to-date on what is making news, the Library attempts to anticipate demand for certain subjects. Making use of circulation statistics, surveys, and customer requests help to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the collection. In certain cases, the Library may make use of experts in the community to evaluate specific sections of the collection. WEEDING Guidelines for Weeding It is necessary to weed materials systematically to maintain the currency and relevance of the collection. Outdated materials, materials no longer of interest or in demand, unneeded duplicates, and worn or damaged copies should be removed from the collection regularly. Local history materials are given special consideration because of their historical value in Brant County. Even if this material meets weeding criteria, it will not usually be discarded.
Criteria for Weeding Not all criteria need to be met nor does the meeting of the criteria automatically mean that an item should be weeded. The following criteria are considered. Frequency of circulation Timeliness Accuracy Physical condition Availability of other copies External Resources INTERLIBRARY LOAN Interlibrary loan is used to supplement service to Brantford Public Library customers. Brantford Public Library, in conjunction with the Southern Ontario Library Service, provides an interlibrary loan service by which library materials are made available from one library to another on a local, provincial and national level. By this means, the Library attempts to make available materials it does not own or which fall outside the scope of this collection policy. In return, materials from this library's collection are loaned to other libraries for use by their customers. Complaints about the Collection The Brantford Public Library is aware that some materials are controversial and may offend some customers. The Library recognizes the right of an individual or group to make a complaint about the inclusion of material in the library's collection. Customers making complaints about any material in the collection will be directed to the Supervisor in that department. If a Supervisor is not available a Librarian will obtain the necessary information on the "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form (See Appendix) and inform the appropriate Supervisor as soon as possible. The Supervisor will contact the customer in writing after carefully reviewing the complaint in relation to the Board's Collection Development Policy. If this response is not satisfactory, the customer may appeal the decision to the CEO. If the inclusion of the item in the Library collection is found by the CEO to be legitimate and justifiable based on Board policy, the policy shall be explained in writing to the complainant and no further action need be taken. In accordance with the Board's principle to be innovative and timely in our response to changing community needs, the library continues to investigate changing formats that are consistent with its goals.
Criteria for Individual Locations Brantford Public Library s current and future branches will strive to anticipate the needs of each community it serves. The types of materials collected will be based on the needs of the community, available resources, and the space available to house it at each location. Transfers between branches will be available for all patrons, and materials will be transferred in a timely manner. ST PAUL (Neighbourhood Branch) The collection at St Paul is intended to serve the leisure and recreation needs of the community. Its collection includes current and popular materials of a general nature, as well as bestsellers in both fiction and non-fiction. The St Paul collection will strive to fill specific needs and interests of the community, while allowing customers to access the more in-depth resources at the Main branch through library transfers. This collection will also include materials that support children s literacy and learning at a general level. The St Paul branch houses approximately 40,000-50,000 items, which may include special collections. The St Paul branch will collect items from the following collections: ADULT COLLECTIONS: Graphic Novels Audiobooks Playaway (floating collection) Compact Discs Fiction, Hardcover Large Print Current Newspapers Non-Fiction, Hardcover Paperbacks Current and Popular Periodicals DVDs Young Adult Fiction CHILDREN S COLLECTIONS: Audiobooks Board books (floating collection) Easy Reading Books Fiction, Hardcover Non-Fiction, Hardcover Paperbacks Picture Books
FUTURE BRANCH (Community Branch) The collection at the Future Branch will serve the leisure and recreation needs of the community, but also include materials to support literacy and learning up to a secondary school level. This collection will balance current and popular items with general knowledge materials for a more comprehensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction. This collection will also include materials that support children s literacy and learning. The Future Branch houses approximately 50,000-60,000 items, which may include special collections. The Future Branch will collect items from the following collections: Adult Collections: Audiobooks Playaway (floating collection) Compact Discs Fiction, Hardcover Large Print Current Newspapers Non-Fiction, Hardcover Paperbacks Current and Popular Periodicals DVDs Multilingual Young Adult Fiction Graphic Novels Children s Collections: Audiobooks Board Books (floating collection Easy Reading Books French Language Fiction, Hardcover Non-Fiction, Hardcover Paperbacks Picture Books
MAIN BRANCH (Central Branch) The Main branch will serve the leisure and recreation needs of the community through a more comprehensive collection of materials for reference and learning up to, and including, post secondary level. It will also collect popular and bestselling items in both fiction and non-fiction, and numerous new and changing formats. The Main branch also houses post secondary materials through partnerships with Wilfrid Laurier University, Mohawk College and Nipissing University. This collection will also include more inclusive materials that support children s literacy and learning. The Main branch houses approximately 180,000-190,000 items. The Main branch will collect items from all of the collections listed in Criteria for Individual Collections. The Main branch will also collect material for the following special collections: Local History Literacy Parenting Teen Health Criteria for Individual Collections The following statements describe the scope and purpose of individual collections and note selection criteria that particularly apply to these collections. ADULT COLLECTIONS Audiobooks The increasing importance of various media in the provision of information is recognized. Therefore, the library maintains a collection of audiobooks in CD, MP3, Playaway, and downloadable format. Both fiction and non-fiction works are collected with the emphasis on popular titles. The library purchases these formats to supplement and extend the book collection. Bestsellers The bestseller collection offers multiple copies of a variety of current, bestselling fiction and non-fiction books. Titles are selected based on reviews and popular demand. Bookclub In A Bag A book club bag consists of 10 copies of a book and, in some cases, 10 copies of a book and 10 copies of a DVD of the same title. Criteria for titles selected include titles
chosen by the library s book clubs, popular demand, and availability of paperback format. Compact Discs - Music The library provides a balanced, classic selection of quality compact discs for a wide range of music styles including vocal, orchestral, operatic, and jazz. In addition, some spoken word compact discs are purchased. CD-ROMs The increasing importance of electronic media in the provision of information is recognized. CD-ROM products are acquired to enhance the reference capability of the library. Materials that support the lending collection, such as interactive educative items and titles that support language learning for English and ESL learners, are also collected. Information-based, full-text databases or directories are preferred. DVDs The increasing importance of various media in the provision of information is recognized. The purpose of the DVD collection is to serve the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of library customers. The DVD collection complements the Library's print collection. The library also collects international films on DVD to support the languages in the book collections, but also award winning titles and classic films in their own languages. Titles with English subtitles are preferred so that all library patrons can have access to this collection. ebooks The increasing popularity of ebooks is recognized. The selection criteria for fiction and non-fiction ebooks follows the general guidelines described for hardcover fiction and non-fiction items recognizing that not all ebooks are available for purchase by public libraries. Fiction, Hardcover and Trade Paperback The adult fiction collection offers many genre fiction categories. Preference will be given to fiction that contributes to the balance of the collection with regard to: types and styles of literature, subjects treated, popular demand, reputation and/or significance of authors, and local significance of authors. Trade paperbacks will be purchased only if the title is not available in hardcover. Government Documents As a partial depository for both federal and Ontario government publications, the Main Library receives all materials dealing with legislation. This includes bills, statutes, regulations, Hansards, and gazettes. In addition, other items issued by governments at all levels are ordered in anticipation of demand. Graphic Novels Graphic novels are defined as any book published for an adult audience that tells a story through equal parts pictures and words. Graphic Novels are collected in both
hardcover and paperback formats where available. The collection contains traditional comic books in bound book format, stand-alone graphic novels (with an emphasis on Canadian authors), and manga series. Selections are made based on professional reviews, awards, sales, bestseller lists, and patron requests. Large Print The library maintains a collection of titles in large print for people who have trouble reading regular print. Literacy The library strives to assist all those in the community who are functionally or marginally illiterate. The library collects print and audio-visual materials, at various reading levels, to help support adult learners and their tutors. These materials include popular and classic novels as well as some non-fiction material and high interest, low vocabulary material. In addition, the general collection responds to the needs and interests of people at all literacy levels. Local History The usual practice of the Main Library is to acquire at least one copy of all printed material relating to Brantford and the surrounding area. The library provides access to historical information through sources such as books and newspaper clippings. The library also purchases works of local authors. Official publications of the City of Brantford and Brant County are also added, when available, to the collection. Microforms Microfilms or microfiche of heavily used and/or indexed periodicals, newspapers, and other materials are purchased for the Main Library to ensure preservation and to make the best use of storage space. Multilingual Materials The library has a small collection of French fiction hardcovers and paperbacks, with some non-fiction and classic literature as demand warrants. Titles are translations of English language bestsellers as well as popular European and Quebec authors. To provide a much greater diversity of resources, books and videos in languages other than English and French are borrowed on a regular rotating basis from the Southern Ontario Multilingual Pool (SOMP). Both demand and availability influence titles and languages offered. When funds are available, additional books and videos may be ordered for the library's permanent collection. Newspapers Ontario newspapers provide current news coverage from local to national levels and meet local history information needs. In addition, selection and retention are based on availability in indexes, price, and local demand.
Non-Fiction, Hardcover This collection provides books needed for general reading, reference, independent learning, and recreation. Paperbacks, Mass Market The purpose of the adult mass market paperback collection is to provide current imprints of both fiction and non-fiction books which supplement the hardcover book collection. Other criteria include general interest and popularity. Parenting The Parenting collection was developed and organized to provide practical books and DVD s on the parenting of children from infants through to the teenage years. The emphasis of the parenting collection is on the following topics: new born care, breastfeeding, potty training, fatherhood, nutrition, raising teenagers Periodicals A well balanced subject collection of periodicals complements and updates the book collection and supports both recreational reading and research needs. Contribution to a balanced viewpoint is also important. In addition, selection and retention are based on availability in indexes, price, and local demand. Special consideration is given to Canadian content. Teen Health In 2011, a Teen Health collection was created to compliment our changing youth programs. The collection contains current material on relevant topics of teen health and wellness, written in a non-confrontational manner. Topics include healthy eating, sexuality / sexual health, addiction, substance abuse, mental health, relationship health, financial planning, sports and recreation, and injury prevention. Video Games The library has a growing collection of video games, for popular platforms. Currently, we collect new titles for the Wii, PS3, ad Xbox 360 platforms. We do not collect material rated M. Young Adult Fiction The library selects fiction, both hardcover and paperback, written especially for the young adult audience ages 12 and up. The literary fiction is selected from reviews, sales, bestseller lists, customer requests, and notices of award winning books in this field. The majority of popular teen fiction is purchased in hardcover to fulfill demand. CHILDREN'S COLLECTIONS The public library's objective in selecting materials for children is to make available a well-balanced collection that satisfies informational, recreational and cultural needs from early childhood through sixth grade. Consideration is given to Canadian content.
Audiobooks Popular audiobooks on CD are purchased for general recreational use, with the emphasis on popular titles. The library purchases this format to supplement and extend the book collection. Compact Discs - Music The library provides a balanced selection of quality compact discs for children. Popular artists, instrumental, and spoken words are collected. CD-ROMs The increasing importance of electronic media in the provision of information is recognized. CD-ROM products are acquired to enhance the reference capability of the library. Materials that support the lending collection, and promote education, numeracy, and reading skills are collected. Titles that support the Ontario curriculum and language learning are also included. Although we have a collection, we are no longer actively adding to it. Easy Reading Books These are designed for the beginning reader. They are distinguished by large, well spaced print, short sentences, wide margins and art work integrated with the text. French Language Collection Since more children are becoming bilingual through French Immersion the Library attempts to provide a good selection of French materials. The Children's collection is developed to meet the recreational and general information needs of the children in the community who speak French. Graphic Novels Graphic novels are defined as any book published for an junior audience that tells a story through equal parts pictures and words. Graphic Novels are collected in both hardcover and paperback formats where available. The collection contains traditional comic books in bound book format, stand-alone graphic novels (with an emphasis on Canadian authors), and manga series. Selections are made based on professional reviews, awards, sales, bestseller lists, and patron requests. Hardcover Fiction The need for a balanced children s collection is recognized. Since bibliotherapy is an important aspect of children s fiction, titles concerning social, personal racial, multicultural and religious issues will be included. Materials selected will reflect different tastes, purposes, and reading skills based on the composition of the community. Materials will be purchased to satisfy popular demand and current market trends, based on the reputation of the author or material positively reviewed by professionals. Materials selected are also subject to the availability of the title, funds and space. Children s classics will be a part of the collection.
Hardcover Non-Fiction Non-fiction titles must be accurate, up-to-date and unbiased. Titles will be selected which: a) satisfy children's natural curiosity about their environment, b) develop children's awareness of the world around them, c) are suitable for a range of age and reading levels, d) emphasize Canadian content when possible, and a) compliment and supplement school curriculum. Paperbacks Selection criteria for fiction and non-fiction paperbacks follows the general guidelines described for hardcover fiction and non-fiction items. Other reasons for purchase include lower cost, lack of hardcover availability or general interest and popularity. Parent-Teacher Collection This collection contains materials important in the study of children's literature and materials to assist parents or care givers with the encouragement of reading skills. Periodicals Children's magazines are mainly for recreational reading and providing supplementary resources for projects. Picture Books Picture books are designed to be read aloud to preschoolers and primary grade children. They are distinguished by the art work, which may be integrated with or take precedence over the text. The quality of illustration and format are of equal importance to the literary quality. Picture books may also be chosen on the basis of high-quality illustrations alone. Materials will be purchased to satisfy popular demand and current market trends, based on the reputation of the author or material positively reviewed by professionals. Materials selected include titles that deal with social, personal, racial, multicultural and religious issues. Materials selected are also subject to the availability of the title, funds and space. Children s classics will be a part of the collection. Playaway Views A collection of primarily fiction and some non-fiction titles in Playaway View format, allowing children to have a story read to them while they watch the pictures on a digital screen. Criteria for Digital/Virtual collections One of the roles of the Library is to provide useful, current sources of information for individuals, businesses, and organizations. The Library recognizes the increasing importance of electronic media to provide information which may not be found within the building itself. To provide rapid and easy access to electronic resources, the Library will attempt to provide, within budget limitations, the necessary equipment, connections,
and personal assistance. We will collect this content in the most accessible formats available to the public library market. Databases/ejournals Databases serve to provide extensive research materials for the purposes of education and recreation supporting the library mission. Databases will be selected based on content, accessibility and pricing. EBooks The increasing popularity of ebooks is recognized. The selection criteria for fiction and non-fiction ebooks follows the general guidelines described for hardcover fiction and non-fiction items recognizing that not all ebooks are available for purchase by public libraries. Downloadable content The increasing importance of various media in the provision of information is recognized. The purpose of downloadable content is to serve the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of library customers. Downloadable content complements the Library's physical collection. Revisions The Brantford Public Library Collection Development Policy is reviewed annually so that it adequately reflects changes in the library's goals and users' needs. Amendments and revisions to the policy are made as needed by the Board. To achieve this, the Chief Executive Officer will monitor new developments and the implementation of this policy and bring forward issues and recommendations for Board consideration.