I. Policy Statement
A. Library Objectives
The Chili Public Library exists to serve Chili
residents of all ages, abilities and interests. In order to serve all residents the
library selects, preserves, and makes available books and related educational,
recreational, and informational materials.
The library is a place where diverse ideas may be
encountered to stimulate the free exchange of ideas. As the community changes, the library
endeavors to keep abreast of the changes and provides programs and services to meet new
needs. The library strives to promote increased interest in reading and the opportunity
for all users to educate themselves.
B. Selection Objectives
The Chili Public Library aims to achieve its
stated objectives through a carefully selected collection of materials in a variety of
formats, chosen for values of interest, information and recreation. The library strives to
reflect the diverse backgrounds and interests of the community within limits of budget and
space. The library attempts to provide a balanced representation of many viewpoints
without promoting any particular beliefs or views. Selection is influenced by both
expressed and anticipated need. Selection of materials is determined by usefulness and is
not limited by format.
II. Selection of Materials
A. Collections
Reference: The collection emphasizes informational
materials in print, non-print, and electronic format to support the general research needs
of the community. A wide range of general reference resources is included as supplementary
sources for formal and informal education.
Local History: The library maintains as
comprehensive a collection of materials related to Chili history as space and funding
allow.
Adult: The general adult collection reflects the
diversity of reading/viewing/listening interests of the community including popular
fiction, general nonfiction, and media. Purchases are made in response to popular demand
and to provide a balanced, up-to-date collection within budget restraints.
(This paragraph amended on 7/25/00)
Young Adult: The objective of the collection is to
provide print and non-print materials for teenagers, generally of middle and high school
age. Materials include those for recreation, general information and formal research
purposes.
Juvenile: The juvenile collection provides the
best materials available within reasonable budget limitations for all the community’s
children from infancy to grade six, and their parents and caregivers. To serve this age
range, materials in a wide variety of reading levels and formats are maintained. This
collection serves both the informational and recreational needs of children. Chili school
curriculum is supported with supplementary materials to enhance the students’
learning experiences while leaving the main responsibility for curriculum support to the
schools.
B. Criteria for Selection
Selection policy is guided by the first
amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Library Bill of Rights, the American
Library Association guidelines on Freedom to Read, and the Access to
Electronic Information, Services, and Networks.
Material considered for purchase will be
selected on the basis of:
Quality
The literary and educational merit, recency of
information, accuracy, effectiveness of presentation, and comparison with other published
materials on the same subject are considered, as seen in review media or by examination by
a librarian. Judgement is based on the material as a whole, and not on the presence of
individual words, phrases or episodes alone.
Balance
All sides of an issue will be represented within
budget limitations and availability of materials. No materials will be excluded because of
the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
Demand
Expressed interest by the community will be
considered in selection decisions. The library will resist efforts to unduly influence
additions or removals from the collection or to deny access to materials to others in the
community. No attempt is made to supply school textbooks, but a book will not be rejected
simply because it is a textbook. When space and budget permit, the library will acquire
materials which appear on school reading lists. Co-operation between local schools and the
library will be encouraged.
Suitability for Age Level
Selection criteria for children, young adult, and
adult materials differ, and support the statements and goals in the "Definition of
Collections" section of this policy.
Quality, Durability and Appropriateness of
Physical Construction
C. Responsibility for Selection
The ultimate responsibility for selection of
materials rests with the Library Board of Trustees. That responsibility is delegated by
the Board to the Director of the Library and the other librarians on the staff.