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:
1) Authenticity of information
2) Authority of author
3) Currency of material
4) Curriculum support
5) Diversity of subjects, ideas, and opinions
6) Literary quality
7) Local interest
8) Physical features and format
9) Popularity
10) Price and availability
11) Readability and style

These criteria are described below:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Currency of Material
The age of the material is considered in certain subject areas in which information quickly becomes dated.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) Local Interest
Materials by Illinois authors or about subjects related to the Midwest, Illinois, Chicago, or Downers Grove are usually purchased.

8) 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.

9) 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.

10) 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.

11) 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 pre-schoolers are selected according to the following criteria:
1) Durability and quality
2) Number of pieces. (The maximum number of pieces for library puzzles is 25.)
3) Physical dimensions
4) 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.

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:

1. Deteriorated appearance
2. Inaccurate or dated information
3. Lack of use
4. 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:

A) 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.

B) 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.

C) 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.

D) The library will determine how best to process, handle, shelve or display an item in accordance with library standards and practices.

E) 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.