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The purpose of the Highland Park Public Library Materials Selection Policy is to advise the Library staff and to inform the public regarding the principles which guide the purchase of Library materials.
The Highland Park Public Library collects materials in a variety of print, audiovisual, and electronic formats which are of permanent value, of contemporary significance, or of special interest to the community. Materials of acknowledged cultural importance, such as major works of literature, are included in the basic collection. The Library's collection includes materials which meet the community's needs for information about a wide range of topics, including materials which may be viewed as controversial by some members of the community. Materials of recreational and entertainment value are also included in the collection.In addition, the Library provides access to electronic networks which supply information to augment that found in its own collection.
In adding materials which will enrich the collection and maintain its over-all balance, the Library is guided by a sense of responsibility to both the present and the future. Criteria for selection include such factors as literary merit, accuracy of the information contained, artistic and technical quality, presentation of a viewpoint, timeliness, value to the existing collection, cost, and format. Only materials which are viewed as of interest to the community will be considered.In the selection process, the Library will consider reviews and other evaluations contained in professional and major national and regional periodicals and refer to standard bibliographies.Where relevant, it will also consider the reputation of the publisher and distributor.
Materials shall not be excluded because of race, nationality, or political or religious beliefs of an author or contributor to a work, nor shall materials be proscribed or removed from the collection because of doctrinal or partisan disapproval.Selections shall not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the entire collection and its value in serving the needs and interests of the community.
The Library does not restrict the use of any portion of its collection based on the age of a user.Decisions relating to a child's choice of materials, for example, are solely the responsibility of the child's family, and will not be enforced by the Library.
Final responsibility for selection rests with the Executive Director and the professional staff of the Library. The Executive Director may delegate authority to interpret and guide the application of policy to members of the Library staff in the making of day-to-day selections.
Adopted November 14, 1995
Reviewed, September 12, 2006
Copyright 2001, (written, graphic and pictorial material) Highland Park Public Library, Highland Park, Illinois. Permission for reproduction of any material included on this website must be obtained from the Library.
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