Mission & Policies
Collection Development Policy
4.1 The Library's Mission in Relation to Collections
The mission statement adopted by the Library Board states: The Downers Grove Public Library will provide collections,
services, and programs that meet the community's desire
for information, literature and entertainment.
The Library Board of Trustees charges staff with the responsibility
for selecting library materials. Under the general supervision
of the Library Director, staff in the public service departments
select materials and maintain collections. Any library
materials selected within the general guidelines or intent
of this policy are held to be approved by the Library Board.
4.2 The Position of the Library Board of Trustees Concerning
Development and Use of Collections
Library materials, including books, audio visual and
computer media, are the record of humanity's history,
knowledge,
and ideas; they are one of the greatest instruments for
freedom and knowledge. It is in the public interest that
libraries make available the widest diversity of views
and expressions. Freedom is not achieved if it is accorded
only to accepted and inoffensive materials. The freedom
to read is essential to our democracy. The Board of Trustees of the library, recognizing the
pluralistic nature of this community and the varied backgrounds
and needs of all citizens declares as a matter of policy
the following:
This board believes that censorship is a purely individual
matter and declares that, while individuals are free to
reject materials for themselves, they do not have the right
to restrict another person's freedom to read.
It is the responsibility of parents to monitor and supervise
their own children's choice of library materials. When
requested, the staff will suggest materials for any patron.
Staff suggestions, however, are not necessarily the ones
parents would make. What one parent might readily approve
for his or her child, another might not. Parents who are
concerned about the content of library materials must assume
individual responsibility to restrict or deny access to
particular materials or subjects for their children only.
The Library Board of Trustees supports and adopts the
following statements of the fundamental principals of librarianship:
- The Library Bill of Rights
- The Freedom to Read Statement
- The Freedom to View Statement
4.3 Request for Reconsideration of Materials
Any person who challenges the presence of material in
this library must follow the Patron Grievance Policy
as defined
in Section 7.4.
4.4. General Considerations in Selection of Materials
4.4.1
General Philosophy and Criteria
The Downers Grove Public Library staff selects material
to fulfill the goals of the Library's Strategic Plan
related to collections:
- Meet the community's desire for literature,
popular titles, and information on current topics and
issues of high interest
with appropriate collections in a variety of formats,
services, and programs.
- Meet the community's need for information and
answers to questions on a broad array of topics related
to work, school, and personal life with appropriate collections
in a variety of formats, services, and programs.
- Develop a life-long love of reading, the arts,
and library use through collections, services, and programs
for children, teens and adults that will stimulate their
imaginations, meet their interests, and encourage them
to read for pleasure.
- Provide a wide range of electronic services
and resources through an up-to-date technical infrastructure.
One of the features unique to a public library is that
the patron is able to find materials with diverse points
of view and ideas which would not necessarily be found
in the mass media. The public library is an institution
whose nature reflects all parts of the society it serves.
This means that the library staff must actively seek to
know the interests of library patrons in order to meet
their expectations that the library will provide materials
for residents with varying interests, tastes, needs, and
reading abilities.
The library embodies the democratic ideals of freedom
to read and access to information. As such, it has the
duty to provide access to a variety of opinions, both popular
and unpopular. Inclusion of a title in the collection does
not imply endorsement of the ideas presented in the material,
nor does the absence of a title from the collection imply
disapproval.
Materials for the children's collection are selected to
meet the recreational and informational needs and interests
of children, from infancy through eighth grade, and their
care-givers. A wide range of materials is necessary to
ensure meeting the breadth of children's interests, abilities,
backgrounds and maturity levels. Children's materials may
contain controversial elements such as frank language and
discussions of sexual matters and value issues. Library
materials that deal with experiences, problems, and attitudes
suitable for one age group of children may not necessarily
be suitable for another age group. The age level, interests,
and experiences of each item's intended audience
is considered when selecting and placing books in the various
children's collections.
The adult collections serve both the general user and
the student. It is the library's intent to provide materials
from a wide range of subject interests. The library staff
selects materials of both popular interest and of lasting
value.
4.4.2 Selection Criteria
Materials are selected for inclusion in the library in
a variety of ways. Library staff consider reviews and prepublication
announcements in professional journals, trade publications,
and the popular press. In addition, library users make
requests for the purchase of specific titles or material
in particular subject areas.
To fulfill the general selection philosophy the library
staff applies specific criteria to the selection of materials;
however, no single criterion is absolute. The decision
to purchase or not to purchase a title is based on the
staff's judgment of the relevance of one or more of the
following criteria to the title under consideration. This
judgment is based on the library staff's knowledge of the
community and the existing collection, as well as their
practical experience filling library users' requests for
material and information.
Regardless of selection criteria, the Library recognizes
its obligation to abide by Illinois Criminal Statutes and
so will not purchase or retain in the collection material
found to be obscene or harmful to minors by an Illinois
court of law.
The selection criteria staff use include:
- Authenticity of information
- Authority of author
- Currency of material
- Curriculum support
- Diversity of subjects, ideas, and opinions
- Literary quality
- Local interest
- Physical features and format
- Popularity
- Price and availability
- Readability and style
These criteria are described below:
-
Authenticity of Information
Works of factual interpretations are considered for their
reliance on documentation and background sources, clear
and logical presentation of the information and synthesis
of opinion and fact. Facts are interpreted from many
different perspectives, and interpretations of many viewpoints,
from
minority as well as majority perspectives, are selected
for the collection.
-
Authority of Author
Materials may be purchased based on an author's reputation
as an expert or specialist in a particular subject
area or genre or as an acknowledged representative of
a particular
point of view.
-
Currency of Material
The age of the material is considered in certain subject
areas in which information quickly becomes dated.
-
Curriculum Support
The public library provides materials to supplement various
courses of instruction from elementary through the
high school grades. Staff work to develop strong collections
in school-oriented subjects such as history, science,
geography, and literature. Materials in high demand
are
often duplicated, but the public library does not assume
the schools' responsibility to provide materials for
each student for class assignments.
-
Diversity of subjects, ideas, or opinions
The community is made up of individuals who hold a variety
of viewpoints, opinions, and interests. Material is selected
to represent the diversity of views on both contemporary
and historical issues. Materials are also selected to
represent the broad spectrum of human thought and creativity.
-
Literary Quality
The library buys fiction and nonfiction titles of exceptional
literary quality, those that are critically acclaimed
in reviews or that win awards. Materials are also selected
if reviews indicate they are expected to have lasting
value or if they are the translation of works by noteworthy
foreign authors.
-
Local Interest
Materials by Illinois authors or about subjects related
to the Midwest, Illinois, Chicago, or Downers Grove are
usually purchased.
-
Physical features and format
Materials may be considered or eliminated from purchase
due to their format or physical features. Material that
will not stand up to heavy use may not be selected.
-
Popularity
Library staff selects materials based on popular
demand for authors, titles, subjects, or formats.
Demand for
the material may be the result of patrons' personal
interest or need for information.
-
Price and availability
The cost of an item is evaluated in relation to its contribution
to the collection as a whole. Publishing trends vary,
and therefore the availability of a particular title
or of material on a particular subject is not always
assured. Titles are considered in light of current availability
in the marketplace.
-
Readability and Style
Some materials may be chosen because the format or style
provides a clear explanation and enhances understanding
of their subject.
In addition to the general criteria described above, selection
criteria for specific sub-sections of the library's
collections are detailed in an appendix to this policy.
These criteria are formally reviewed along with the Collection
Development Policy by the Library Board of Trustees and
approved for use by library staff.
4.4.3 Response to Public Interest
Many library materials are selected in response to public
demand. Each year, some titles generate great interest
in the community and many requests for these titles are
made at the library. The library buys such high-demand
titles, even though some of the materials may have short-term
value in the collection. The library tries to anticipate
the demand for popular materials by monitoring standard
indicators such as the New York Times Book Review "Best
Sellers" list, Billboard music charts, announcements
of literary and music awards, etc. Such material is generally
acquired immediately, if it is not already in the collection,
in order to meet the community's expectation that the
library will provide current, popular materials.
Sometimes heavy demand is focused not on a specific title,
but rather on a type of book, such as paperback romances
or series fiction. The library purchases those items as
the budget plan allows in order to meet demand.
The library strives to expedite patron reserves by purchasing
multiple copies of materials in high demand. Rental copies
may be purchased to offer readers an alternative to waiting
in the reserve queue; however when reserve queues continue
to increase, additional circulating copies of the book
may be purchased as well.
Materials may also be purchased in response to a request
by an individual. When a patron requests that the library
purchase a particular title, or material in a particular
subject, staff uses the selection criteria to evaluate
the material under consideration. If staff determine that
the material requested would be of use or interest to other
library patrons, or that it fills gaps in our subject collections,
the material may be purchased.
4.5 Collection Maintenance
Library staff reviews the collection according to each
department's collection development schedule. All
material in the collection is evaluated for retention,
repair, replacement, or withdrawal from the collection
according to the same guidelines used for selection. Appendix I
Selection Criteria for Specific Library Collections
Sub-sections of the collection are listed in alphabetical
order.
Abridgements
In order to preserve the original integrity of the text
as well as the author's intent, print abridgements are
rarely considered for inclusion. Abridgements or reworking
of a plot or character by the original author, or abridgements
of classic works intended for children may be considered.
The collection of audio books does include both complete
and abridged versions.
Blind & Physically Handicapped Talking Book
Service
Talking book service to patrons with disabilities is provided
by the State Library through a system of regional offices.
The library will provide referral to the appropriate
location.
Computer Software Installed on Library Computers
The library purchases software for in-library use by patrons.
These include word processing, database management, spreadsheet
and presentation software for personal use, and educational
and recreational software for children. In addition to
the library's selection criteria, ease of use and the
ability of staff to support the software are selection
factors. The library does not install on library computers
personal and/or business programs that require input
and storage of personal information on the computer.
Computer Software for Home Use
The library purchases a variety of educational and recreational
software programs for patrons to use at home. The circulating
collection does not include applications, such as word-processing
or spreadsheets that are intended for permanent installation
on a computer.
Titles selected for children include education and entertainment
software. Software is selected in the PC format; however
many programs includes the program in Macintosh format,
as well.
The adult collection emphasizes software for self-instruction
and recreation and focuses on subjects such as learning
languages, computer software instruction, test preparation,
how-to and games. While the PC format is most often purchased,
software is also purchased in the Macintosh format in the
most popular subject areas.
Foreign Language Materials
The library collects a variety of basic foreign language
instructional materials for children and adults. Recreational
reading materials for children are collected. The library
will also provide access or referral to foreign language
materials for adults and children in the collections
of other libraries.
Genealogy
The library purchases a variety of general guides to help
patrons learn how to trace their ancestry. Genealogies
of specific families are considered only if the family
is of local interest. Staff will provide referral to
other libraries and agencies for specific genealogy questions
that are beyond the scope of the collection.
Internet Sites
The library provides links to Internet sites on the library's
web site and computerized resources workstations. Addresses
to web sites may also be provided in our publications
and program flyers. The library staff selects web sites
that enhance the resources and materials found in the
library and assist the library in meeting its mission
of providing reference and popular materials for patrons.
The sites are selected according to the library's selection
criteria with particular emphasis placed on sites that
are easily used and that answer frequently asked questions.
Some may be selected because of current popular interest.
The library recognizes that some web pages may contain
links to other sites. Web pages are selected for the
information they provide, without regard to the links
they provide to other sites.
Literacy Materials
Books, audio and video are selected for adults who are
reading at or below a sixth grade level. Titles useful
for tutors are also included.
Local Government Documents
The library maintains a collection of current documents
provided by various Downers Grove and DuPage County governmental
bodies, including departments of the Village of Downers
Grove, the Downers Grove Park District, and the Downers
Grove School Districts.
Local History
The library maintains a local history collection and attempts
to acquire all sources available on Downers Grove and
DuPage County history.
Parents' Collection
The Children's Services Department selects materials of
particular interest to parents and other adults who work
with children. The Parents' Shelf is a representative
and current collection of materials dealing with child
development, child management, childhood education, and
children's literature. The purpose of the collection
is to offer parents and other adults exposure to the
literature of child study, which is covered in greater
depth in the adult non-fiction collection.
Periodicals
The library subscribes to general periodicals covering
a wide range of subject areas. The length of time that
periodical titles are kept is based upon reference value
and space considerations.
Puzzles
Simple puzzles that develop reading readiness skills in
preschoolers are selected according to the following
criteria:
- Durability and quality
- Number of pieces. (The maximum number of pieces
for library puzzles is 25.)
- Physical dimensions
- Price
Read-Along Kits
The library selects read-along kits, which consist of sound
recordings and books for beginning readers. The unique
criterion for selection is that the recordings follow
the text word for word.
Reference Materials
The library maintains collections of non-circulating materials
on a wide range of subjects. Materials selected for the
reference collection are those that are frequently used
to answer patron's questions or that have unique reference
value. The library also provides access to electronic
reference sources. Electronic resources are selected
according to the same criteria used to evaluate print
materials.
Teen Collection
The library purchases popular fiction, non-fiction and
magazines with particular appeal to patrons in grades
7 – 12. Because of the overlap of reading and interest
levels served and because of reviewers' varying opinions
of intended audience, titles in the adult or children's
collections may be duplicated in the Teen Collection.
The Bridge Collection contains titles from the adult
collection that also appeal to teens.
Textbooks and Workbooks
While materials purchased for the general collection support
the local educational system, the library does not generally
purchase specific texts required for specific courses.
However, textbooks and study guides may be included in
the collection for their informational value. In spite
of their consumable nature, workbooks may be purchased
if they are the only format available on a topic. Some
local school districts provide the library with a non-circulating
collection of current textbooks.
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Appendix II
Criteria for Discarding and Replacing Materials
Discarded Materials
The Downers Grove Public Library cannot be a permanent
depository of all materials that have been acquired.
Just as care is taken in selecting materials to add to
the collection, so must attention be directed toward
withdrawing materials which have outlived their usefulness.
Factors that are considered in discarding materials include:
- Deteriorated appearance
- Inaccurate or dated information
- Lack of use
- Unneeded duplication of titles or subjects once
in heavy demand
Materials that are withdrawn from the collection may be
requested by other local tax-supported agencies that will
use them for the public good. Downers Grove public school
districts are given first priority and other public libraries
are given second priority for requesting materials. Materials
that are not requested by other tax-supported agencies
are offered for sale to the public on the library premises
at a nominal cost.
B. Replacements
Consideration is given to the cost of repairing a book
versus replacement of the title with a new volume. Only
items of on-going value to the collection are replaced.
Appendix III
Gifts
The library owes its beginning to public spirited citizens
who gave generously of their time and means so that others
might share the wealth in books. Although today the community
at large provides the primary support through taxes, private
philanthropy and initiative still play important roles
in building library resources and in extending, enriching
and improving the service of the library. Therefore, gifts,
memorials, and bequests are not only welcome and appreciated
but are encouraged by the Library Board of Trustees (Library
Board). Gifts that are unrestricted in their use are particularly
sought by the Library Board, because these gifts can be
used to address the highest priorities of the library or
to fund needed materials and equipment for which funds
are not otherwise available.
Types of donations
A monetary gift may be given toward purchase of library
materials. This is often done as a memorial, tribute,
bequest, or in recognition of someone. The library is
happy to accept suggestions from the donor, or the family
of the person being honored, in regards to subject areas
to focus on for purchase. In making the final selection
of materials, library staff will consider these suggestions
as well as the needs of the library and make the selection
in accordance with the library's selection policy. The
title will remain in the collection for at least three
years unless lost and no longer available for purchase.
Monetary gifts may also be given through the Garden
Walk program in which a personalized brick paver is placed in
the Garden Walk. This type of donation may also be considered
as a memorial, tribute, bequest, or in recognition of someone.
A gift of $100 entitles the giver to a 4" x 8" paver
brick with three lines of text. These donations are unrestricted
and will help fund artwork for the library as well as other
special enhancements.
Larger monetary gifts are also welcome. The Library Administration
can provide ideas for special projects, programs, equipment,
and collection needs which would benefit from private support.
Other suggestions will be considered by the Library Board
in relation to the library's mission and policies.
Donations of books and other materials, and art objects,
or other types of personal property, may also be accepted
following the guidelines listed below:
- Donated materials such as books, magazines, and audiovisual
items become the sole property of the library and are
accepted without obligation as to the final disposition.
Materials
that staff consider being damaged or unsuitable for
circulation or sale may be declined. Donors are responsible
for transporting
materials to the library and large donations of materials
must be arranged in advance.
- Personal property, art objects, portraits, antiques,
and museum-quality objects are considered for acceptance
on a case by case by the Library Board. If accepted, the
library is not able to guarantee permanent display or ownership
of an item.
- In determining whether materials or gift items are
to be added to the library, the same standards are applied
as are used in the selection of an item for purchase.
- The library will determine how best to process, handle,
shelve or display an item in accordance with library standards
and practices.
- Items that are not outright gifts to the library
are accepted only for special exhibits of limited duration.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
- All monetary gifts will be acknowledged with
a letter of appreciation.
- A monetary gift toward materials will be recognized
with a donor book plate affixed to the item(s) purchased.
- Participants in the Garden Walk program will
receive a letter of appreciation and recognition through
their
brick.
- Funding of art work or a piece of equipment valued
at $500.00 or more will be recognized with a donor plaque
engraved with the donor's name. The engraved letter
size will be one-eighth inch high, with the plaque size
relative to the amount of engraving but not less than 1.5" x
3. The engraved plaque will be placed on or near the item
as determined by the Library Board.
- Other donations of $500.00 or more will be
recognized in a special donor book displayed in the library.
- In the case of a monetary gift given in memorial,
tribute, bequest, or in recognition of someone, a letter
will be sent to the person, or to the family of the person,
being honored.
- Acknowledgment of receipt of donated items
will be made with a letter of appreciation. It is up
to the
donor to assign a monetary value to the gift for tax purposes.
- If the donated item is personal property, a
piece of equipment, art object, antique, etc. accepted
by the
Library Board, the Library Board will consider the placement
of a recognition plaque on or near the item following the
guidelines stated above.
From 4. Collection Development, revised 1/11/2006.
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