260 MATERIALS SELECTION I. Purpose The Naperville Public Library collects and distributes print and nonprint materials as well as electronic resources that educate, enrich, entertain, and inform. The Library provides a general collection of reliable materials that embraces broad areas of knowledge and interest, including both basic works of permanent value and timely materials on current issues. The selection of library materials and electronic resources is based on the Library’s budget and the needs of the residents. The Library seeks to maintain a balanced materials collection reflecting different viewpoints on a variety of subjects. Materials are selected on the basis of the content and quality of the work as a whole, not on isolated passages. The Library seeks to maintain the democratic principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements (See Appendix I). II. Scope The Board of Library Trustees shall establish, and regularly review, a written policy for the selection of library materials and online resources and the use of library materials and facilities. No employee may be disciplined or dismissed for the selection of library materials when the selection is made in good faith and in accordance with the written policy required to be established pursuant to this section. (75 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/4-7.2) III. Selection Factors A. General Selection Factors 1. Adherence to the Library Bill of Rights 2. The needs of the individual and the community 3. The specific merits of each work 4. The existing collection, budget, and services of the Library 5. The availability of materials from reciprocal borrowing, interlibrary loan, and other sources Criteria for specific types of materials are detailed below. The ordering of criteria within a list does not imply a ranking of importance. B. Format The Library collects materials in a variety of formats. As new formats become available and viable, any work formerly collected in one format may be supplemented or replaced by a different format for the benefit of patrons and the Library. C. Quantity The Library may purchase multiple copies of titles based on popularity and community demand. D. Foreign Language Materials The Library will collect materials in languages other than English, materials which provide instruction in English to non-English speakers, and materials which provide instruction in other languages based on patron demand and availability. E. Rare Items Rare items, or those requiring special curatorial or conservation services, are not collected. F. Research The Library strives to meet the general reference needs of residents, but is not an academic research facility and does not collect materials to support academic research. G. Funding Allocation of funds for materials purchased is based on community needs and use. Funding may be reallocated to a specific area because of age, appearance, condition, or to support Library services. H. Donations, Gifts, and Endowments See Policy 205 - Donations IV. Responsibilities for Materials Selection A. Executive Director The final responsibility for the selection of materials rests with the Executive Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility is shared in its execution by the Deputy Director. B. Staff Members The Collection Development Librarian and Adult, Teen, and Children’s Librarians select library materials based on their knowledge of the community’s needs and the scope of the collection. It is the responsibility of the Deputy Director, Technical Services Manager, and the Collection Development Librarian to see that collections are developed appropriately. C. Statement of Concern about Library Materials 1. Citizen concerns about a title will be referred to the appropriate Public Services supervisor. The Public Services Supervisor will discuss the issue with the Technical Services Manager and the Collection Development Librarian for resolution. The appropriate Public Services supervisor or the Collection Development Librarian will communicate the resolution to the citizen. 2. If the response given by the Public Services supervisor or Collection Development Librarian is not satisfactory to the citizen, referral will be made to the appropriate Library Manager, Deputy Director or and Executive Director to for review and response. 3. Citizens not satisfied with the response from the Executive Director, and wishing a review by the Library Board, will be given the "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form. (Appendix II). The completed form will be given to the Board President who will place the request on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and notify the requesting party of the meeting date. The Board will then review the request and respond to it. V. Selection of Materials for Adults A. General Objectives 1. Children a. Materials are selected to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs and interests of children from birth through fifth grade. b. Titles in the children’s collection may duplicate titles in the teen collection when appropriate. 2. Teens a. Materials for teens are selected specifically to serve users from the 6th through 12th grades. b. Major emphasis in teen services is placed on the need for educational and recreational materials to assist in the transition from the children’s to the adult collection. c. Major objectives of the teen collection include fostering the development of critical reading, viewing, and listening and increasing knowledge and enjoyment of various media. d. Titles in the teen collection may duplicate titles in the children's or the adult collections when appropriate. 3. Adults a. Materials in the adult collections are selected primarily for users eighteen years of age and over. The adult and teen nonfiction collections are combined to offer access to the widest possible range of factual information. B. Criteria for Selection of Print and Nonprint Materials 1. Suitability for age level 2. Appeal 3. Opinions of professional reviewers 4. Reputation/qualifications of author/producer/performer/publisher 5. Literary or artistic merit (awards received, historic importance) 6. Style of writing or performance 7. Relation to existing collection 8. Physical suitability for library use 9. Price 10. Additional or special features, including illustrations, indexes, bibliographies, or multimedia content 11. Date of publication 12. Availability 13. Patron suggestions C. Parent Teacher Collection A special collection about child development, parenting, early literacy, and classroom activities is maintained in the Children's Departments for parents and teachers. The materials are chosen in accordance with the objectives and criteria for selection of adult materials and/or children's materials. VI. Selection of Other Print Materials The same objectives and criteria as noted above apply to other print material. The following format considerations apply. A. Magazines Magazines are purchased to help keep the materials collection up-to-date on current issues. Magazines are used by the public for reference, information, and general reading, and by the library staff for selection and professional development. Criteria governing selection include community interests, accuracy, objectivity, accessibility through indexes, online availability, reference needs, representative points of view, entertainment value, price, and space requirements. B. Newspapers Newspapers are acquired to meet the general information needs of the community. C. Government Documents Government documents are collected on a selective basis and generally limited to: 1. City of Naperville. 2. DuPage and Will Counties. 3. State of Illinois. 4. U.S. Government. 5. United Nations. 6. Townships within the City of Naperville. 7. School districts and other governmental bodies operating within the service area of the Library. D. Large Type Large type print materials are purchased for readers unable to read standard type and are selected in accordance with the criteria for the selection of adult, teen, or children's materials, as appropriate. E. Music Print music is purchased in bound volumes only; loose sheet music is not collected. VII. Selection of Electronic Resources A. The same objectives and criteria as noted above apply to electronic materials. These materials may include subscription databases, downloadable formats, devices, and new technologies. Additional selection criteria include: (this section will be renumbered upon approval by the Board) 1. Ease of use. 2. Remote access 3. Hardware compatibility. 4. Manufacturer's support. 5. Operational features. 6. Update frequency. 7. Copyright and licensing agreements. 8. The extent to which an electronic resource replaces, supplements or extends other formats. VIII. Selection of Reference Resources A. The reference resources are comprised of non-circulating materials, both print and nonprint. B. Criteria for selection include the following, as well as all previous selection criteria for print, nonprint, and electronic materials. 1. Presentation and arrangement of information 2. Adequate indexing 3. Clear and accurate illustrations, charts and graphs 4. Selection preference is given to the format most practical for reference use IX. Selection of Materials for Special Collections A. The local history collection focuses on materials pertaining to Naperville’s history. Artifacts or original materials are not collected. The Library is unable to accept or provide storage for materials requiring conservation or preservation treatments. Acceptance of materials will be subject to review by the Collection Development Librarian and Public Services staff. Local history organizations may assist in an advisory capacity. Gift agreement documents, transferring total ownership and copyright, must be signed by donors. See also the Donation Policy – Policy 205. B. Local history and genealogy often overlap. The responsibility of the Library to provide information and resources for Naperville's history will normally take precedence. The genealogical research collection is developed for the nonprofessional researcher and contains works aimed to instruct individuals in the process of performing genealogical research. No attempt is made to compete with or duplicate existing collections which are reasonably accessible to patrons. C. Professional Collection Materials are purchased for use by the staff for professional growth and development. D. Other Materials Other materials may be collected to meet the needs of special programs or populations as authorized by the Library Board or Executive Director. Unless specific criteria are provided, these materials will be purchased in accordance with criteria established for similar collections in other areas. X. General Policy Statement on Collection Maintenance All materials are periodically evaluated by staff to ensure that they are in good condition, do not contain obsolete or misleading information, and are still useful to the public. This process is an integral part of collection management. Items may be weeded (withdrawn), retained, transferred, updated, rebound, reclassified, or duplicated as justified by need. A. Weeding Criteria In general, the same criteria for the selection of materials apply to weeding. Materials that fall into the following categories may be withdrawn: 1. Outdated or inaccurate information. 2. Superseded editions or formats. 3. Items that are worn, soiled, aged, badly marked, or in disrepair. 4. Seldom used titles. 5. Multiple copies that are no longer circulating. 6. Space considerations. APPENDIX I SUBJECT: THE LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. 1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. 2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. 3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. 4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. 5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. 6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Adopted: June 19, 1939 by the ALA Council Amended: October 14, 1944 by the ALA Council Amended: June 18, 1948 by the ALA Council Amended: February 2, 1961 by the ALA Council Amended: June 27, 1967 by the ALA Council Amended: January 23, 1980 by the ALA Council Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996 by the ALA Council SUBJECT: FREEDOM TO READ The Propositions 1. It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it. 2. Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated. Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning. They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought. The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper. 3. It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say. 4. There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression. To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life. Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differs, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised which will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others. 5. It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous. The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them. 6. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people's freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information. It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society, individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concepts of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is not freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship. 7. It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one. The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said. Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support. We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours. Adopted June 25, 1953. revised January 28, 1972, January 16, 1991, July 12, 2000, June 30, 2004 by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee. SUBJECT: FREEDOM TO VIEW The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore, these principles are affirmed: 1. To provide the broadest possible access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means for the communication of ideas. Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. 2. To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual materials. 3. To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and expression. Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content. 4. To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging a film, video, or other audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker or on the basis of controversial content. 5. To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view. This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989. Endorsed by the ALA Council January 10, 1990 APPENDIX II NAPERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Title __________________________________________________ Call #:________________ Print _____________ Nonprint _____________ Please Specify ________________________ Author/Artist __________________________________________________________________ Publisher ________________________________________ Copyright date ________________ Your name __________________________________________ Phone ____________________ Email Address_________________________________________________________ Are you familiar with Naperville Public Library’s Selection Policy (Policy 260)?___________ If not, the Policy Manual is available at all service desks and on our website (http://www.naperville-lib.org). Did you read/hear/view the entire work? ___________________________________________ What is your specific objection? (Please cite examples.) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Why should this item be reconsidered? Please be specific. _____________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Please list any reviews you have heard or read. ______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Do you officially represent a group? Please name it. __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Additional comments? ___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Your signature ________________________________________ Date ____________________ Director's signature ____________________________________ Date ____________________ NAPERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Policy No. 260 MATERIALS SELECTION (COLLECTION MANAGEMENT) 10 ___________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 Approved: 1/8/86; Approved: 9/20/89; Approved: 9/18/91; 9/1/93; Approved: 9/21/94; Approved: 4/1/98; Approved: 4/5/00; Approved: 4/3/02; Approved: 6/2/04; Approved (Section 267 only): 10/19/05; Approved: 6/21/06; Approved: 08/20/08; Approved: 12/15/10; Approved: 12/19/12.