Collection Development Policy

Selection of Library Materials 

• Responsibility for Selection  
  The Library’s professional staff are responsible for the selection of all library materials. Oversight and direction are provided by Library Administration, and the process is subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.  

• Criteria Used for Selection 
  General criteria used for the selection of materials in all formats include popular demand, the accuracy of the information, the timeliness of the material, the reputation and authority of the author and publisher, relevance to the communities we serve, critical reception, the importance of the subject matter to the collection, quality, availability, and cost.  
   
  In applying these criteria, selectors consult recommendations and lists produced by our vendors as well as a wide range of reviews and professional literature. The Library’s collections reflect the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements. Selectors strive to provide a diversity and balance of viewpoints without prejudging materials on the basis of the moral, religious or political beliefs of the creator or publisher, or on the basis of controversial content.   
   
  Special consideration will be given to materials that are produced by local authors or explore local history, and those that are specifically requested by our patrons. However, the Library will still apply the above selection criteria to these materials and will only select materials that are of value to the collections and the community.  
   

Donations 
 
Donations of materials are accepted with the understanding that they are subject to the same criteria as purchased materials and that the Library reserves the right to utilize them accordingly. Donated materials may be added to the collections, sold by the Friends of the Library to fund our public programs, given to other libraries,  or discarded. 
 
Donated items will be formally acknowledged with a receipt if requested at the time of the donation. The Library does not estimate the value of gift donations for income tax considerations. The responsibility for this process lies with the donor. 
 

Collection Maintenance and Weeding  
 
Since all libraries have a finite space to operate within, physical limits are imposed on the size of materials collections.  These limits are maintained by a definite rate of acquisition (as determined by our annual collections budget) and a similar rate of discarding.  Librarians selectively add to and weed from a core materials collection.  
 
When evaluating print materials, collection maintenance usually involves the continual care of materials, including accurate and efficient shelving (and re-shelving), shelf-reading, shifting, and cleaning. All materials are considered for weeding based on accuracy, currency, and relevancy. Space limitations, availability of newer editions, format, physical condition, number of copies, and circulation history are considered when evaluating physical materials. 
 
Weeded items which appear to be of interest to the public and are in good condition will be sold by the Friends of the Broome County Public Library. Some discarded reference items may be given to area libraries in the 4CLS or SCRLC system, local colleges, or Broome County governmental departments. When weeding, librarians may decide to reorder or replace materials to retain a balanced and relevant collection. 
 

Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials 
 
BCPL is committed to providing access to a wide range of materials that reflect diverse viewpoints, interests, and experiences. The inclusion of any item in the Library’s collection does not constitute an endorsement of its content. This policy outlines the process for reviewing formal challenges to library materials.  

A reconsideration of a Library resource must be based on the failure of that resource to fall within the Library's collection development policy. Only patrons with a valid BCPL library card may issue a request for reconsideration.  

• Patrons wishing to request a reconsideration must complete a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form (Form 2010-4-A) in full. Anonymous or incomplete submissions will not be considered. This form can be found at [website link] or a printed copy can be made available at the BCPL circulation desk.    

• The completed form will be forwarded to the Library Director. The Library Director (or designee) will review the original reasons for the purchase and if they meet the criteria laid out in the library’s Collection Development Policy. The Library Director (or designee) will issue a response within 30 days of receipt of the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials.  

• If the concern has not be fully addressed, the patron may request the Library Director form a Review Committee consisting of: 

  • Two librarians not involved in the initial selection 

  • Two members of the Library Board 

  • One representative from the Four County Library System 

• The committee will: 

  • Review the material in its entirety 

  • Consider the item’s merits, context, and alignment with the Library’s mission and Collection Development Policy 

• The Committee will meet and issue a written decision within 60 days of receipt of the completed Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form. The decision may be to retain the item, relocate it, remove it, or balance with other materials. A two-thirds majority vote is required for removal or relocation. 

• If the patron wishes to appeal the Committee’s decision, they may appeal the decision to the President of the Library Board within 15 days of the Committee’s written response. The Library Director will brief the board on the Request for Reconsideration and the steps taken to this point. The Library Board will consider the appeal at its next scheduled meeting and issue a final decision. 

• Limitations 

  • An item that has been reviewed and retained cannot be challenged again for a period of five years. 

  • No more than three active challenges per year will be accepted from any single individual.
     

References and Supporting Documents 
Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association, written in 1939 and revised/reaffirmed in 2019 
Freedom to Read Statement, American Library Association, written in 1953 and revised/reaffirmed in 2004 
Freedom to View Statement, American Library Association, written in 1979 and revised/reaffirmed in 1990 
Request for the Consideration of Library Materials, BCPL, attached