IX.  Collection Development Policy

A.  Objectives of Selection
 
The objectives of selection are to meet the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the library’s service area.

The White Pigeon Township Library believes in freedom of knowledge for all and does not practice censorship.  Serious works which portray various aspects of life are not excluded because of their frankness.  The Library encourages the examination of diverse opinions thus, we try to maintain all points of view in the collection.  Material selection will not be determined by pressure from outside groups and organizations; rather, the Library will apply established professional standards in the selection and retention of its resources.

Demand and use are key factors in the development of the general collection, with due regard for variations in educational level, reading interest and users’ special needs.  Every effort is made to represent all sides of controversial issues.
Materials will be selected on the basis of anticipated or expressed popular demand, educational or literary merit, and/or cultural value.
 
B.  Responsibility for Selection
 
Material selection is accomplished under the policies adopted by the Board.  The authority for selection of all print and non-print materials lies with the Library Director who may delegate the responsibility to staff members as appropriate.
 
C.  Selection Criteria
 
Factors to be considered in adding adult and children’s materials to the library collection shall include one or more of the following:
1.Present collection composition
2.Collection development objectives
3.Interest and demand
4.Currency, accuracy, and significance
5.Intended audience
6.Diversity of viewpoint
7.Space and budget considerations
8.Availability of special materials in other library collections in the area

Public demand for an author, title or subject is an important criterion.  All requests from patrons for specific titles or subjects will be considered.  Materials which are requested infrequently may be supplied through Interlibrary Loan.  The anticipated long-term use for an item and the number of similar items already owned by the library are also factors.

No materials shall be excluded because of the race, nationality, religion, political or social view of the author.
 
D.  Policy on Controversial Materials
 
The Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.  Selections will be made solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collections and serving the interests of readers and not on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval by individuals or groups.
Although the staff exercises professional judgment in the selection of all materials, the responsibility for a child’s use of library materials rests with their parents and/or legal guardians.
 
E.  Request for Re-evaluation of Library Materials
 
Patrons who wish to register a formal complaint about a particular item in the library, may do so by submitting a “Request for Re-evaluation of Library Materials” form to the Director.  The Director will respond in writing.
Patrons who are not satisfied with the response may request that the Board review their request.  The decision of the Board is final.

F. Gift Acceptance Policy

1.  Purpose and Procedure
The Library Board and staff of the White Pigeon Township Library accept current and deferred gifts from individuals and corporations to secure the library’s future growth and accomplish its mission.  All gifts are accepted with the explicit understanding that all materials donated to WPTL become the property of the Library without restrictions.  The Library makes the final decision on the use, display, housing, withdrawal, and other disposition of all donated materials.
This gift acceptance policy shall govern the acceptance of gifts and provide guidelines to representatives of the library of who may be involved in the acceptance of gifts, to outside advisors who may assist in the gift planning process, and to prospective donors who may wish to make gifts to the White Pigeon Township Library. This policy is intended only as a guide and allows for some flexibility on a case-by-case basis upon approval of the Library Board.
The Library Director is charged with reviewing and discussing with donors potential gifts and policies on gift acceptance. The Library Board shall act on the recommendations of the Director.
The Library shall accept unrestricted gifts, and gifts for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are consistent with its stated mission, purpose and priorities. The Library will not accept gifts that are too restrictive in purpose.
 
2.  Conflict of Interest
To assure that each donor has a complete and independent explanation of their charitable gift giving options, and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the White Pigeon Township Library will urge all prospective donors to seek independent counsel through their own personal legal and financial advisors.
 
3.  Types of Gifts

a. Cash: Cash is acceptable in any form. Checks shall be payable to the White Pigeon Township Library.

b. Tangible Personal Property: All gifts of tangible personal property shall have no undue restrictions on the use, display or sale thereof.

c .Gift-In-Kind: The Library welcomes gifts of goods and services that are consistent with the mission of the library; its day to day operation or improvement of the library’s amenities.

d. Endowment Gift:  Gifts are accepted by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation for the White Pigeon Township Endowment Fund.

e. Publicly Traded Securities. Publicly traded securities may be accepted. Unless otherwise directed by Board of Directors, all securities will be liquidated for cash as soon as practicable.
 
4.  Gift Recognition
In general, a gift to the library is tax deductible. However, we recommend consulting with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a tax expert for detailed information on appraisals and donated materials for acceptability as a charitable tax deduction. Please note that IRS laws prohibit the Library and its employees from assessing the monetary value of any non-cash donations. Thank you letters are sent in response to most donations and are prepared by the Director. However, donors may request a more specific written acknowledgment of any donation.
 
5.  Donor Anonymity
Donors may choose not be recognized by name when bestowing gifts to the library. This wish will be reflected on published lists and other forms of donor recognition.
The Library Board respects the preference of donors who wish to remain anonymous. However the identity of all donors must be known by the Director and Board President. The identity of a donor may also need to be revealed for other legal purposes.
 
 G.  Withdrawal of Library Materials
 
An up-to-date, attractive and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process.  Replacement of worn materials is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, more recent acquisitions, and availability of newer editions.  This ongoing process of weeding is the responsibility of the Director and is authorized by the Board.  Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.
 
 
 (form)
 
White Pigeon Township Library
102 N. Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 399
White Pigeon, MI 49099
269-483-7409
 
REQUEST FOR RE-EVALUATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
 
Date: ________________
 
Please answer the following questions if you wish an item in the library’s collection be re-evaluated.
 
Author: ____________________________________________
 
Title: ______________________________________________
 
1.         How was this material brought to your attention? _____________________________________
 
2. Do you know what literary critics and/or reviewers think of it? __________________________
 
3. Have you read, seen, or listened to the entire item? ___________________________________
 
4.  What, in your opinion, is the theme of this material? __________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________
 
5. Are you objecting to the entire item or to specific portions of the item? _______________________________________________________
 
6.  What is your objection to the material?  Please cite specific examples and their location.
 
________________________________________________________
 
7.         What do you feel might be the results of reading, seeing, or listening to this material?
 
_________________________________________________________

8.         Do you feel other library patrons would enjoy this material? _________________________________________________________
 

Print Name                                                                              Signature
 
____________________________________________________________________
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​Updated 1/26/2015