About the Library

Collection Development Policy

PURPOSE OF THE LIBRARY

This collection development statement seeks to clarify goals and objectives that professional staff will pursue through the acquisition and withdrawal of materials for the Henrietta Public Library.

The Henrietta Public Library will strive to:

• Serve Henrietta residents of all ages and abilities, and keep pace with the changing community.
• Provide reliable information to all members of the community.
• Enrich lives by providing recreational reading and non-profit media.
• Expand an individual's knowledge beyond his/her own life experiences.
• Provide free access to ideas which encourage enlightened citizenship.
• Promote increased reading in order to further this essential skill.
• Offer competent representation of significant local, national, and international concerns.
• Support the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement and the Freedom to View Statement.

SELECTION OF MATERIAL

Scope

The Henrietta Public Library aims to achieve its stated objectives through a carefully selected collection of print and non-print materials, chosen for values of interest, information and enlightenment. The library strives to reflect the diverse backgrounds and interests of the community, within limits of budget and space. The library does not promote particular beliefs or views, rather it attempts to provide a balanced representation of many viewpoints.

Selection will be influenced by both expressed and anticipated need. Selection of materials will be determined by usefulness and will not be limited by format.

Responsibility

Responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the Library Director, who is accountable to the Board of Trustees. Actual selection will be delegated by the Director to the professional librarians. All library material so selected shall be held to be selected by the Board.

Criteria

Material considered for purchase will be selected on the basis of:

• Quality
  The literary and educational merit, recency of information, accuracy, effectiveness of presentation and comparison with other published materials of the same subject is considered, as seen in review media or by examination by a librarian. Judgement will be based on the material as a whole, and not on the presence of individual words, phrases or episodes alone.
• Balance
  All sides of an issue will be represented, within budget limitations and availability of materials. No material will be excluded because of race, gender, nationality, political or social views or the personal beliefs of the author.
• Demand
  We consider expressed interest by the community while remaining consistent with budget restrictions and collection balance.
• Suitability for age level
  Selection criteria for children, young adult, and adult materials differ; however, any patron (valid card holder) may access and/or borrow from the entire collection. The library will not act in the role of censor for any age level, material type, or subject matter.
• Durability and cost
  The quality of technical production and cost will be considered.

GIFTS

The Henrietta Public Library actively encourages donations and memorial gifts from the community; however, the same criteria used in the purchase of material applies also to gifts. The library reserves the right to dispose of, or refuse, gifts in accordance with established procedures.

WEEDING

To maintain the quality and usefulness of library materials, the professional staff will systematically re-evaluate the existing collection, discarding outdated and worn-out items. The material will be disposed of in accordance with established library procedures.

PATRON COMMENTS REGARDING LIBRARY MATERIALS

Though the library purposely selects books and non-book materials for diversified readership, the patron does have a right to address his/her concerns to the Library Board in accordance with the established library procedures.

Adopted April 6, 1982
Reviewed April 2009

Non-Print Selection Policy

The Henrietta Public Library's non-print collection contains the following formats: CDs and cassettes, VHS cassettes, DVDs, books-on-cassette, books on CD, computer and databases. Other new formats will be added as technology and budget permit.

Our aim is to provide materials for all age levels and interests which will educate, entertain, enlighten and enrich library users. Every effort will be made to provide materials which are notable in content, style, or of a unique nature and have been found of redeeming value for all public non-print collections.

In the case of the Internet, the HPL staff has no control over content but the library does have a filter in place intended to prevent the access of pornographic material. The accuracy of information found through this medium cannot be guaranteed. The Library staff does not monitor its use but does encourage parents to take responsibility for their children's use.

Patron Complaint Regarding Library Materials