Collection Development
Reviewed and approved by the Minburn Public Library Board of Trustees 2/8/2026
The Minburn Public Library strives to provide books and other library materials of value and interest for information and enlightenment, for all the people of our community. The library will attempt to maintain a collection of carefully selected books and non-book materials that are of both current interest and permanent value. The Library serves not only the citizens of the community of Minburn but also its rural surroundings. We will strive to meet the demands of our community from both areas. We make every effort to serve the children, young-adults, adults, and elderly. The Collection Development policy is adopted by the Board of Trustees. It is the guideline for building the library's collection. The selection of the materials is the responsibility of the Director using the Board's policy. All matters involving questioning and executing the policy is brought to the attention of the Director.
SELECTION PHILOSOPHY
The library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association which affirms its belief in the following basic policies:
1. Books and other 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.
2. 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.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. 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.
SELECTION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
The library will provide materials, which help to meet its objectives. Purchases shall represent a reasonable, but not necessarily equal balance of all types of books and materials including children’s, juvenile, reference, adult fiction, and non-fiction, taking into consideration the needs, preferences and requests of the community.
Materials acquired will meet the community standards of quality in content, expression and format.
The library will not attempt to furnish materials needed for formal courses of study offered by the elementary and secondary schools and by institutions of higher learning. The public library has materials for self-study, but is not primarily designed to furnish reading required for academic study.
The library will select and organize books and materials, which meet the needs of the community.
The library staff will provide guidance and assistance for people to obtain the information they seek.
The library will provide information, services and materials in accordance with its budget.
The library will cooperate with other community agencies and organizations to determine and meet the needs of the community.
GIFTS
Books and other materials will be accepted on the condition that the Director has the authority to retain or dispose of them at his/her discretion without obligation to the donor.
The books must be in good physical condition, clean inside and out, no loose pages, good quality of print and paper, and no discoloring stains on cover or pages.
Monetary gifts will be used at the discretion of the Library, without obligation to the donor unless otherwise ear-marked for a specific event, program, or equipment.
WITHDRAWING MATERIALS
The Library maintains an active policy of withdrawal based on the elimination of outdated material, books no longer of interest or in demand, unneeded duplicates, and worn or mutilated copies. Frequency of circulation, community interest and availability of newer or more valid materials are prime considerations. Local history is an exception, memorials, certain classics and award-winning children’s books, and books in series.
The Minburn Public Library subscribes to the CREW (Continuous Review, Evaluation and Weeding) method for withdrawal of library materials.
ACCESS
Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the materials accessed by their children. Parents or guardians may restrict their children--and only their children--from access to Internet or other resources available at or through the Library.
CHALLENGED MATERIAL
Whenever any patron objects to the presence or absence of any library material, the complaint will be given a fair hearing.
All complaints to the librarian will be referred to the Board of Trustees who will discuss the matter with the complainant.
The patron is encouraged to fill out a “Request for Withdrawal or Addition of a Book” form, appended hereto.