Collection Development Policy

The Collection Development Policy is set in place to provide BiblioTech staff with the goals and methodology of materials selection and maintenance so that they can acquire a useful, well-rounded collection of ebooks, audiobooks, periodicals, learning platforms and other materials to meet the needs of Bexar County. The primary goal of this policy, however, is to present an official statement of BiblioTech’s commitment to a collection that strives to meet the needs of the public it serves. The policy explains to the public the basis upon which materials are selected and maintained, and helps answer questions regarding the presence or absence of certain materials.

Intellectual Freedom

BiblioTech firmly adheres to the Library Bill of Rights, which is adopted and amended by the American Library Association (ALA). The Bill of Rights states: “The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.” 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. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Selection of Library Materials

Professional librarians and staff with particular expertise in a subject area or a language other than English are responsible for selecting materials for inclusion into the Library’s collection. This includes materials for patrons of all ages and backgrounds. The selection of library materials will be made based on the following criteria:

• Accuracy and efficiency
• Champions continuing education
• Delineation of diverse and/or opposing viewpoints
• Enhances job-related skills
• Included in bestseller lists, published bibliographies, or review publications
• Inclusion of authors of all backgrounds, creed, sexual orientation, race and religion
• Licensing consideration and/or expiration
• Meets content budget requirements
• Original and unabridged
• Patron interest
• Positive reviews
• Provides self-help information
• Relation to existing collection
• Relevance to community needs
• Relevance to current affairs and/or social issues that can educate
• Relevance to local history or historical trends
• Reputation of authors, publishers, producers or creators
• Supports recreational interests and reflects the cultural, historical and civic interests of the community

Collection Maintenance

The decisions based on which materials will be retained and those that will not be are made by librarians or trained library staff and are based on the awareness of the evolving needs and diverse interest of the community. Materials may be deemed unnecessary if they prove to be outdated, misleading, or irrelevant. Materials may also be withdrawn from the current collection for not meeting the criteria listed above. This holds especially true for materials that are being considered for repurchase once their original license has expired. BiblioTech reserves the right to maintain copies of standard and important works but does not automatically replace all materials that have either exhausted their licenses or no longer fit the scope of this Collection Development Policy. BiblioTech librarians and trained library staff stay up-to-date and engage in continual collection evaluation to ensure the collection remains current and relevant at all times.

Evaluation of Library Materials

BiblioTech’s singular duty is to reflect within its collection differing points of view on controversial or debatable subjects. BiblioTech does not advocate particular beliefs or views. Furthermore, the selection of particular items does not express or imply an endorsement of the author’s viewpoint. Library materials will not be marked or identified in any way to show approval or disapproval of its contents, and items will not be sequestered. Comments and queries by community members concerning BiblioTech’s collection are welcomed by librarians and trained library staff. Feedback from the community provides staff with helpful information about the interests or needs that may not be adequately met by the collection. BiblioTech welcomes expression of opinion by community members and stakeholders, but will be governed by this Collection Development Policy in making additions to or deleting items from the collection.