I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to guide the staff/director in the selection and withdrawal of materials as well as to inform the public about the principles upon which selection judgments are made.

II. Definition
“Selection" refers to the decision that must be made either to add materials to the collection or to retain materials already in the collection. “Withdrawal” refers to permanently removing an item from the collection.

III. Objectives
The goal of the policy is to provide a well-balanced and broad collection of materials for all age groups, diverse types of material based on demand of the citizens, and materials for the education and recreation of the community.

IV.   Responsibility
The responsibility for selection and withdrawal rests with the library director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the library board.

V. General Principles

A. Basic to this policy is the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the American Library Association. The Library Bill of Rights affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:

1. Books and other resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people within the district. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.
2. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information.
3. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
4. A persons’ right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, views, or disabilities.
5. Public meeting rooms should be available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

B. Responsibility of the reading habits of children rests with the child's parent(s) or legal guardians. Selection should not be inhibited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children.

C. Selection of material of a sexual nature should be made on the basis of whether a book presents life in its true proportions, whether characters and situations are realistically presented, and whether the book has literary value.

VI. Specific Principles

A. The following principles will be used to aid the selection process:

• Accuracy and impartiality
• Attention of critics, reviewers, and the public
• Subject matter
• Cost
• Currency of information
• Encouragement of the joy of reading
• Local importance and/or historical value
• Physical durability and quality of the format
• Reputation of the author or publisher
• Quality of organization, readability, and style
• Uniqueness or special features.

B. Non-book purchases: Non-book materials will be governed by the same principles and criteria applied to book purchases, including all media, realia, and electronic sources.

C. Gifts: The library accepts gifts that will be added to the collection if they meet the same standards as those required of purchased materials. (see Gift Policy)

D. Requests: All requests and suggestions will be considered using the selection principles described in this policy.

E. Textbooks: Providing textbooks and curriculum material is generally held to be the responsibility of the schools. Textbooks should be purchased for the collection when they supply the best or only information on a specific subject.

F. Withdrawal of Material

1. Weeding is selection in reverse and enhances the reputation and reliability of the collection. Discarding or weeding of materials is the best and most economical utilization of space.

2. Materials may be withdrawn on the basis of the following:

• Condition - worn, damaged, or soiled items
• Currency - materials containing obsolete or inaccurate information
• Demand - items no longer used.

VII. Objection to Material

A. In all instances the library defends the principles of the Freedom to Read Act and the use of library materials. No materials are judged on the basis of the author's race, nationality, or political, social, or religious beliefs. Materials are judged as entire works, not on isolated passages or sections.

B. Customers may request reconsideration of a book previously selected by use of the "Request for Reconsideration" form. The library director will review the request, add the request to upcoming Board meeting, and notify the customer of the outcome of the consideration.

Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Requested by: ________________________________________ Date: ______________

Address: ____________________________________________ Zip: _______________

Telephone: _____________________________________

Representing: Self ______ or an Organization _______

Name of organization representing: _____________________________________

Item to be reconsidered:

Author: __________________________________________________

Title: ____________________________________________________

How was the item brought to your attention? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Do you know what the literary critics & reviewers think of this item? Yes ____ No _____

Have you read/viewed/listened to the entire item? Yes ____ No _____

What, in your opinion, is the theme of the item: _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What is your objection to the item? (please cite pages) ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

In what section is the item housed? Adult _____ Teen _____ Juvenile _____

What do you feel might be the result of reading/viewing/listening to the item? ___________

________________________________________________________________________

What are your recommendations for the item? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Signature of requestor _____________________________________________________

Name of staff member receiving completed form:

__________________________________________ Date _________________________

Thank you for your interest in the library's collection. Although careful consideration is given all materials before purchase, we are always willing to re-evaluate them. You will be notified of the outcome of this reconsideration.