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Selection Policy

Objectives of Selection

The Johnson Public Library acquires, makes available, and encourages the use of materials in all media which:

• Help people know more about themselves, their community, their country and their world
• Supplement formal study and encourage informal self-education
• Stimulate thoughtful participation in the affairs of the community, the country, and world
• Give access to a variety of opinions on matters of current interest and encourage freedom of expression
• Assist the individual to grow intellectually and spiritually and to enjoy life more fully

Free and convenient access to the world of ideas, information and the creative experience is of vital importance to every citizen today. The Johnson Free Public Library therefore incorporates as part of this policy the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement as adopted by the American Library Association Council. Since the library's concern is the communication of ideas and information, these statements are extended for the purpose of this policy to include all materials in any format.

The library acquires materials, in a variety of formats, that support the aforementioned goals.

Responsibility for Selection

Ultimate responsibility for materials selection as well as for all library activities rests with the Director who operates within the framework of policies as established by the Board of Trustees. The selection of materials is the responsibility of the professional library staff.

Standards of Selection

Each type of material is considered in terms of its own merit and intended audience. Works that present an honest picture of a problem or an aspect of life will not be excluded because of frankness or coarse language.

The library, in its selection policies, emphasizes educational and informational functions. The library's selection reflects the importance of basic books of permanent value and books on current issues and problems. A vital library in a functioning democracy has collections that contain opposing views on controversial topics. The library does not promote any views or beliefs, rather it is a repository for opinions as well as fact.

Complaints about Library Materials

Any complaint about materials selection should be in writing and addressed to the Director. The Director will answer in writing indicating what action was or will be taken. Any person who is not satisfied with the action taken may appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees.

Gifts

The library may accept gifts of books and other materials from donors with the proviso that it may dispose of them in any way it sees fit. No gifts with any conditions as to their use, disposal or housing are accepted. The library regrets that it cannot appraise gifts. However, upon request, it will be glad to provide a statement describing the gift.

Replacement and Maintenance

The library keeps its collection vital and useful by retaining or replacing essential material, and by removing on a systematic continuous basis:

1. those works which are physically worn out
2. those which are obsolete and outdated
3. those which have not been checked out or used, relying on the librarian's judgment

Replacement of a withdrawn or lost item is not automatic; the decision to replace will be based on the following:

1. number of duplicate copies
2. adequate coverage of topic by other materials in the collection
3. demand

Quality paperbacks may be purchased in place of hardcover books when deemed advisable.

Policies of Selection

General Criteria:

1. Suitability of physical form for library use
2. Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
3. Present and potential relevance to community needs
4. Appropriateness and effectiveness of medium to content
5. Insight into human and social condition
6. Importance as a document of the times
7. Relation to existing collection and other materials on subject
8. Reputation and/or significance of author
9. Skill, competence, and purpose of author
10. Attention of critics, reviewers, and public

Specific Criteria for the Evaluation of Works of Information and Opinion

1. Authority
2. Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
3. Objectivity
4. Clarity, accuracy and logic of presentation
5. Representation of challenging, though extreme or minority point of view

Specific Criteria for the Evaluation of Works of Imagination

1. Representation of important movement, genre, trend, or national culture
2. Vitality and originality
3. Artistic presentation and experimentation
4. Sustained interest
5. Effective characterization
6. Authenticity of historical or social setting

Johnson Public Library    274 Main Street   Hackensack, NJ 07601     (201) 343-4169

The Johnson Public Library's mission is to provide members of the Hackensack community with the resources and programs to fulfill their evolving informational, educational, recreational and cultural needs in an environment that encourages lifelong habits of learning, self-improvement and self-expression.