MISSION STATEMENT: We open doors for curious minds.
PURPOSE OF COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Collection development is the ongoing process of evaluating the materials and services available to a library for purchase or licensing and deciding on their inclusion or retention in a library’s collection. This policy outlines the guidelines and principles of Anythink’s collection development process.
Anythink provides spaces, programs, and services to Adams County residents, as well as informational and recreational materials that represent a variety of viewpoints. The materials selected represent Anythink’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and free speech principles.
The intention of this policy is to provide transparency to Anythink’s process of acquisition, retention, and withdrawal of items and resources in its collection.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
Anythink provides a welcoming environment that connects people to ideas, information, and experiences spanning a spectrum of knowledge and opinions. The library is committed to supporting the community’s First Amendment rights and the protections provided by the state and federal constitutions.
Anythink’s collection includes materials that appeal to a broad range of customer interests and points of view. Anythink encourages free exploration of materials, and neither approves nor disapproves of the content of items that are available. In accordance with CRS 24-90-122, Anythink will not exclude a work from the collection based on the ethnic origin, ethnic background, or gender identity of the creators of the work, or based on the topics or opinions expressed in the work.
Anythink empowers its customers to decide what materials fit their own needs, and to decide what materials are appropriate for their personal or family values. Parents, caregivers, and legal guardians are responsible for their children’s use of library materials.
Anythink follows the principles of the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements.
ACCESSING THE COLLECTION
Anythink provides a dynamic, ever-changing collection of materials that are shared among its branches and bookmobile. To empower customers to find information, these items are organized by a bookstore-style, standards-based classification system, known as WordThink. Digital resources in a range of formats are also provided through online platforms and services.
All library materials are available for use by all customers. Staff are available to assist customers in the selection and location of materials. Due to technical, budgetary or licensing constraints, some materials may have use limits to ensure equitable access.
SCOPE OF COLLECTION
Anythink’s collection focuses primarily on new and popular titles. It includes print, audio, visual, digital materials, and resources in a variety of formats, languages and levels of difficulty. The collection includes items like instruments, games, and tools that help meet the informational, literary, accessibility, enrichment, and entertainment needs of the community.
Only materials, items, and resources that are specifically selected under the guidelines of this policy and acquired by Anythink are considered part of the collection of the library.
To help extend access to materials outside the scope of the collection, Anythink participates in regional and national borrowing cooperatives such as Prospector and interlibrary loan networks.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT SELECTION CRITERIA
The Collection Development Department makes selection decisions based on literary and industry standard reviews, and professional judgment and expertise.
Materials are evaluated according to the criteria below. An item need not meet all these criteria to be acceptable. Materials may be deemed outside the scope or selection criteria by the Collection Development Department.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Available for library purchase or license in the United States
- Current and potential relevance to the needs of Adams County’s diverse communities
- Potential user appeal and popularity
- Representation of diverse points of view, important movements, genres or trends
- Timeliness and/or publication date
- Inclusion of diverse points of view and the perspectives of marginalized groups
- Relation to the existing collection
- Literary reputation, authority, and significance of the author or artist
- Reviews by industry-standard sources
- Attention by critics and reviewers
- Contemporary factual accuracy
- Style, clarity, originality, presentation, artistry
- Authenticity of history, characterization, or social setting
- Suitability of physical form for library use
- Cost
- Availability through resource sharing
- Customer suggestions and requests
COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Anythink Executive Director designates the Collection Development Department to manage the collection through budgeting, selecting, acquiring, cataloging and processing materials. Collection Development staff are responsible for building a collection that is representative of the diverse communities served by Anythink.
All Anythink staff members contribute to the development of a collection driven by customer and community needs and expectations by:
- Anticipating customer needs and identifying gaps in the collection
- Engaging in open, continuous two-way communication with customers and other staff
- Handling all customer requests equitably and promptly sharing them with the Collection Development staff
- Collection maintenance, withdrawal, merchandising, and staff recommendations
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT IN COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
Anythink customers are encouraged to participate in the collection development process by submitting requests though the online portal, or through staff assistance. This collaboration allows Anythink to build a collection that is representative of its customers and their interests and needs. All suggestions will be reviewed by the Collection Development team using the criteria outlined above.
Any items not purchased may be requested through resource sharing services such as Prospector or interlibrary loan.
WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION
Anythink is committed to maintaining a collection that is relevant, engaging, inclusive, and in excellent condition. The withdrawal of materials is necessary to continue adding new items to the collection. Items removed from the collection are sold, donated, recycled, or disposed of according to Anythink’s Financial Management Policy.
The following criteria are used when determining which items are appropriate for withdrawal:
- Poor condition and/or damage
- Content that is inaccurate or outdated
- Item has been superseded by newer editions, updated facts, or new formats
- Item is available elsewhere
- Item is duplicated within the existing collection
- The number of recent and/or total checkouts
REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION
Anythink provides library materials to Adams County residents, as well as informational and recreational resources that represent a variety of viewpoints. The materials and resources provided represent Anythink’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and free speech principles, and are chosen in accordance with library policies and procedures. Anythink upholds the right of individuals to access these resources, although the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to some. While Anythink’s varied collections are available to all, it is not expected that every item offered will appeal to everyone.
Any resident or property owner within the boundaries of Rangeview Library District may submit a Request for Reconsideration in accordance with Anythink’s Request for Reconsideration Policy. Formal requests for reconsideration, either written or in person, are a matter of public record.
A resident or property owner in the Rangeview Library District may submit up to five requests for reconsideration in a calendar year.
Formal requests for reconsideration, either written or in person, are subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and are not protected by library user privacy laws.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, 7/17/24