Material Selection

OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY: Senior Library Staff

APPROVAL DATE: May 15, 2019

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: May 15, 2019

Objective

Collection evaluation specialists assess potential acquisitions using established policies, curated resources, market insights, statistical analysis, and community demand patterns. Community input and vendor proposals further inform acquisition decisions.

Acquisition Process

Selection criteria depend on material categories and target demographics. While providing framework guidance, this protocol allows flexibility for individual case assessments.

NEW ACQUISITIONS

1. Library professionals leverage diverse discovery channels including:

   1. Print/digital advertising platforms
   2. Bookseller catalog systems
   3. Industry review publications
   4. Publisher product listings
   5. Community suggestion programs
   6. Internal staff recommendation programs

2. Acquisition specialists analyze multiple variables when selecting titles such as:

   1. Historical borrowing patterns
   2. Format availability
   3. Cover design appeal
   4. Target readership demographics
   5. Collection-wide usage statistics
   6. Editorial expertise
   7. Critical reception
   8. Comparative titles
   9. Series continuity
   10. Historical circulation performance

3. When adding items, libraries coordinate with procurement departments for fulfillment.

REQUEST PROCEDURES

1. Both personnel and patrons may submit acquisition suggestions after reviewing existing holdings. Detailed submission protocols appear in official acquisition manuals.

2. All requests undergo identical evaluation standards applied to new acquisitions.

3. Approved additions follow standard procurement channels.

REPLACEMENT CRITERIA

1. Regular inventory checks trigger replacement considerations. Key assessment factors include:

   1. Current format availability
   2. Existing stock quantities
   3. Active circulation rates

2. Successful replacements require confirmation with purchasing departments.

DONATION MANAGEMENT

1. Annual donations undergo formal processing per institutional protocols. Evaluation follows same acquisition criteria.

2. Unselected materials follow redistribution pathways including:

   • Community partner networks
   • Public engagement events
   • Municipal agencies
   • Childcare facilities
   • Environmental sustainability initiatives

Additional display elements excluded from current inventory.