LINCOLN PARISH LIBRARY
MATERIALS SELECTION POLICY
The following policy governs all additions to the library collections, regardless of format, type of
material, or source. Selections will be made solely on the merits of the materials in relation to
the building of the total collection and to serving the interests and needs of the citizens of
Lincoln Parish, and not on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval. The Lincoln Parish
Library regards censorship as a purely individual matter and holds that while anyone is free to
personally reject materials that they may consider offensive, one cannot exercise this right of
censorship to restrict the freedom of others. Only parents and guardians have the right and
responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening, and viewing choices of their own minor
children. The Library does not stand in the place of parents. (in loco parentis)
The Library strives to present a collection that is diverse and inclusive in order to provide
materials to patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and opinions. The collection taken as a whole will
represent as many viewpoints as possible. The existence of a particular viewpoint in the
collection is an expression of the Library’s policy of intellectual freedom, not an endorsement of
that particular point of view. No material will be excluded because of the race, nationality,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, political or social views of the author.
The Library Board recognizes that library resources are not unlimited. Selection of materials
must be consistent with budget allocations.
Factors in the selection process include, but are not limited to, the following criteria:
Present collection composition and objectives
Public interest/Level of demand
Author and/or Publisher status and reliability
Originality, creativity, and freshness of viewpoint
Factual accuracy
Timeliness
Community relevance
Diversity of viewpoint
Format, legibility, and quality of material’s construction
Price and funds available in the materials budget
View of critics, reviewers, and library staff
In the majority of cases, selection is made only after reviews indicate the worthiness of the
item. In those cases where this is impossible, the professional judgment of the selector will
govern. The Library Director is the final authority in the decision-making process and is
responsible to the Library Board of Control in the exercise of this authority.
SELF-PUBLICATIONS
The Library does not generally purchase self-published materials, though we may occasionally
acquire materials with unique local content. If a self-published book is reviewed positively in a
major review journal, it also may be purchased, depending on the Library’s collection criteria
and needs. Paid reviews or Amazon reviews are not considered.
Self-published items from local authors will be accepted as gifts to the Library. These works will
have minimal cataloging, utilizing only author and titles; they will have a call number of “SELF”;
and they will be shelved separately from the regular collection. They will not be placed in the
“New” shelving areas.
GIFTS, DONATIONS, AND MEMORIALS
Gift materials are received routinely by the Library with the provision that they may be used in
the best interest of the Library. They are received without conditions or restrictions and may or
may not be added to the collection. Gift items are subject to the same selection criteria used for
purchased materials. Materials not added to the collection are sent to the Friends of Lincoln
Public Library to be included in their book sales. All proceeds from the Friends’ book sales are
used in support of the Library’s mission, programs, and collections.
Monetary donations allocated for materials purchase are also accepted by the Library. The
Library reserves the right to determine the disposition of all gifts received, in keeping with the
policy herein.
Memorials and honorariums are a wonderful way to pay homage to someone in a way that is
meaningful and lasting. However, these materials must also meet the selection criteria in this
policy. Patrons are invited to discuss their wishes with the staff before purchasing an item or
preferably, to have the staff select the item being purchased. This will assure the item is in
keeping with collection needs and criteria.
Gifts, memorials, honorariums, and donations are all subject to the same withdrawal policy as
items purchased by the library.
COLLECTION REVIEW
The Library Board recognizes the right of individuals to question the inclusion of materials in the
Library collection. Patrons questioning material may speak to staff about an item. The
supervisor in charge will discuss the patron’s concerns and give the patron a copy of this policy.
If the patron wishes to continue questioning the materials, they may state their opinion in
writing on a form provided by the Library. The form will be sent to the Director who will review
the patron’s concerns and the material in question, make a final decision, and reply to the
patron in writing.
Patrons still wishing to express concerns to the Library Board about the materials will be heard
during a regular meeting under the agenda item “Public Comment” or at another time
designated by the Library Board for public expression. The Library Board, after receiving
testimony from the public and from the Director, will decide the Library’s actions, in accordance
with Library policies.
WITHDRAWAL OF MATERIALS
The Library Board recognizes that withdrawing materials from the collection is an important
part of maintaining the Library collection. Withdrawal of materials is a responsibility vested in
the Director who may authorize qualified staff to assist. The withdrawal policy is based on the
same factors as the selection policy.
The Lincoln Parish Library Board of Control subscribes to the principals enunciated in the
American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom the Read Statement, both of
which are incorporated herein as an integral part of this policy.
Approved by the Lincoln Parish Library of Control, September 21, 2016
Reviewed – August 17, 2020
