Collection Management Policy
PURPOSE
The mission of the West Linn Public Library is to engage, connect and inspire our community and to be a resource for information, knowledge, and artistic and literacy expression, providing the best in traditional services, new technologies, and innovative programs.
The library’s collection is a key part of service to the community which consists of approximately 26,000 residents in the city of West Linn. As part of the Libraries in Clackamas County (LINCC) consortium, the Library serves patrons through our local collection and through shared resources in the county.
It is the goal of the library to provide a high quality collection of books and other materials in a variety of formats and languages for all ages that is responsive to the needs and interests of the community. The collection should reflect the diversity of the community as well as the wider world and represent various points of view. The West Linn Public Library provides free and equitable access to library collections for all users.
To develop and maintain a diverse collection, items that represent minority viewpoints, opinions, and perspectives are included. Library materials shall not be excluded because of the political, social, or religious views of the author or artist, or due to characteristics that make them part of a protected class under Federal or Oregon state law. Selectors consider prospective additions to the collection based on the selection criteria regardless of their personal taste. These standards apply equally to purchased and donated materials.
As a department of the City of West Linn, the library follows all purchasing policies of the City.
SELECTION
Responsibility
Authority and responsibility for selection of material lies with the Library Director. Day-to-day selection is undertaken by qualified staff who will use professional reviews, experience, and knowledge to purchase material for the library.
Criteria
In general, criteria for selection includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Currency and accuracy of information
- Patron interest and demand
- Budget and space limitations
- Availability, durability, and suitable format
- Availability within LINCC system or via interlibrary loan
Purchase Suggestions
Patrons are welcome to submit purchase suggestions. Purchase suggestions must meet general selection criteria.
Digital Material
Ebooks and digital audiobooks are not selected by West Linn Public Library staff. Patrons may submit purchase suggestions on the websites for those platforms.
Intellectual Freedom
The West Linn Public Library upholds the ideals of intellectual freedom, including the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement, and Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors.
All materials will be freely accessible to the public. Responsibility for the reading selections of minors rests with their parents or legal guardian. Selection will not be limited by the possibility that material may come into the possession of minors.
DONATIONS AND GIFTS
The library will accept donations of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, large print books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Rays. Items not added to the collection will be donated to the West Linn Library Foundation to be sold in the Book Nook used bookstore.
The library welcomes gifts of cash contributions, bequests, trusts and transfers of stock or other property. Donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations are cumulative and may be given over time and in many ways. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit the West Linn Library Foundation's website.
MAINTENANCE AND WEEDING
In order to keep the collection vital and useful, the library will review and evaluate the collection on an ongoing basis. Items that are outdated, worn, duplicates, or no longer in demand will be withdrawn from the collection at the discretion of library staff. Withdrawn items will be redistributed or sold by the Library Foundation in the Book Nook used bookstore.
Approved by Library Advisory Board 09/15/2021 5:0
