Selection

Collection Depth

The new collection will provide materials for children ages 7-12 years old to be used for both recreational and educational reading. There is a clear emphasis on print formats, as this collection is meant to encourage children to expand their reading from narrative fiction to non-fiction. However, non-print and electronic materials are useful, both recreationally and educationally, to children, parents, and teachers, therefore non-print and electronic materials that support and enhance the collection will be provided. 

APL uses the conspectus collection depth indicators as defined by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA 2001). According to the IFLA there are six indicators, or levels, used to describe a library’s collection activity and goals. The conspectus uses the current collection level, acquisition commitment, and collection goals to evaluate each collection. The six levels are:

0 = out of scope

1 = minimal information level

2 = basic information level

3 = study or instructional support level

4 = research level

5 = comprehensive level (IFLA 2001, 4).

The new collection will be a level 2, basic information level. As defined by the IFLA, level 2 collections are those “that serve to introduce and define a subject, to indicate the varieties of information available elsewhere, and to support the needs of general library users through the first two years of college instruction” (IFLA 2001, 8). Level 2 collections contain a limited collection of monographs, representative general periodicals, and reference works. This collection will also adhere to the level 2 definition of providing limited owned or remotely-accessed electronic bibliographic tools, texts, journals, etc. (IFLA 2001, 8). 

Formats Collected

The new collection will provide materials for children ages 7-12 years old in a variety of formats; however, there will be an emphasis on print formats and audio books, as this collection is meant to encourage children to expand their reading from narrative fiction to non-fiction. Non-print and electronic materials are useful to children, parents, and teachers and encourage exploration and education. Therefore, non-print and electronic materials that are compatible and relevant to the collection will be provided.  

The new collection will include:

Print: books in hardcover and/or paperback, serials, graphic novels

Non-print: audio books, DVDs

Electronic resources: online database, digital books, e-serials, e-resources,

Formats Not Collected

Video games, CD-ROMs, computer software will not be collected due to funding stipulations dictated by the grant. Additional formats not currently collected include: textbooks, workbooks, filmstrips, microfilm, slides, musical scores, government publications, pamphlets, brochures, flyers, atlases, maps, realia, board games, toys, and newspapers.

Selection Criteria

APL prides itself on selecting high quality materials for its collections. Emphasis is placed on building a collection to meet the mission and goals of the library and to fit within the stated budget ($2,000). To build collections of merit, significance, and usefulness, materials must be measured by objective guidelines. Items chosen for inclusion in this collection must have positive recommendations from 2 or more of the following criteria: Have positive reviews from a professional, published source; be an award winner; be listed on a core list or a bestseller list; be present in an opening day collection; be authored by a key or core author and/or published by a key or core author of the subject; be recommended by an appropriate national association; or be present in the Online Public Access Catalog or specialist or world class collection or institution.

Gift Policy

APL welcomes gifts and donations, provided they meet the same standards as listed in Selection Criteria and support the collection, as well as the library’s mission statement and goals. In addition, items will be reviewed and evaluated in terms of age/grade level appropriateness and physical condition. Once items are donated they become the property of the library to use or dispose of at the library’s discretion. Items not retained for the collection are donated to the Atlas Public Library Friends and may be used in sales that support library programs and operations. The library will not provide appraisals of gifts for tax purposes. Items donated in memorial will be treated with special respect but will be subject to the same scrutiny as other selected items

Selection Responsibility

All library activities, including material selection, are under the authority and responsibility of the library director. As with other operations, the Director may delegate selection of materials to other members of the staff who are qualified by reason of education and training. All staff members and the general public may recommend materials for consideration.