Library Board of Trustees Agenda and Packet 2011 03 10

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Louisville Public Library Collection Policy Revised and re- adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees, November 17, 2004. The purpose of the Louisville Public Library is to provide effective delivery of library and information services that meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION The authority and responsibility for the selection of library materials are delegated to the Library Director and professional staff who are qualified for this activity by reason of education and training. Purchase suggestions from the general public and staff are encouraged, and are given serious consideration within the framework of policies determined by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION The Library will provide a wide variety of materials which may include books, periodicals, pamphlets, videocassettes, films on DVD, musical CDs, and books on compact disc, audiocassettes, CD -ROMs, pictures, maps, games, and electronic databases. Selection of all library materials shall be made in consideration of the following: contemporary significance or permanent value popular demand, even if not enduring in value, interest, or accuracy purpose and quality of the material representation of important viewpoint, trend, or cultural movement author's reputation, skill, and significance authority of the publisher listing in professionally recognized selection aids favorable reviews in professional, literary, or general periodicals suitability of physical form for library use (size, paper, print, binding) price, format, and ease of use scarcity of information in subject areas size and extent of the current materials budget size and extent of the existing collection holdings of other libraries within the region materials of regional interest present and potential needs of the community Materials are neither excluded nor proscribed because of the race, nationality, political, social, or religious views of the author, or because of diverse views of individuals or groups within the community. The Library seeks to obtain presentation of all points of view and all sides of issues. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement of any particular viewpoint. The Library does not promulgate particular beliefs or views, nor is the selection of any given material equivalent to endorsement of the viewpoint of the author expressed therein. AREAS OF LIMITED ACQUISITION Selection of materials in certain areas is limited to very general or basic works which are not too specialized or considered beyond the province of public library service. These areas include: Collection Policy Page 1 of 3