Responsibility

The determination of policy for the collection, acquisition and retention of Library materials is vested in the Library Board of Trustees. Final responsibility for implementation of the policy guidelines rests with the Library Director. Certain areas of responsibility for selection may be assigned by the Library Director to appropriate professional staff; however, the Library Director remains ultimately responsible for compliance with these policies.

Any staff member or member of the public may submit suggestions for the purchase of an item. All suggestions for purchases shall be considered on a regular basis by the professional staff and the Library Director according to the Selection Policy.

Selection Policy

Within practical limitations, materials are selected for inclusion in the Library collection on the basis of their literary or artistic merit, authentic information, usefulness, pleasure, current or historical interest. Judgments of experts, professionally trained staff members and qualified reviewers in respected sources provide a balance of opinion, which is considered in the selection process. These standards apply equally to materials purchased and to materials received as gifts.

The Library does not attempt to acquire textbooks or other curriculum related material, except as such material also serves the general public.

Censorship

The Library endorses the principles articulated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association, as well as the Intellectual Freedom Statement Against Censorship adopted by the Connecticut Library Association.

The Library asserts its right and duty to include in its collection materials on all sides of controversial issues. No materials shall be excluded because of the race, nationality, or the political or social views of the author. It is understood that the purchase of controversial items by the Library does not constitute endorsement of the views expressed.

Library materials will not be sequestered except for the purpose of protecting the materials from theft or damage. All collections of the Library will be equally available to all persons entitled to use the Library.

Gifts

The Library Board is pleased to consider any offer of gifts to the Library.

Gifts of books and similar materials are accepted with the understanding that the Library will make whatever disposition of them it deems advisable. Gifts will be evaluated according to the same selection policy that governs the acquisition of purchased materials. Such gifts may be added to the collection, sold to the public or discarded. The Library will not evaluate gifts for tax purposes, but will acknowledge a gift.

Donations of money are deposited in the Library’s gift account or with the Friends of Simsbury Public Library. The Library will make every reasonable attempt to expend donated funds in the manner the donor requests, provided no conflict exists with Library policies governing selection of materials.

Other items offered as gifts to the Library will be considered by following Town Ordinance 100 regarding gifts.

The Library Board of Trustees may use a consultant for expert guidance if necessary.

Maintenance of the Collection

The Library Director, aided by the professional staff, shall be responsible for maintaining the collection in a manner, which is consistent with the Selection of Materials policies.

Materials no longer useful may be withdrawn and either sold to the public or discarded, as the Library Director deems to be in the best interest of the Library.

Specific Objectives of the Library Collections

• Books
  • Adult
    The Library provides a balanced collection that is intended to meet the Needs of the people of Simsbury. This collection includes current books, Books of lasting value and research and reference materials. In addition, the Library maintains several special collections.
  • Young Adult
    The Young Adult Department contains a small, well-selected sub-set of books geared to the needs and interests of teens. Young adults are encouraged by Library staff to use the adult collection.
  • Children
    The Children’s Department contains a collection of books selected to satisfy the intellectual, emotional and recreational interests of the children of Simsbury, as well as to encourage their awareness and love of literature. It is the aim of the department to provide a stimulating Library environment designed to meet the child’s need for creative work and play.
• Periodicals
  A collection of magazines and journals, both scholarly and popular. Periodicals with research value are retained for at least two (2) years and many are also available on-line. Local and national newspapers are available in the Library for daily use and many are available on-line.
• Electronic Databases
  The Library supplements print collections with electronic information for all age groups and wherever possible, makes this information available in the Library and remotely. In choosing to purchase or lease electronic databases, the Library applies the same standards for selection as it does for its print materials. However, the Library recognizes that it does not have the same control over electronic databases as it has over its in-house print collections. The Library is committed to teaching the public how to use each of its electronic databases.
• Non-print Materials
  • Audio
    Sound-recordings of popular materials are provided as demand dictates.
  • Realia
    The Library provides a collection of puzzles, games, toys and similar realia of value to children and other Library users.
  • Equipment
    The Library maintains a variety of equipment for public use within the Library including computers, copy machines, fax machines, and 3d printer.