(IV.a) Goals and objectives. The materials selection policy of the library is designed to carry out the general library objectives as described in Part I.

(IV.b) Intellectual Freedom. The library endorses the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights,” “Intellectual Freedom Statement” and “The Freedom to Read” and “Freedom to View” found in the Handbook on Intellectual Freedom.

(IV.c) Responsibility for Selection. Responsibility for materials selection and weeding rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. The Library Director may delegate to such members of the staff as are qualified by training or experience, the responsibility to make selection in their area of expertise.

(IV.d.) Criteria for Selection and weeding. In general, the library selects, acquires, organizes, and preserves library materials both of current interest and of permanent value. Content, quality of writing and readability are major considerations. Selection of any item does not constitute endorsement of the author’s viewpoint, nor does the Library endorse particular beliefs or views. The following criteria are provided as a general guidelines for consideration in selecting materials or retaining materials when evaluating collections for weeding:

1. Importance and value to the collection
2. Reputation, credibility, and/or authoritativeness of the author, artist, publisher, or producer
3. Current appeal, popular demand, and timeliness
4. Significance of the subject matter
5. Local interest
6. Availability or scarcity of materials on the subject
7. Level of difficulty and specialization
8. Reviews, summaries, and descriptions of materials
9. Format suitability
10. Physical quality and level of durability
11. Inclusion in indexes, bibliographies, and standard lists
12. Accuracy, physical condition, history of past use, and availability of space are additional considerations when evaluating materials for weeding or retention

(IV.e) Collection areas and labeling

1. The Library labels collections to facilitate access by making it easier for users to locate materials. The Library does not label materials to warn, discourage, or restrict access based on a value judgment of the content, language, or themes of an item.
2. Adult, Young Adult and Children’s collections are distinguished on the basis of reading level, language comprehension and audience.
3. Nebraska Section materials include state and local history, productions of local authors, and other materials with local ties. The collection includes ephemera and archival type materials.

(IV.f) Donated Materials.
See also: GIFTS and DONOR RECOGNITION

1. Any donations of library materials may be accepted within the Ordinances of the City of York and provisions of State Statutes, on the condition that the Library Director has the authority to make whatever disposition he or she deems advisable.
2. The same standards of selection will govern the acceptance of gifts as govern purchase by the library. Useful but unneeded material may be sold and the money used to buy new materials. It may also be offered to other libraries or institutions as a gift or exchange.

(IV.g) Exclusion of material. The Library Board in the final analysis reserves the right to exclude materials which it judges to be strictly sensational or pornographic, according to community standards. However, a serious work dealing with some problem or aspect of life will not be excluded becase some readers may find the language or subject matter offensive. Materials on controversial issues and current problems considered inflammatory, prejudiced, or violent may be acquired because they have influenced past or present thinking.

(IV.h) Problem Materials:

1. Serious objections to titles owned by the library should be in writing. The library provides the form “Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources” which is to be filled out and signed by the patron.

   The request should be returned to the Library Director who will examine the complaint, the material in question, and the circumstances involved in the complaint. The Library Director will submit to the patron no later than one week after receipt of the request, a response based on the reasons for the selection of the material and the policies of the library. A copy of the library’s Materials Selection Policy will be included with the response.

If the complainant feels the response of the Library Director is not supported by the Policy Statement, the patron has the right to an additional hearing on the complaint with the Library Board.

1. The Library Board recognizes that while individuals are free to reject materials for themselves which they do not approve, they do not have the right to restrict the freedom to read of others. Whenever the question of censorship is involved, no library material shall be removed except under unanimous vote of the Library Board.

2. No catalogued material will be placed on closed shelves except for the purpose of protecting from injury or theft.

3. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervision of their minor’s use of library materials.

Revised September, 2010