Introduction
This Policy is intended to help guide Library staff in its duties concerning the collections, and to inform users of the principles on which collection decisions are based. The collections are developed under the guidance set out in the Library’s Mission, and the importance of the library as a place for voluntary inquiry, the dissemination of information and ideas, and promotion of free expression and free access to ideas by residents. The principal limits on the ability to add to the collections are constraints of funding, staffing, and the availability of space in the Library. The Library does not add to or delete resources from the collections based on anticipated approval or disapproval of the contents of resources, nor does the Library endorse any resources in the collections. Portions of the collections are identified as Young Adult or Children’s to assist users in identifying age-appropriate resources. However, no collection is restricted from borrowing based on age. Resources may be available in various formats and languages, including resources for people with disabilities. The Library is aware of and respects intellectual property rights and endeavors to adhere to relevant legislation regarding copyright use and restrictions.
Purpose/Scope of Collection
The Guilford Free Library should through books and other materials:
- Promote the free exchange of the rich diversity of human thought.
- Serve as a center of reliable information.
- Represent a wide range of varying and diverging viewpoints in the collection as a whole.
- Provide the resources for self-education for all ages.
- Present opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
To meet these needs, the Library provides access to materials and services across a variety of formats, recognizing that individuals have different learning styles and preferences. Materials are selected in both traditional and emerging formats, including:
- Print – hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines, and newspapers.
- Non-print – audio and visual formats.
- Digital resources – online databases, e-books, digital audiobooks, recordings, images, and digital historical archives.
- Equipment – new technology and specialized hardware.
By offering resources in multiple formats, the Library ensures equitable access to information and supports the learning and enjoyment of all patrons.
Responsibility of Selecting Library Materials
The final authority for the selection and maintenance of library materials rests with the Library Director. While the Director holds ultimate responsibility, the task of selecting, evaluating, and managing the collection is delegated to the Library’s professional staff. These individuals are chosen for their education, expertise, and experience, and are entrusted with curating collections that reflect the diverse needs and interests of the community.
Recommendations from patrons are welcomed and will be given thoughtful consideration by library staff as part of the selection process.
To ensure the collection remains current, relevant, and useful, the Library follows a regular schedule of evaluation and maintenance. Materials may be withdrawn based on factors such as condition, accuracy, usage, and relevance. However, local historical and genealogical resources are rarely removed due to their unique and enduring value. As such, this portion of the collection is primarily non-circulating.
In evaluating materials for inclusion, librarians consider the qualifications and reputation of the author, publisher, or producer. Preference is given to works that have undergone professional editorial review and have been vetted through established publishing standards. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop collections that provide broad access to library and educational materials. When selecting these materials, librarians carefully evaluate the qualifications and reputations of the authors, publishers, or producers. Preference is given to works that have undergone professional editorial review and meet established publishing standards.
Designated staff are responsible for ordering, processing, maintaining, and withdrawing items for the adult, teen, and children’s departments. Their work is guided by the principles outlined in the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View by the American Library Association, with the goal of building a core public library collection that reflects a broad range of informational, educational, and recreational needs. All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.
Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
In the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to materials, we support the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement. Guilford Free Library does not promote particular beliefs or views. The Library provides materials for various opinions, which can apply to important, complex, and controversial questions, including unpopular and unorthodox viewpoints. Language, situations, images, or subjects that may be offensive to some community members do not disqualify material whose value is to be judged in its entirety.
We shall be guided by the following standards in selection and retention of books and other materials:
- The Library’s Mission (see Appendix A) and widespread interest and usage are the most powerful influences on the Library’s collection.
Selection Criteria
Factual materials shall be judged in terms of scholarship, accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness.
General Selection Criteria
The Guilford Free Library is committed to selecting, acquiring, organizing, and preserving materials that are both timely and of lasting significance. When evaluating materials, key considerations include content quality, writing style, readability, and relevance. These criteria apply across all formats—such as books, periodicals, audiovisual media, and digital content—though some standards may be format-specific.
While no single standard governs every selection, the Library generally considers the following factors when choosing materials for purchase or subscription:
- Contribution to the overall quality and diversity of the collection.
- Current popularity, public demand, and relevance to contemporary issues.
- Reputation, expertise, or credibility of the author, creator, publisher, or producer.
- Recommendations and evaluations from professional reviews, summaries, or bibliographic sources.
- Depth and importance of the subject matter.
- Relevance to local interests or community history.
- Availability or scarcity of similar materials on the topic.
- Cost-effectiveness in relation to value.
- Appropriate reading level and subject complexity.
- Suitability of format for the content and intended audience.
- Accessibility of the item within the LION consortium.
- Physical durability and production quality.
- Inclusion in authoritative indexes, bibliographies, and standard reference lists.
- Suitability of format for the content and intended audience.
- Space limitations within the Library’s physical collection.
- Interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents.
The Library generally does not collect certain categories of materials, such as abridged editions, textbooks, or self-published works, except under specific circumstances.
Anyone who wishes to request that a specific item be reconsidered for inclusion in the collection, in a display, or in a library program is asked to complete a Request for Material Review and Reconsideration Form. The library limits requests of reconsideration to individual residents of Guilford.
Gifts/Donations
With the exception of additions to the Local History and Genealogy Collection (see Appendix B), the Library does not accept donations of books, magazines, encyclopedias, or other media.
Digital Collections/Databases
Electronic materials play an important role in the Library’s collection. These materials include databases, e-Books, e-Audiobooks, and downloadable and streaming media. Criteria used in selecting digital resources include ease of use, uniqueness of content, technology requirements, vendor reputation and customer service, availability for remote access, and cost. Certain digital collections the Library makes accessible to users are governed by the vendor’s specific terms of service, including patron residency and minimum age requirements. Some material available in a broader digital collection might not be considered appropriate by all adults for all children. Only each child and their parent or caregiver can decide what material is suitable for that child to read or view. It is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to ensure appropriate access to broader digital collections. The fact that children possibly may access materials their parents or guardians consider inappropriate does not impact the selection of databases and digital platforms.
Controversial Materials
A. The Library acknowledges that certain materials may not be deemed appropriate by all patrons. Selections will be made based solely on the intrinsic value of the work in contributing to the development of the collection and in fulfilling the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the broader library community, rather than on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval.
B. The responsibility for the reading, listening, and viewing choices of children resides with their parents or legal guardians. The Library provides a range of age-appropriate collections for children and adolescents, and materials may be reallocated between these collections based on their appropriateness for specific age groups. The selection of adult materials will not be restricted due to the possibility that they may be accessed by minors. The removal, exclusion, or censorship of any material solely because it is deemed offensive by an individual is expressly prohibited.
C. Library materials shall not be labeled or marked in any manner that indicates approval or disapproval of their content. No cataloged item shall be removed from the public shelves, except when necessary to protect it from damage, theft, or other risks.
D. Should an author, publisher, or content creator choose to withdraw their work from circulation or cease its publication, such a decision shall not, by itself, constitute sufficient grounds for the Library to remove the item from its collection.
Appendix A
The mission of the Guilford Free Library is to provide the greatest possible diversity of books, media, information and programs to meet the recreational, cultural and educational aspirations of all members of the Guilford community.
Appendix B
The Local History and Genealogy collection of the Guilford Free Library provides a wealth of historical and genealogical resources focused on Guilford, New Haven, and Connecticut. In addition, the collection offers genealogy research guides and reference works. The Library is committed to its important role in preserving the history of the Town of Guilford and making those materials accessible to patrons from many backgrounds. The Library is also committed to providing high-quality materials to genealogical researchers. The majority of this collection does not circulate, and its primary purpose is to inform and educate. As such, the policy governing its growth and maintenance is carefully tailored to meet these specific needs.
Gifts and donations are important supplements to the Local History and Genealogy Collection. The Library will accept gifts on a case-by-case basis of local (Guilford) family histories, local histories for all towns in Connecticut, and material otherwise related to Guilford.