Welland Public Library Collection Guidelines Policy Date of Last Revision: November 17, 2008 Children s Collection Guidelines Materials in the Children s Collection are selected using the Criteria for Materials Selection as outlined in the Materials Selection Policy. The aim of selection of material for children is to provide a well-balanced collection that will meet the informational, recreational and cultural needs of children from infancy to grade 8. Materials are selected to meet the needs of varying ranges of age and reading ability. The Main Library provides resources for the Northwest Branch collection. When possible, and subject to availability, the library will purchase materials written by Canadians and materials about Canada. The library does not buy textbooks specifically related to courses of study in the community. However, textbooks may be purchased if the subject information is not available in any other form. The Welland Public Library does, however, serve the school population with supplementary reading, non-fiction and reference materials. Children s books are selected in both English and French. Monitoring of the child s reading and use of the library is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Children s Fiction Children s fiction titles provide for a wide range of interests and abilities, and include board books, easy-to-read books, picture books, audio books, read-along books and fiction books for older children. The collection includes children s classics and books in series. Well-written books of imaginative fiction and those which authentically portray a period, incident, or a way of life are selected despite the occasional use of questionable words or illustrations, provided the total impact of the book meet guidelines set out in the Collection Management Policies. Mass market paperbacks and trade size paperbacks will be selected due to the popularity of the format. Easy-to-read, board books and picture books are chosen on the basis of exceptionally good illustrations, author s reputation, quality of story content, and durability and quality of binding and size of type. Children s Non-fiction Non-fiction titles are selected for accurate, informative and up-to-date information in a wide range of reading levels and interests. Non-fiction titles will be selected which satisfy children s natural curiosity about their environment, and develop children s awareness of the world around them. Books are chosen in all the ranges of the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Books on sex and reproduction written for children are selected and shelved on open shelves in their appropriate location. Reviews and booklists are used for the basis of material selection.
Children s Reference A collection of general and specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and atlases will be selected. Both Canadian and international sources are included in the collection. The reference materials will be updated on a regular basis using a 3 to 5 year replacement guide. The reference collection is not a duplicate of the circulating collection; however, some materials in the reference collection will also be in the circulating collection due to the nature of the materials. The reference collection is for in-library use only. Children s Magazines Magazines will be selected on the basis of quality, potential audience, and appeal. The collection will reflect the same range of interests and reading level as the book collection. Children s Non Print Collection Non print materials are selected using the same selection criteria as for selection in the general collection. Young Adult Collection Guidelines A collection of materials specifically selected for young adults from grade 7 to 12 to ease the transition from children s to adult literature will be selected. Based on the same selection criteria as adult fiction, non fiction and non print materials; the young adult fiction collection is designed to appeal to the changing reading levels and interests of young people. As paperback is the book format of choice for this age group, it will be preferred over hardcover where appropriate. Young adult materials will be selected in both English and French. The importance of adolescence as a growing phase is recognized, and as such, materials dealing with awareness of self, hero-worship, conformity, sex, concern with the future, and evaluation of beliefs will be selected. Adult Collection Guidelines Materials in the Adult Collection are selected using the Criteria for Selection as outlined in the Materials Selection Policy. The aim of selection is to provide a well-balanced collection that will meet the informational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. The Main Library provides resources for the Northwest Branch collection and the Outreach Service. When possible, and subject to availability, the library will purchase materials written by Canadians and materials about Canada. The Library does not buy textbooks specifically related to courses of study in the community. However, textbooks may be purchased if the subject information is not available in any other form. Adult materials are selected in both English and French. Adult Fiction The Library recognizes the need to accommodate the varying tastes, interests, purposes and reading skills of library users. Preferences will be given to fiction that contributes to the balance P 2
of the collection with regards to types and styles of literature, subject content, genre, and patron appeal. Acknowledged classics in literature will be included. Materials will be purchased in both hardcover and paperback format, in both English and French, and in the large print format. Adult Non Fiction Materials will be selected at the general adult level to meet the objectives of the Library. Nonfiction titles are selected for accurate, informative and up-to-date information. Non-fiction material is selected for all ranges of the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Books will be purchased in both trade size paperback and hardcover formats depending on budget restraints, availability and potential use. Depending on demand, and subject to availability, some non-fiction materials will be purchased in the large print format. Adult Reference A collection of general and specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, handbooks, gazetteers and maps, bibliographies, yearbooks and directories will be selected. Government documents, periodicals and newspapers, and non-print materials including microfilm, microfiche, and electronic on-line materials form a part of the reference collection. An increasing number of important reference resources and periodicals will only be available through the electronic format, and the collection will develop to reflect this. Reference materials will be updated on a regular basis using a 1 to 5 year replacement guide. The reference collection is not a duplicate copy collection of circulating materials. Some materials in the reference collection will also be in the circulating collection due to the nature of the materials. The Reference collection is for in-library use. Government Documents The library is a selective depository for the federal and provincial governments (Canada and Ontario). The library s information staff seeks to provide the community with access to current government policies, information and legislation. Material is selected regularly from the checklists issued by the Depository Services Programmes. Selection and retention of the materials follow the guidelines established by the various government departments. Materials collected include: Legal materials - Statutes, Regulations, Bills Parliamentary papers(hansard) including debates of the House of Commons, Senate and Legislature of Ontario, Statistics - Statistic Canada Publications Efforts are made to collect City of Welland municipal documents and Regional Municipality of Niagara government publications, as they are made available. The Library s website provides access to local, provincial and federal on-line resources. P 3
Magazines and Newspapers A wide variety of magazines for all ages and reading levels will be provided. Newspapers will be acquired to provide current news coverage from the local to international levels. All back issues of the Tribune are purchased on microfilm and form part of the collection. The local newspaper provides a source for local history information. The magazine and newspaper collection will supplement the reference collection by providing current resources. The magazine and newspaper collection is enhanced by on-line databases. Electronic Resources The library will acquire subscriptions to electronic resources that will supplement and enhance the print collections held by the Welland Public Library. Subscriptions will be based on the following criteria: The product must support the collections of the library and provide coverage in underrepresented or high demand subject areas to meet the needs of the library users. The product must be cost effective with emphasis on products purchased through consortia of libraries. The reputation of the vendor and the reliability of the technical support available will be a consideration. The product must be user friendly and provide remote access. The technology must be compatible with existing library hardware and IP configuration. Statistical reporting functions must exist. Local History The Library maintains a collection of materials focusing on the history of Welland and communities forming part of the original Welland County, including Pelham, Port Colborne and Wainfleet. Extensive histories of the surrounding municipalities of Niagara Falls, Niagara-onthe-Lake, St. Catharines, and Lincoln County will not form part of the collection. The staff will endeavor to maintain a comprehensive collection of historical works about Welland and the immediate area. The materials will be collected from earliest times to the present time, on an ongoing basis. Since the Welland Canal is integral to the history of the community, an effort will be made to collect information on the operation, history, construction and economic impact of the Canal. The library has developed and maintains an online database on the history of the Welland Canal, the industrial history of the City of Welland and the ethnic composition of the community. Materials about the Niagara Peninsula may also be acquired if they impact on Welland. Materials collected will contribute to the social, civic, religious, economic, cultural and ethnic life of the community. The collection consists of monographs, pamphlets, newsletters, clippings for the vertical file, maps, photographs, slides, microfilm, census material relating to Welland and Welland County, video and any other format which contains information about Welland. Original research undertaken by students, local historians, and family researchers will be acquired whenever possible. Works by local authors, although not about Welland or Welland County, will be collected. P 4
A genealogical collection will form part of the collection and will include bibliographies, directories, handbooks and indexes to guide the researcher. Provincial references sources, such as guides to the Public Archives, will be included. The collection of the Société Franco-Ontarienne is housed in the library and accessible to the public. The Société is solely responsible for the development and maintenance of this collection. Multilingual Materials Materials in languages other than English and French will be provided through the Library s membership in the Southern Ontario Multilingual Pool (SOMP). The collection will consist of print materials, and non print materials based on the selection guidelines established by the SOMP. Languages provided will reflect the language profile for the City of Welland as reflected in current Census data. The collection will include a mixture of fiction, non-fiction and juvenile materials, when available. Literacy Collection. The literacy collection is a small collection developed to support literacy training.and includes life skill books, fiction and non-fiction books, sample work books and teachers guides. Non Print Materials The provision of information in various formats is recognized as part of the library s role to provide information to meet the informational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. The formats include video, compact disc, DVD, and language learning materials. When possible, the materials will be purchased from Canadian distributors and will be purchased in both English and French. Videos and DVDs often receive conflicting ratings from different rating sources. The Canadian Home Video Ratings Information and the American Voluntary Rating System will be used as guidelines when purchasing video/dvd materials. Materials with a Canadian rating of 18A and above or an R rating and above in the American system will not be purchased. Canadian Home VideoRatings used : G Suitable for viewing by all ages PG Parental guidance as some material may not be suitable for all children 14A Suitable for people 14 or older. Those under 14 should view with an adult. No loans to those under 14. 18A Suitable for people 18 years or older. No purchase of these films. R Restricted to 18 years or older. No purchase of these films. E Contains material not suitable to classification, e.g. documentaries, nature, travel music, arts and culture, sports and leisure, educational and instructional information. American Voluntary Rating System: G General audience, suitable for all ages PG Parental Guidance as some material may not be suitable for children. P 5
PG13 Parents are cautioned that material should be viewed with an adult. No loans to children under 13. R Restricted to 17 years and older. No purchase of these videos. Spoken Word Collection The spoken word collection is accessible to all library users and consists of both abridged and unabridged editions. The format will reflect the current trend in production and distribution methods. The collection includes popular fiction and general interest non-fiction. Recorded Music An effort will be made to include award winners such as Juno, Canadian Country Music Awards, East Coast Music Awards, Canadian Grammy winners, and Parent s Choice awards. Type of music collected include: Blues and Jazz Country, new country and country and western Popular Rock - rock and roll from all eras and new releases Rap and dance Broadway shows and soundtracks Seasonal - holiday music Classical - operas, sets, recitals, hymns, baroque World music - folk songs, national songs, ethnic Sound effects Children s performers Video Recordings and DVDs Entertainment and informational videos and DVDs will be selected for adults and children. Children s films will include both live action and animated videos. The library will select videos for entertainment including film classics, award winning feature films, international cinema, and nonfiction videos and DVDs in all ranges of the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Both public performance and home use videos and DVDs will be selected. Electronic Games The Library will purchase electronic games in various formats including PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system will be used as a guideline when purchasing electronic games. Electronic games with an ESRB rating of M (mature) will not be purchased. ESRB Rating system: EC (early childhood) E (everyone) suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate. suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. E10+ (10 and older) suitable for ages 10 and older. May contain more cartoon, fanstasy, or more violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes. T (teen) M (mature) suitable for ages 13 and older. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humour, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language. suitable for ages 17 and older. May contain intense P 6
RP (rating pending) violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language. titles have been submitted to ESRB and are awaiting final rating. P 7