A. Objectives
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.
- Provide the resources for self-education for all ages.
- Present opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
B. Criteria for Selection
- 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.
- Librarians shall consider the reputation and qualifications of the author, publisher or producer, with preference given to titles vetted in the editing and publishing industry.
- Factual materials shall be judged in terms of scholarship, accuracy, objectivity, and timeliness.
- Final authority for selection of material shall rest with the library staff. Recommendations to the staff will be welcomed and carefully considered.
- Final authority for collection maintenance shall rest with the library staff. To keep the collection fresh and relevant the Library maintains a schedule of evaluation. Local historical and genealogical resources are rarely removed. Because of the unique nature of the materials, the collection is predominantly non-circulating.
- Requests for reconsideration of library materials shall be made in writing to the Library Director using the “Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources form” (Appendix B). The Library Director will meet with the librarians involved with the purchase and the merit of the request for removal will be considered. The Library Director will make a decision regarding the item(s) in question and will provide a written response to the person initiating the request. The Library Director will inform the Board of Directors of all requests for reconsideration.
Adopted 1/13/72
Revised 10/82
Revised 11/93
Revised 2/2021
Revised and approved by the GLA Board of Directors 11/2023
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: Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources
The Board of Directors of the Guilford Library Association has delegated the responsibility for selection and evaluation of library resources to the professional staff of the Guilford Free Library and has established reconsideration procedures to address concerns about those resources.
Completion of this form is the first step in those procedures. If you wish to request reconsideration of library resources, please return the completed form to the Library Director.