Materials Selection/Collection Development Policy

The purpose of the Cambridge Memorial Library is to provide all individuals in the community with selected books and other materials to aid in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time.

Because of budget and space, the Library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs.

The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.  The ultimate responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the Library Director who follows the guidelines of the policies determined by the Cambridge Memorial Library Board.  The main points considered in the selection are:

  1. Individual merit of each item
  2. Popular appeal, demand
  3. Suitability, balance, and variety of material
  4. Existing library holdings
  5. Budget

Because of space the Library cannot provide all materials that are requested, so inter-library loan is used to obtain from other libraries those materials that we cannot, either because of space or budget.

The Library accepts gifts of books and other materials with the understanding that they will be added to the collection only if it meets the above criteria.  If they are not needed because of duplication, condition or dated information the Director may dispose of them as he or she sees fit and within the State of Iowa Library Guidelines.

Memorial gifts, money, and books are accepted with suitable bookplates placed in the book.

Specific memorial books can be ordered for the Library on request of a patron if the request meets the criteria established by the Board.  Book selection will be made by the Director if no specific book is requested.  The Cambridge Memorial Library encourages and appreciates gifts and donations.

An up-to-date collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process.  The ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Library Director and is authorized by the Board and following the State Library guidelines.  Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

The Cambridge Memorial Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.  Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in the policy.  Responsibility for the reading of the children rests with the parents or legal guardians.  Selection of library materials will not be changed by the possibility that the materials may come into the possession of children.  Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft.

Including materials in the library's collection does not constitute endorsement of their contents.  The library recognizes that any given item may offend some patrons but will not remove specific titles solely because individuals or groups find them objectionable.

Those wishing to make a formal complaint about a particular item may do so by completing the form "Request For Reconsideration of Library Materials." The director will consider the request and respond to the complaint.  If the complainant wishes to appeal the Director's decision, he/she may do so by asking for an appeal to the Library Board of Trustees.

Updated 3/13/2018

Updated 12/11/ 2023

Updated 2/12/2024

 

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.

II.  Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be prescribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III.  Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV.  Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI.  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 benefits or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII.  All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use.  Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people's privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

 

Adopted June 19m 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14. 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.

Inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Althought the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principals that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principals to specific library practices. See the documents designiated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights (http;//www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations).