LLACE CIRCULATING COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

I. Introduction

This document provides library volunteers and the public with an understanding of the
purpose and nature of the library’s collection. It explains the criteria that volunteers use
for making decisions about adding and removing materials from the library’s collection.

The Lavender Library Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the library’s
collection and the content of this document. Collection development and management
activities are planned and implemented by library volunteers that are active participants
in the library’s Cataloging and Library Administration committees.

A. Mission Statement

The Lavender Library collects, maintains, preserves, and circulates materials to patrons
in a safe and friendly environment. The library promotes an understanding of gender
and sexual diversity, and collects and preserves the community's history, writing, and
memorabilia, by documenting for current and future generations the people, places, and
events of Sacramento through the ongoing development and maintenance of the
collection and the LLACE archival program.

B. Collection Size

Number of items 19,356

Number of patrons 518

Printed Items 17,166

Digital Items (DVDs) 1,554

C. Collection Scope

The library’s circulating collection consists of nonfiction and fiction. The nonfiction
section includes travel, trivia, history, pre-history, archaeology, anthropology, sociology,
 community, movements, government/politics, economics, business, technology,
education, psychology/health, nature, philosophy, religion, culture, and leisure. The
fiction section includes poetry, plays, short stories, science fiction and fantasy, mystery,
detective, action and adventure, humor, and erotica. The circulating collection is
primarily print materials, but also includes DVDs.

The Library does not subscribe to any periodicals, however the non-circulating
collection includes periodicals, primarily from 1971 to the present, and special
collections books and periodicals deemed rare, early edition, and/or historically
significant.

II. Development Criteria

A. Publication Dates

LLACE collects current materials, defined as information that is pertinent and timely, or
materials that have significance "today." The only exception to these would be historical
works, primarily from the 20th and 21st centuries, relating to the LGBTQIA focus of the
collection. Works published within the last 20 years are prioritized, unless the content of
the work meets an area of need for the collection, or in cases in which the author is
significant and meets an area of need for the collection.

B. Format

LLACE collects a variety of formats including, but not limited to, printed material
(books/magazines), microfilm, microfiche, periodicals, DVDs, and compact discs. The
Library does not collect VHS tapes. Hardback books are preferred to paperback books,
for their durability.

C. Subject/Content

LLACE only collects materials with LGBTQIA content, and/or materials created by
LGBTQIA authors/directors. The Library is especially looking to collect current
materials, both fiction and non-fiction, on the following topics: transgender communities
and experiences with transitioning; bisexual and pansexual communities; asexual
communities; intersex communities; raising LGBTQIA children and teens; LGBTQIA
children’s books; coming out self-help; health and wellness; experiences with
intersecting identities (for example, being LGBTQIA and a person of color); and any
 materials relevant to LGBTQIA politics or activism including but not limited to issues of
disability, bodies and size, class.

The Library also collects recent films, especially those with accolades, media attention,
or awards. Erotic films (x-rated) are accepted. The Library is especially interested in
collecting erotic films that are diverse, queer, and/or kinky.

Materials that are not current and do not meet the subject/content or format needs of
the collection should not be accepted.

The LLACE Board of Directors reserves the right to assess whether any item in the
collection violates our collective vision/mission and take action accordingly.

III. Accession Process

A. Initial Questions

Does the work(s) meet one or more of the following criteria: publication dates within the
last 20 years; hardback books preferred, paperback acceptable, or another format that
the Library accepts; a subject/content area that the library needs.

Does the Library already have the book? If possible, replace paperback copies with
hardback copies. Duplicates are only acceptable for titles that are highly circulated.

Would the community be losing out on accessing crucial, timely knowledge by not
adding the work(s) to the collection?

If accepted, should the work go into the circulating collection, or, if it meets the criteria
outlined in the [TBA non circulating CDP], should it go into the non-circulating
collection?

B. Final Steps

Once a decision is made, take one of the following courses of action: add the work(s) to
the “to be cataloged” section; add the work(s) to the sale section; decline to accept the
work(s); defer to cataloging committee’s weeding/accession bin.
IV. Weeding Process

A. Description

The term “weeding” is used to describe the activity of seeking out items that are no
longer useful or appropriate for the collection. These items are then discarded and may
or may not be replaced within the collection. The purpose of discarding materials from
the collection is to maintain an accurate and up-to-date collection for library patrons.

B. What Can Be Weeded

Materials which are inaccurate, outdated, unused, or in poor condition and/or may
detract from the usefulness and aesthetic appeal of the collection. Specifically, items
that may be weeded out from the collection include those that are: misleading or
factually inaccurate, those that are damaged, soiled, or worn, those that may be
outdated or superseded by a new edition or newer title on the same subject, those
which are deemed trivial or have no discernible literary or scientific merit, and those
materials which are deemed irrelevant to the needs and interests of the community or
contain information that may be obtained more easily elsewhere. Materials that have not
circulated in a chosen time period and duplicate titles no longer needed are also
considered for weeding.

C. Weeding Process

Items to be considered for weeding will be placed in a “weeding bin” and will be
considered by the Cataloging and Library Administration Committee. Reasons for
removal from collection should be listed on a slip of paper left inside the cover of the
book or taped to the cover of the film. Weeded items will be reclassified, as appropriate.

V. Gifts/Donations

All donated materials will be received with the understanding that they are accepted
subject to the approval of library volunteers/Board of Directors. Donated materials are
considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as duplication, lack of
community interest, processing costs, or inadequate shelf space may prevent their
addition to the collection or permanent retention on the shelves.
The library will not agree to separate treatment for gift materials. Donated materials will
not be displayed on special shelves, or separated from other similar materials already in
the library collection.

Gifts are accepted with the understanding that the library, if it cannot use them, may at
any time discard or sell them in any way deemed appropriate. Materials not of use in the
library collection are frequently given to other non-profits with a literacy or
LGBTQIA-support objective. The library does not appraise donated books or other gifts.