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.
Library Policies
6010 - Materials Selection Policy
The library believes in freedom of information for all, and does not practice censorship. The selection of library materials is predicated on the patron's right to read and similarly, his freedom from censorship by others. Many books are controversial and any given item may offend some person. Selections for the library will be made on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of the reader.
The library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject books and other materials of which he/she does not approve, he/she may not exercise censorship to restrict the freedom of others.
Responsibility for materials selected and read by children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection decisions are not influenced by the possibility that materials may be accessible to minors. Materials are not labeled to show approval or disapproval or to indicate certain philosophies. No items are sequestered except to protect them from damage or theft.
Library Materials include but are not limited to books, e-books, magazines, newspapers, audio books, downloadable audio books, compact disks, DVDs, photographs, pamphlets, and databases.
6010.1
Since Placentia Library District operates on a fixed annual budget and a limited library materials fund, it must emphasize standard materials and services of first importance in the broad pattern of operation. First and foremost the needs of the general reader in the Placentia Library District service area. Its collection must be designed essentially for use and adaptation to new and changing conditions in the community, with wide appeal to all.
6010.2
The selection of library material is the responsibility of the professional staff under the direction of the Library Director in accordance with the policies of the Board of Trustees.
6010.3
The criteria listed below are to be used as guidelines by the selection staff as appropriate:
- The overall purpose of the material is the chief criterion of selection. September 20, 2004 / March 17, 2014 / April 21, 2014
- Reputation and significance of the author.
- Timeliness or permanence of the material.
- Importance of the subject matter to the collection.
- Authoritativeness.
- Reputation and standards of the publisher.
- Readability and popular appeal.
- Quality of the writing.
- Recommendation of title in selection aids.
- Format of item.
- Physical condition of material.
6010.4
A book or non-book material is not necessarily rejected on the basis of objectionable sections or pages, but may be rejected on the grounds of obscenity prevailing in the material as a whole.
6010.5
The Library Bill of Rights, developed by the American Library Association, affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
6010.6
Procedure for Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials
6010.7
Interpretation of Policy