Approved by the Board of Trustees
On 12/12/94
Revised 7/16/02

Part I. Objectives in Selection 1

Part II. Factors of Selection 1

Part III. Types of Materials 3

Part IV. Types of Collections 4

Part V. Student Use 5

Part VI. InterLibrary Loan 6

Part VII. Gifts 6

Part VIII. Individual’s Right to Comment on Library Materials 7

Part IX. Copyright 7

Appendix I. Library Bill of Rights 8

Appendix II. Free Access to Libraries for Minors 9

Appendix III. Freedom to View Statement 11

Appendix IV. Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials 12

Appendix V. RCLS InterLibrary Loan Worksheet for Photocopies & Warning Concerning Copyright 13

Part I. OBJECTIVES IN SELECTION

The Albert Wisner Public Library attempts to provide a comprehensive, well-balanced collection of general materials to meet the needs of the community. Library materials are provided to:

· facilitate informal education and encourage life-long learning

· meet information and recreational needs

The provision of materials means more than occasional availability; it means a supply sufficient to make the library a dependable source for most of the people most of the time. In addition to books, the library also selects and provides non-book sources of knowledge and opinion.

Part II. FACTORS OF SELECTION

A. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION

The Director, operating within Board policies, is responsible for the selection of books and other library materials and for the weeding of worn and out-dated materials. Responsibility for selection and maintenance of collection areas is delegated by the Director to the professional staff of the Library. Annually, the Director and the professional staff review the Materials Budget of the Library and designate funds into selection areas for the growth, maintenance or replacement needs of the collection. The budget is allocated in a manner to meet, as far as possible, the needs of the community served.

B. CIRCULATION CRITERIA

Materials are purchased both for circulation and the non-circulating reference area. Materials may be placed in the non-circulating area because: they are necessary to support the research needs of the community, their high cost, currency or extreme high demand. Every attempt is made to place the most current edition of a reference book in the Reference area within the confines of the materials budget. Some of the older editions may be then moved into the circulating collection.

C. SELECTION CRITERIA

Materials are chosen on a selective basis to improve the quality and representation of the collection. Selection decisions are based on:

1. Accuracy of information

2. Authoritativeness

3. Readability

4. Social significance

5. Availability of funds

6. Favorable reviews in critical library and other library review publications

Other methods of evaluation may either supplement or be substituted for favorable reviews including an examination of the book itself.

Materials may be purchased because of their popularity and the great interest they have aroused despite the fact that they might not meet the usual standards of literary quality. Whenever possible, duplicate copies of popular works will be purchased. Duplication of titles is contingent upon budget and space considerations.

Abridged and condensed works are not purchased except when the abridgments are accepted literary works or in audiovisual format.

Periodic checks shall be made of library holdings against standard library lists. This will assure the possession of important and significant works and proper balance in the collection.

D. FORMATS PURCHASED

The Library maintains collections of books and non-print materials. These include Videos, DVD’s, Book and Cassette kits, Compact Discs, Multimedia Kits, and Microforms. These formats are selected using the same criteria as for other library materials. The audiovisual materials may be purchased in the abridged format reflecting demand of the community.

E. CONTROVERSIAL WORKS

Serious works presenting an honest aspect of some problems of life are not excluded because of frankness or coarse language. The Albert Wisner Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and follows the principles of the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements (see Appendix).

Books relating to countries, races, nationalities and religious groups are carefully selected. Those which reflect any seriously discriminating attitudes are not purchased. Books which are recognized as Classics and are of considerable literary merit are retained even though they may contain a word or phrase that is unacceptable by today’s standards.

The Library will provide works representing different points of view, thus allowing patrons to make up their own minds about serious and important questions. Books will not be excluded because of the race, nationality, political or religious views of the author. Such a policy is in the American tradition of freedom of speech and press. Censorship of books urged or practiced by volunteer arbiters of morals or political opinions will not be accepted.

Part III: Types of Materials

A. PRINT MATERIALS

1. Books

a. Nonfiction

The Nonfiction collection is directed to those who must use the public library as their primary resource for materials. The Library will provide the most useful and basic materials in subjects of established or realistically anticipated demand. General treatment of a subject area will be usually preferred unless there is an identified need for specific treatment of a subject.

b. Fiction

The Albert Wisner Public Library recognizes the importance of Fiction as a source of personal enrichment and growth. Every effort will be made to obtain titles of popular works in multiple copies to meet the public demand. In the event that space and budget limit this, the InterLibrary Loan process will be used to obtain additional copies of titles.

2. Newspapers and Periodicals

Current periodicals are used for source material not found in books and are intended for Reference use and recreational reading. Current issues of periodicals are kept as reference materials; when the newest issue of a periodical is received by the Library, the older edition becomes available for circulation. The Library keeps periodicals for a period of two years.

Access to periodical articles by subject is made through the Public Access computers housed in the Reference area of the Library. The Public Access computers contain databases which list articles by subject and contain some articles in their full-text format. The Library does not subscribe to all the periodicals listed in the databases but does have many articles listed there available on Microfilm. The Microform machine has printing capability for the patron’s use. The Library charges $.10 for each page printed on the Microform machine.

The Albert Wisner Public Library maintains subscriptions to newspapers of local as well as national scope. Local newspapers are kept for a period of three months and then are discarded with the exception of the New York Times, the Warwick Dispatch, and the Warwick Valley Advertiser, which are maintained in the Library in microfilm format.

3. Vertical File

The Vertical File includes pamphlets, clippings, maps, brochures and other materials that are of current or local interest. Placement in the Vertical File is dependent on format and arrangement is by subject. Local groups which would like to have their materials included in the Vertical File for the public use, should contact the Reference Librarian to request such a service.

B. NONPRINT MATERIALS

1. Microforms

The Albert Wisner Public Library has a collection of Microforms, which includes microfilm and microfiche. The New York Times and the Warwick Valley Advertiser are available on microfilm. The Library has a large collection of periodical articles indexed in the Public Access computers available on microfilm. Other reference materials are available on microfiche also. The Microform machine has printing capabilities for the patron’s convenience. A fee of $.10 is assessed for each page printed.

2. MultiMedia Kits

The Albert Wisner Library has MultiMedia Kits in both the Adult and the Children’s areas of the Library. MultiMedia Kits consist of books and cassette tapes, books and records, maps and tapes and/or audiocassettes alone.

3. Compact Discs

This is the newest nonbook format to be added to the Library’s collection. Both music and spoken recordings will be purchased; the emphasis will be on Classic recordings.

4. Videos/DVD’S

Video recordings are added in VHS and DVD format. Every effort will be made to purchase recordings when they are made available to the general public. As with material in other formats, when budgetary and space constraints limit the size of this collection, Inter Library Loan will be used to obtain titles of interest to our users.

These recordings are for home use only and protected by copyright. Any other use, including public performance, in whole or in part, is prohibited by law.

Part IV: Types of Collections

The collection of materials in the Library is divided into four collection areas: Children’s, Young Adult, Adult and Reference. Patrons are guided to materials which are best suited to their needs; however, no patron is restricted to any particular collection because of age. Patrons are encouraged to view and use all collections as their needs and interests require. The use of materials by all patrons is an individual or family responsibility. It is the policy of the Library not to act in loco parentis in keeping with the principles of equal access to information and materials for all customers. Therefore, the Library will not restrict any patron including children from access to any type or class of material nor from any information in the Library.

Part V: Student Use

Use of the Library by students of all ages is encouraged. The Albert Wisner Public Library makes every effort to work closely with the schools and teachers in our service area.

Teachers are encouraged to make use of the “Assignment Alert Form” which is provided for them annually at the beginning of the school year. The “Assignment Alert” allows the teacher to notify the Library, in advance, of upcoming assignments which will be given. When the Library receives an “Assignment Alert” from a teacher, librarians will:

· gather books from the library’s collections to meet the needs of the assignment and place them on Temporary Reference or

· other libraries will be contacted in an effort to gather materials to support the assignment or

· librarians will request materials through the InterLibrary Loan process for individual students

Teachers are encouraged to visit the Library to determine the scope of our collections so that assignments can be given with full knowledge of the resources available in the community. Teachers are also encouraged to visit the Library to choose titles which most closely fulfill the needs of the assignment.

In the event that a student should use the Library and fail to find the materials necessary for the completion of an assignment, the librarian will provide him with a letter which verifies his effort and clarifies for the teacher the problem with the location of materials.

The Albert Wisner Public Library supports the schools’ use of Summer Reading Lists for students. Each Spring, the Library contacts schools in an effort to obtain the current Summer Reading Lists. The Library makes every attempt to maintain a sufficient number of copies of the titles on the lists to meet the student demand. However, budget constraints limit the number of copies that can be purchased and students are encouraged to place titles on Reserve in the library so that they can be held for them upon return of the titles to the Library. It is important that students make every attempt to locate Summer Reading materials early enough so that the Library’s Reserve system can be used.

Part VI. InterLibrary Loan

The Albert Wisner Public Library belongs to a network of libraries from the Ramapo Catskill Library System, the MidHudson Library System and the SouthEastern Library System. These library systems form the network from which materials are requested through the InterLibrary Loan process. In addition to these public library systems, some area public schools and Universities may also be used as a source of InterLibrary loan materials.

The InterLibrary Loan process may take from two to eight weeks to complete depending upon the location of and the availability of the requested materials. Materials which are not available in the local loan area may be searched for through the nationwide OCLC system. It is possible that the patron may be assessed a fee for this service. This fee is determined at the RCLS headquarters and is assessed only after approval is given by the patron.

The InterLibrary Loan process is not intended as a substitute for developing an adequate collection; rather it is provided to give the patron access to specialized or technical materials not readily available in the public library.

Part VII. Gifts

Gifts to the Library are appreciated. Money for the purchase of materials will be accepted only with the understanding that the Albert Wisner Public Library exercises the final responsibility for deciding which titles will be purchased. However, the librarian will consult with the donor to ensure that the selections, as far as possible, are mutually satisfactory.

Gifts to the Library are accepted with the understanding that they will be evaluated according to the Library’s Collection Development Policy. The librarian will make the decision to add the donated materials to the Library’s collection, placed for sale in the Library’s sale racks or discarded. The Library does not appraise books for income tax purposes but will provide the donor with a note that acknowledges the receipt of the materials.

A special gift plate may be placed in gift materials indicating the name of the donor or the name of the person in whose honor the book was given.

Part VIII. Individual’s Right to Comment on Library Materials

The public library has the responsibility to meet the informational and recreational reading needs of all the members of the community. The Albert Wisner Public Library recognizes that the views and beliefs of its patrons are individual and worthy. If a patron finds it necessary to request reconsideration of the placement of materials in the Library’s collection, he should request a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form (see Appendix) from any staff member of the Library. The form should be completed in its entirety and signed. No forms will be accepted by the Library without a signature.

The Director will review the request and may designate a staff member to review the material and find other professional opinions in regard to the materials. The Director will then reply in writing to the complainant. If the Director’s decision is not satisfactory, the patron may then appeal to the Library Board of Trustees.

Part IX. Copyright

It is the patron’s responsibility to ensure that he uses all library materials in accordance with current federal and state copyright laws. Patrons may be required to sign a statement which acknowledges his awareness of copyright restrictions (see Appendix).

APPENDIX I

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 18, 1948

Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967 and January 23, 1980

by the ALA Council of the American Library Association.

APPENDIX II

FREE ACCESS TO LIBRARIES FOR MINORS

Library policies and procedures which effectively deny minors equal access to all library resources available to other users violate the Library Bill of Rights. The American Library Association opposes all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users.

Article 5 of the Library Bill of Rights states, "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views." The "right to use a library" includes free access to and unrestricted use of all services, materials and facilities the library has to offer. Every restriction on access to and use of library resources, based solely on the chronological age, education level or legal emancipation of users violates article 5.

Libraries are charged with the mission of developing resources to meet the diverse information needs and interests of the communities they serve. Services, materials and facilities which fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of library resources. The needs and interests of each library user and resources appropriate to meet those needs and interests must be determined on an individual basis. Librarians cannot predict what resources will best fulfill the needs and interests of any individual based on a single criterion such as chronological age, level of education or legal emancipation.

The selection and development of library resources should not be diluted because of minors having the same access to library resources as adult users. Institutional self-censorship diminishes the credibility of the library in the community and restricts access for all library users.

Librarians and governing bodies should not resort to age restrictions on access to library resources in an effort to avoid actual or anticipated objections from parents or anyone else. The mission, goals and objectives of libraries do not authorize librarians or governing bodies to assume, abrogate or overrule the rights and responsibilities of parents or legal guardians. Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents -- and only parents -- have the right and responsibility to restrict the access of their children -- and only their children -- to library resources. Parents or legal guardians who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials or facilities should so advise their children. Librarians and governing bodies cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between the parent and the child. Librarians and governing bodies have a public

and professional obligation to provide equal access to all library resources for all library users.

Librarians have a professional commitment to ensure that all members of the community they serve have free and equal access to the entire range of library resources regardless of content, approach, format or amount of detail. This principle of library service applies equally to all users, minors as well as adults. Librarians and governing bodies must uphold this principle in order to provide adequate and effective service to minors.

Adopted by the ALA June 30, 1972

Amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991 by the ALA Council

APPENDIX III

FREEDOM TO VIEW STATEMENT

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 or 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 guarantee 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 film, video and other audiovisual materials on the basis of 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.

APPENDIX IV

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

The Albert Wisner Public Library serves people from all walks of life with a variety of viewpoints and tastes and we welcome your comments. Before completing this form, you may find it informative and helpful to read the following summary of the Library’s policy on library materials:

The Albert Wisner Public Library’s professional staff chooses books and other materials to meet the informational, educational and recreational reading needs of the citizens of the community. The staff is guided by the Collection Development Policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Library. The Trustees and staff support the belief that the right to read and the right to free access to library collections for persons of all ages are essential to the individual’s freedom of thought which is fundamental to democracy. The Trustees have also adopted the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement and the Freedom to View Statement which represent the Library’s interpretation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In practice, this means that the Library will resist efforts to remove or censor materials.

If you would like copies of the Collection Development Policy, the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements, please ask a librarian.

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All forms must be signed. No form will be reviewed without a signature or which is submitted anonymously. Your comments will receive a written reply from the Director.

Date submitted

____________________________ _________________________________________

Your name Address

________________ ________________________________________

Telephone # Your signature

________________________________________________________________

Title of book (or other material) and author’s name

___________________________________________________________________

Please comment on the material as a whole. Be specific about those matters which concern you and feel free to suggest other materials on the subject for our consideration. (Use other side if needed.):

APPENDIX V

RCLS InterLibrary Loan Worksheet for Photocopies

and

Warning Concerning Copyright