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Materials Selection Policy
The Santa Clara County Library provides
a free marketplace of ideas and affirms each individual's
freedom to read and to use all library materials.
The Library's guidelines for the selection
and placement of books and materials are based on principles
set forth in the "Library Bill of Rights" as adopted by the
Santa Clara County Library District Joint Powers Authority
on October 26, 1995.
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:
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Books and 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.
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Libraries should provide materials and information presenting
all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials
should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan
or doctrinal disapproval.
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Libraries should challenge censorship of the fulfillment
of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
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Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups
concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression
and free access to ideas.
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A person's right to use a library should not be denied
or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
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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 beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
A. Principles of Selection
- The Santa Clara County Library obtains, organizes and makes available
print and non-print materials which record the thought,
expression, and opinion of mankind. The
County Librarian and professional staff of the Library
in making selections should do so in a manner based
upon principle rather than personal opinion, reason
rather than prejudice, and judgment rather than censorship.
-
To build collections
of merit and significance, materials must be measured
by a number of criteria. The basic test for selection
of any item is whether it is of proven or potential interest
to the people served. Other considerations include the
quality of the material, the attention of critics, reviewers
and the public, the amount of similar materials already
in the collection, and the extent to which the material
may be elsewhere in the community. In addition, the cost
and physical makeup of the material are considered. These
decisions are all professional in nature.
Materials should
be selected both to satisfy the prevalent tastes, needs
and reading abilities in the community and to provide
diversity in recognition of changing and minority interests.
In choosing materials to suit a variety of tastes, differing
viewpoints on controversial issues will be included.
The library does
not serve as censor of the reading of any member of the
community. It should be clearly understood and emphasized
that the library does not endorse all opinions expressed
in the materials which are stocked. Indeed, since materials
often hold diametrically opposite views, this would be
impossible.
It should also
be recognized that some materials chosen may be offensive,
shocking or boring to some readers but may be meaningful
and significant to others. Works being considered should
be viewed as a whole, not in isolated parts.
Responsibility
for the reading of minors rests with their parents
or local guardians. Selection of adult material will
not be restricted by the possibility that these materials
may come into the possession of minors. The library
should not be expected to act in loco parentis. -
In
providing materials for student use the library cannot
provide multiple copies of individual books or textbooks
for school assignments, nor can it duplicate subject
materials extensively.
B. Responsibility
for Selection
- The initial
responsibility for materials selection lies with the
professional staffs at the libraries operating within
the areas of service to children, young adults, and
adults. All staff members and the general public may
recommend material for consideration.
-
The ultimate responsibility for selection rests by
law with the County Librarian. California Education Code 19146 (2008)
C. Placement of
Materials
- Placement of
materials within each library is generally based upon
assigned classification and appropriate age groupings.
-
The public has
free access to all library materials. Those items which
themselves need protection because of rarity, cost,
susceptibility to loss or damage, fragility or format
unsuited to heavy use are available on a limited basis.
D. Disposal of
Materials
Items are discarded
from the collection if they are surplus to the needs
of the library, their information has become obsolete,
or they are physically so worn as to be unusable.
E. Gifts of Materials
Gift additions
must meet the same selection criteria as purchased materials.
The right to accept or refuse conditions placed upon
gifts of materials or funds is reserved to the County
Librarian. Donations of materials or funds to enrich
the library collection are welcome.
Approved
by the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County October
1, 1974. Approved by the Joint Powers Authority of
the Santa Clara County Library October 26, 1995. |
