Collection Development Policy

 

Purpose

To provide a statement of philosophy and establish the general guidelines for the selection of material for library collections, setting out objectives that reflect the mission of the Waterloo Public Library.

In keeping with Waterloo Public Library’s purpose to satisfy the multiple literacy needs of the community, the Library provides public access to print and digital collections that respond to and anticipate the information, cultural, learning and leisure needs of its customers.

The Library’s objectives in the selection of material will include acquiring items that represent a variety of perspectives and that respond to all ages and levels of comprehension. Library materials will be provided in a variety of formats to ensure accessibility.

Responsibility for Selection

Selection of library material is the responsibility of the CEO, who designates this authority to professional staff.

Intellectual Freedom

Waterloo Public Library endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, and the Ontario Library Association’s Statement on the Intellectual Rights of the Individual (PDF).

General Selection Criteria

All acquisitions are considered in terms of the following criteria: 

• Present and potential relevance to community interests and needs
• Suitability of subject, presentation and format for the intended audience
• The relation to existing library collections and other materials on the subject
• Reputation and/or significance of the author/creator/publisher
• Public and critical reception
• Popular demand by the community
• Suitability of format for library use
• Availability of suitable material
• Availability of materials through other libraries
• Canadian and/or local content
• Budgetary considerations

Controversial Material

The Library recognizes that some material may be controversial and that a given item may offend some people. Selection of materials will be made without bias toward subject matter, ideology, point of view or frankness of language. Selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval by any sector of the community.

The Library does not advocate particular beliefs and the presence of any item in the collection does not represent an endorsement of its contents.

Objections to Library Material

The Library recognizes the right of individuals or groups to make their complaints known to Library staff. Any objection not satisfactorily resolved by the Library Collections Managers should be addressed in writing to the CEO, preferably using the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Children’s Access to Library Materials

Children and teens have access to all materials in the Library, including the Internet. Responsibility for monitoring the choice of library materials by minors rests with their parents or legal guardians. No item will be excluded from the collection because it may come into the possession of a minor.

Special Collections

The Library acknowledges a particular interest in local history with a goal to maintain a comprehensive collection focusing on the city (town or village) of Waterloo.

Interlibrary Loans (ILLO)

The Library is committed to resource-sharing with other libraries, both locally, across the province and across Canada and provides Interlibrary Loan service for this purpose. Staff will make referrals for ILLO in situations where this is the most appropriate means of providing suitable material to meet the customer’s need.

Suggestions for Purchase

Recommendations from the public for the purchase of materials are welcome and will be referred to the appropriate selector to be considered in light of this Collection Development Policy.

Donations

Gifts of books and other material are accepted with the understanding that they become the property of the Library and will be evaluated with the same criteria as purchased materials. Tax receipts are not issued for donations of materials.

Collection Maintenance

Maintaining a collection that is relevant, useful and accessible requires the withdrawal of items that are worn, outdated or seldom used. When withdrawal of an item is considered, the selection criteria are re-applied. The replacement of withdrawn materials will be made in light of overall collection development goals and will depend on the current demand for the material, the availability of more current works on the subject and the coverage of the subject in the collection.

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Document Record

October 2003 – Initial Release
September 2014 – Reviewed
June 2019 – Reviewed
July 2022 – Reviewed