Collection Policy

Lake Mills Public Library

Collection Development Policy

Goal

The goal of the Lake Mills Public Library is to provide broad, current, popular collections which are responsive to the varied needs of the community. The library strives to offer a wide range of subjects and views, through a variety of formats, within the limits of cost and space while considering current holdings and demand. Including materials in the collection does not constitute endorsement of their content.

Responsibility for Selection

The Library Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for selection of materials for the library. The Board delegates responsibility for selection to the Library Director, and other selectors as designated by the Director, who operate within the framework of policies determined by the Board. Recommendations from the community are welcomed and given serious consideration.

Principles for Selection

The following criteria are used to evaluate materials for selection, regardless of intended audience or format:

The Library’s Mission Statement and chosen roles of service
Contemporary significance or long-term value
Accuracy of information presented
Significance of author, illustrator, publisher or issuing body
Relationship of work to existing collection, covering a broad range of points of view
Cost to acquire and/or maintain the material
Technical characteristics of the format such as binding and paper quality, accessibility and usability, and suitability of the format for library use
Needs and interests of the community
Reviews found in professional, literary, specialized and general periodicals, as well as reputable online sources

Selectors will strive for a well-balanced, diverse collection, which requires:

Considering materials from a variety of sources
Seeking content created by and representative of marginalized and underrepresented groups
Evaluating how materials are cataloged, labeled, and displayed
Including content in languages used in the community, when possible
Providing resources in multiple formats, including formats that meet the needs of users with different abilities

Maintaining the Collection

To maintain the collection in its most useful and attractive condition, the selectors will use their professional judgment in removing materials which are no longer useful or are in a condition not suitable for circulation. Weeding is a thorough and conscientious effort to achieve a well-balanced collection suitable to the community served and should be a continuous, consistent process. Books catalogued as “Classics” shall not be weeded. Materials considered for weeding are:

1. in poor condition

2. low circulating and not considered to be of lasting value

3. inaccurate or outdated

4. on subject matter no longer of current interest

Items withdrawn from the collection will be disposed of following the guidelines established through the State Library of Iowa’s “State Library Endorsement.” Items may be sold, discarded, or donated to another government entity.

Access to the Collection

The basic principles set forth in the American Library Association’s publications, the Library Bill of Rights (Appendix E), the Freedom to Read Statement (Appendix F), and the Freedom to View Statement (Appendix G) shall be maintained.

The Board recognizes that individuals may question the inclusion of certain materials within the collection that do not support their tastes and views. Library staff are available to discuss concerns and to identify options and alternate materials. A Request for Reconsideration form (Appendix H) may be requested and submitted to the Library Board of Directors for discussion. The Board’s determination on the matter will be final.

The library designates materials as Juvenile, Young Adult, and Adult, but does not restrict access to any materials. Responsibility for a child’s choice of materials rests with the parents or legal guardians.

Adopted 12/09/2014

Revised 02/21/2023

Revised 11/13/25