Collection Development: Policy

Need help with policies? Ask us!

Policy Examples

• IFLS Policy Examples – Collection Development
• IFLS Challenge Support & Intellectual Freedom Resources – Preparing for Materials Challenges

Tips

• If your policy has not been updated within the last two years, or if you don’t have one, now is the time.
• Review existing and up-to-date policy examples.
• Consider your library’s mission and community needs when updating or creating your own policy.
• Be sure your library board of trustees understands the purpose and importance of the policy, and their role in upholding the library’s process for selection, weeding, donations, and reconsideration of materials.
  • See Chapter 22: Freedom of Expression and Inquiry of the Trustees Essentials Handbook
• Typical sections of a Collection Development policy may include:
  • Purpose/Objective of the collection
  • Selection Responsibility
  • Selection Criteria
  • Collection Maintenance and Weeding
  • Intellectual Freedom
  • Gifts and Donations
  • Reconsideration of Materials
  • Appendices including Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, etc.
• Ask for help! IFLS staff can help you with creating, updating, and revising your policy. Just submit a HelpDesk ticket.

Tools & Resources

• Why Do I Need a Policy? (ALA)
• Politics and Timing of Policy Creation (ALA)
• How to Update Your Book Challenge Forms (Book Riot, Book Censorship News, May 6, 2022)
  • Book Challenge Form Template (from the above article)
• Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit (ALA)