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Franklin Public Library

Materials Selection Policy

Amended October 2022

 

PURPOSE

The Purpose of the Franklin Public Library’s Materials Selection Policy is to guide librarians and to inform the public about the principles upon which selections are made.

DEFINITIONS

Selection: refers to the decision that must be made to either add material to the collection or to retain material already in the collection.

Library Materials: means books, periodicals, newspapers, DVDs, CDs and on-line resources

OBJECTIVES

The goal of the Franklin Public Library is to:

  • Select and organize library materials and make them available to all individuals in Franklin. These materials will assist patrons in accessing relevant information, achieving educational goals, conducting research and aid in recreation and the use of leisure time.
  • To provide materials for the education and enlightenment of all in the community. We attempt to provide service and materials to all patrons.
  • Maintain a collection that represents all sides of an issue in a neutral, unbiased matter. Selection of materials by the Library does not mean endorsement of the contents or views expressed in those materials.

Responsibility for materials selection rests with the Library Director and staff.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection is based on the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests and demands of the Franklin community with assistance from a variety of review sources and the knowledge and experience of the selector.  All materials, whether purchased or donated, are considered in terms of criteria listed below.  An item need not meet all of these standards in order to be added to the collection. 

  • Published reviews
  • Author’s authority, accuracy and artistic quality
  • Current appeal and popular demand
  • Reflection of all sides of issues
  • Local Interest
  • Reputation of the publisher, producer or illustrator
  • Availability of the material or information elsewhere
  • Space and budgetary considerations
  • Authenticity of factual matter presented

GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND DONATIONS

The library reserves the right to evaluate all gifts, donations and memorial requests in accordance with the criteria applies to purchased materials.  Gifts that do not meet the library’s objectives and policies may be refused.

WEEDING OR WITHDRAWAL OF MATERIALS

The withdrawal of materials, also called weeding or deaccessioning, is an ongoing process directly related to collection development.  Materials that are worn, damaged, outdated, duplicated, no longer accurate, or no longer used may be removed from the collection.  The Library Director and staff are responsible for weeding of the collection.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their minor children, the freedom of others to read or inquire cannot be restricted.  Parents and guardians, not the Library, have responsibility to guide and direct the reading, viewing or listening choices of their minor children.  No library materials will be restricted, sequestered or altered because of any controversy about the author, subject matter or intended or potential audience.

CONCERNS AND REQUESTS

The Library Board considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  If a patron claims that a particular item is not constitutionally protected, the burden of proof rests with the patron.

The Board of Trustees recognizes the right of individuals to question materials in the library collection.  Whenever a patron objects to the presence or absence of a library material, the patron will be given due consideration.  All complaints to staff members will be referred to the Library Director who will discuss the matter with the patron.  If not satisfied, the patron will be given a “Request for Reconsideration of an Item” form to complete.  The completed form will be evaluated by the Library Director and the Board of Trustees.  A decision will be made regarding whether or not to add or withdraw the material with written reasons for the decision conveyed to the patron.  If the patron is dissatisfied with the Board’s written reply, they may appeal the decision to the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.  The Board, after receiving public testimony from the patron and any other interested parties, together with the Library Director, will jointly decide whether or not library policies have been followed and whether to add or withdraw the material in question.

FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Request for Reconsideration of an Item

 

Author of Item_______________________________________   Today’s Date_______________

Title of Item_________________________________________

Publisher___________________________________________

Publication Date_____________________________________

In what section is the item shelved?   Adult_______ Young Adult_______Juvenile__________

Have you read, watched or listened to the entire item?  Yes_______ No_______

What do you believe is the major theme or intent of this work?__________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What is your objection to the item?  Please cite specific pages, passages, etc.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

What do you feel might be the result of reading, viewing or listening to this item?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Are you aware of any reviews of the work by literary critics or subject matter specialists? If yes please list______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

If the item was removed from the library, what item would you recommend to replace it?

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Do you represent yourself or an organization? Provide name of organization if applicable.

____________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

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