Collection Development Plan

 

 

 

Material Selection Policy (from APL website) Library Vision Statement Library Mission Statement Key Result Areas / Library Roles Lifelong Learning Current Topics & Titles Information Building Community Operational Issues General Plan Selection Responsibility Selection Criteria Collection Evaluation and Assessment Weeding and Disposal Reconsideration of Library Materials Gifts, Memorials and Donations Memorials Used Item Donations Customer Requests Multiple Copies and Replacements Special Collections Formats Interlibrary Loan Collection Services as OWLSnet Resource Plan Review and Revision Collection Plans Adult Collections Fiction Collections Nonfiction Large Print Media Reference Wisconsin Collection Adult Easy Reader Collection Hmong Resource Center Pamphlets Foreign Language Materials Children’s Collections Reference Periodicals Pamphlets Foreign Language Materials Young Adult Collections Fiction Media  Periodicals Foreign Language Materials Games

 

Material Selection Policy (from APL website)

 

 

 

(the text is copied below)

Appleton Public Library

 

Material Selection Policy

 

Purpose

 

The Appleton Public Library selects materials and develops collections in many different formats to provide Appleton residents with a wide range of informational, recreational and educational resources which are easily accessible and cost-efficient. The library will acquire materials reflecting the full diversity of points of view on topics of interest to the public. The collection is developed to meet the needs and interests of Appleton residents and as a resource for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System.

 

Policy

 

1. One objective of the Appleton Public Library is to select, organize, preserve and make freely available materials that help individuals and groups in the community to:

 

a. pursue continuing education

b. develop their creative capacities

c. become more responsible members of the community

d. understand their cultural heritage and that of others

e. become more capable in their occupations

f. use their leisure time creatively and enjoyably

g. obtain needed information

 

2. To achieve these ends, the library provides materials and services to residents of all ages. It seeks to direct and stimulate life-long learning by offering a carefully selected collection of materials and skilled professional guidance in their use.

 

3. In its selection of materials, the Appleton Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association.

 

4. The final responsibility for material selection lies with the Library Director. The responsibility for initial selection of materials is shared by members of the staff. Recommendations from the public are welcomed and given full consideration for acquisition.

 

5. The library will not promote specific beliefs or views, but will provide enough suitable material to enable the public to make informed and intelligent decisions.

 

6. Materials judged to be of lasting value will be added to the collection. Those materials meeting present and anticipated user interests may also be provided. Materials listed in standard public library indices will generally be acquired.

 

7. Selection of materials may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to the following:

a. budgetary considerations

b. physical limitations of the library building

c. suitability of the format and construction

d. availability of specialized materials in other local libraries

e. availability of material through interlibrary loan

f. the need for added materials in subject areas

g. the special needs of library patrons for materials in accessible formats

 

8. The library welcomes gifts of materials, with the understanding that they will be evaluated using the same criteria as those applied to purchased materials. If the gifts do not meet these criteria, the library reserves the right to dispose of them as it sees fit. All gifts of library materials are subject to the Library's Gifts Policy.

 

9. The library collection will be kept attractive and current by a continual program of repairing, discarding or replacing worn and out-dated materials.

 

10. Plans for the development of specific collections may be written by library staff as needed. These plans may outline selection and acquisition procedures, reviewing tools, and maintenance of the specific collection. All such plans shall be in compliance with and responsive to the philosophy of this policy. Some materials may be placed in collections according to age appropriateness.

 

11. The library will challenge censorship of any materials in order to provide complete and accurate information on all sides of an issue, and to foster a climate of intellectual freedom for area residents.

 

12. Challenges regarding specific materials will be reviewed upon written request. Such requests will be referred to the Library Director.

a. The Director will review the material in question, make an initial determination on the request and discuss with the person who challenged the material.

b. Should the complainant be dissatisfied with the Director’s determination, the complaint will go to a Material Review Committee, consisting of a representative of the Library Board Policy Committee, the Technical Services Supervisor, and a staff member who selects in the area of the collection in question. This Committee will make a recommendation to the Director, who will communicate with the complainant. 

c. Should the complainant be dissatisfied with the decision of the Committee, and Director, the complaint will be referred to the full Library Board. Decisions of the Board shall be final.

 

--adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, April 10, 2000, revised October, 2008.

 

 

Library Vision Statement

Through the Appleton Public Library, the people of the greater Appleton area will have access to:

 

• the information necessary to succeed at school, at work, and in their personal lives;
• the materials and programs that stimulate thinking, enhance knowledge, and improve leisure;
• the resources to discover the joy of reading and develop a love of learning;
• the electronic resources to develop needed technological, information-seeking, and evaluation skills;
• a library that is an integral part of public education and an easily accessible, convenient focal point of community life, connecting the people of the region.

approved by Library Board of Trustees, June 11, 2004

 

 

Library Mission Statement

 

The Appleton Public Library is a center of community life, offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn, know, gather and grow.

 

 

Key Result Areas / Library Roles

Lifelong Learning

We support and assist those who foster a love of reading and learning through library resources and programming.

Goal 1 - Foster a lifelong love of reading and learning in children and young adults.

• Strategies:

  • Present programs in collaboration with area schools or other organizations.

  • Collect materials for students and educators that supplement and complement school collections.

  • Develop collections and programs that encourage reading and learning for children, young adults, and families.

Goal 2 - Foster lifelong learning by providing resources and assistance for individuals seeking and evaluating information.

• Strategies:

  • Provide and promote accessible and user-friendly electronic resources and websites for learning & personal development.

  • Provide services and collect materials for independent learners and the business community.

  • Provide services and materials responsive to individuals with special needs.

  • Promote reading for pleasure for all ages.

  • Provide programs and individual assistance to develop skills in evaluating information sources.

Current Topics & Titles

We provide current information and high demand materials in a variety of formats.

Goal 3 - Provide access to current, popular materials and programs.

• Strategies:

  • Collect materials to meet public demand, balanced with other community needs for library materials.

  • Look for opportunities to partner with other organizations to present programs of current interest.

  • Provide displays and exhibits on topics of current interest.

  • Look for increased efficiencies in reshelving materials.

Information

We answer questions, assist with research, help with the evaluation of information, and expose the public to a broad range of alternative sources.

Goal 4 - Provide dependable and reliable information.

• Strategies:

  • Provide quality reference service and advice in selecting materials through a variety of channels.

  • Provide instruction in using and evaluating information resources.

  • Survey selected areas of the collection for currency each year.

  • Develop electronic resources and websites to provide useful information

  • Support electronic delivery of services remotely and in-house, in collaboration with OWLS & OWLSnet where feasible.

  • Implement appropriate interactive and social technologies (Library 2.0).

  • Implement technology standards for digitization.

Building Community

We are a gathering place to share interests and enjoy learning. We celebrate culture and knowledge and honor differences. We provide information about our community and preserve local history.

Goal 5 - Serve as a community gathering place.

• Strategies:

  • Provide meeting spaces for local groups and organizations.

  • Work to provide a safe and welcoming library environment for the entire community.

  • Work with downtown neighbors to promote clean, safe and friendly neighborhood environment.

Goal 6 - Provide local information, local history, and cultural diversity resources.

• Strategies:

Operational Issues

We maintain resources necessary to meet the community’s library service needs and accomplish our

mission and roles, including:

Goal 7 - Provide an adequate number of well-trained staff and volunteers.

• Strategies:

  • Annually review the plan with the Library Board and the staff.

  • Annually review staff objectives to reflect service demands and available resources.

  • Hire high-quality staff with skills in languages and technology, and provide them with adequate compensation commensurate with other libraries and other City employees.

  • Provide the staff with training opportunities which promote skills development, excellent customer service and fulfillment of the library’s mission.

  • Annually establish required training curriculum for all staff Provide adequate accessible technological tools for staff training and communications.

  • Respect the value of each staff member, promote teamwork and communication, and provide good management and supervision.

  • Seek opportunities to promote collaboration and share information between sections, including well-defined task forces

  • Annually review tasks and jobs that could be performed by volunteers; maintain volunteer job descriptions; assess additional adult programming and greeter functions, volunteers or

  • Foundation funding to provide volunteer coordination

Goal 8 – Align library services with community needs.

• Strategies:
  • Annually review library service needs and set objectives based on statistics, surveys, and user feedback.
  • Develop marketing plan to make community aware of library services.
  • Actively communicate the variety and value of library services as well as library support needs to the community.
  • Review fees for services where appropriate.
  • Consider appropriate service reductions if revenue does not support services; consider closing at 8 PM year-round unless more funding for staff is available.

Goal 9 - Ensure adequate financial resources to meet community library service needs.

• Strategies:
  • Develop budgets based on goals and annual objectives.
  • Annually review staff budget and training allocations to meet goals, objectives, and section needs.
  • Create fund development plan.
  • Use financial support from the Library Foundation and FOAL to supplement the operating budget and provide support for fundraising.
  • Investigate and develop alternative revenue streams and fund sources. Seek additional grant funding as appropriate.
  • Work with OWLS to achieve 100% reimbursement for serving county residents.
  • Encourage library supporters to speak up at budget time.

Goal 10 - Use appropriate technology to provide service, assist staff, and increase efficiency.

• Strategies:

  • Utilize staff Intranet, email and interactive software for effective communications.

  • Review materials security systems, including options for automating check-out, check-in and sorting operations.

  • Study RFID & implement if feasible for cost-saving and improved service.

  • Study automated telephone answering system/directory.

  • Use built-in video projectors & other equipment in program areas to simplify media programming.

Goal 11 - Ensure clean, safe, well-maintained and easily accessible facilities.

• Strategies:

  • By 2008, study need for additional facilities, including options for branches, expansion and relocation.

  • Be aware of opportunities for creating a joint library or library district for improved service, support and efficiencies.

  • Work jointly with City of Appleton Facilities Management Department to ensure that facilities are well-maintained, including budgeting capital expenditures.

  • Work to provide adequate parking for library users.

  • Work to expand monitor hours of coverage

  • Improve communications with Police

  • Annually review Rules of Conduct and Security Policy with Board & all staff and conduct staff security training.

 

 

approved by Library Board of Trustees, August 8, 2007

 

 

 

General Plan

Selection Responsibility

 

The final responsibility for material selection lies with the Library Director. The responsibility for initial selection of materials is shared by professional members of the staff. Recommendations from the public are welcomed.

Collection budgets are coordinated by the Technical Services Supervisor.  Selections are coordinated by the section supervisors (Reference and Information Services Supervisor, Children’s Services Supervisor, Circulation Supervisor (managing Adult Fiction), and Technical Services Supervisor).  Section Supervisors may appoint professional and para-professional staff to manage specific collections and/or act as generalist selectors.

Responsibilities of the Technical Services Supervisor consist of:

• Developing the materials budget (allocating sufficient funds to enable the various collections to be developed according to the policies established by the library board)
• Monitor and coordinate the expenditures of selected materials
• Help resolve specific budget line problems
• Develop review lists and manage the withdrawal of items from the collection
• Manage decisions regarding the rebinding, replacement and repackaging of materials.
• Overseeing the maintenance of this Collection Development Plan

Responsibilities of the Selection Coordinators consist of:

• Working with the Technical Services Supervisor to develop the materials budget and help monitor budget line problems
• Evaluating the recommendations of their respective staff members and the customers including both purchases and gifts
• Reviewing and evaluating the contents of the collections
• Deselecting materials upon appropriate evaluation of the collections
• Assisting in the updating of this Collection Development Plan

Responsibilities of the Selectors consist of:

• Reading selection tools and recommending specific title selections
• Reviewing the collections for weeding, damage and loss
• Gaining familiarity with the collection to monitor areas of strengths and weaknesses
• Listening to patrons to identify and select items of community and individual interest
• Making recommendations to keep this Collection Development Plan relevant.

 

 

Selection Criteria

 

All materials, including gifts, will be selected in accordance with one or more of the following criteria:

• Information included in reviews and selection tools
• Effectiveness of style, format and content for intended audience (through undergraduate level)
• Need for variety and balance of viewpoints and subjects within the collection, though not within the publication
• Relations to existing collection and other materials on the subject
• Reputation, authority, and significance of author, publisher, director, composer and/or artist
• Organization of the information is appropriate for its use (including cross-references, indexes, etc.
• Customer interest and requests
• Price and value
• Format
• Contemporary significance or permanent value
• Textbooks added only when they supply information not available in other materials
• Availability of hardware to use resources in the library
• Target audience and potential value to this audience, including language appropriate materials for the target audience
• Community-wide interests and programs
• Inclusion in profession literature indexes
• In-print/Out-of-print status
• Inclusion on national best seller lists, lists of local interest, or award winners/notable lists
• Media attention
• Compliment in-house programming
• Support of local school and home schooled curricula
• Publisher generated information (catalogs, etc.)
• Introduction of new formats to the marketplace and customer demand for these formats
• Other criteria as the library staff and Board feel should be considered

 

 

Collection Evaluation and Assessment

 

The collection requires continuous evaluation in order to be sure that the Library is fulfilling its mission.  Statistical tools such as circulation reports, collection turnover rates, fill rates, shelf allotments and volume counts will be studied to determine how the collection is being used and how it should change to respond effectively to customer use.

 

Every three to ten years the collections will be reviewed by staff to determine that holdings are still effective and useful.  Staff will also review for deficiences within the collections, identify missing items and candidates for weeding and/or repair.

 

 

Weeding and Disposal

 

As materials become worn, dated, damaged, lost or the information becomes dated, replacement or withdrawal may be appropriate.  Staff should consider:

·         Are there other copies in the collection?

·         Is the item still of use?  Has it circulated within the last two years?

·         Is the item still available for purchase?

·         Is the information within the item still accurate/relevant?

·         Has the item been superseded by a newer edition or with other titles?

·         Does this item have historical value?

·         Is the item available at another local agency?

 

 

Reconsideration of Library Materials

 

The library will not promote specific beliefs or views, but will provide enough suitable material to enable the public to make informed and intelligent decisions.  

Some of the materials may be offensive to individuals or groups because of individual perceptions of profanity, social, economic and political ideas, religious viewpoints, the background of the author, or the kind of information provided.  The Library does not approve or endorse any particular viewpoint, belief or person represented in its collection.

When a patron expresses concern about library materials, staff should make an effort to resolve the concern informally.

• This should normally be done by professional staff. When possible, staff should contact, in order of preference, their section head, the LIC, building supervisor or other professional colleague.
• As appropriate, staff may offer to have their supervisor, Collection Services Supervisor, Assistant Director, or Director call the patron to discuss their concern.
• Staff should listen carefully to the patron and attempt to understand their concern.
• Staff working with the patron should not argue. They should generally neither agree nor disagree with the patron.
• Time permitting, and as appropriate, staff should explain the materials selection policy and procedures, including the philosophy of the library serving the entire community with many points of view.
• Should the patron definitely wish to have the material removed from the library collection or other action taken, staff should offer the patron a reconsideration form. Also available is the Patron information sheet. Staff should explain the reconsideration process.
• Staff should thank the patron for their concern.

Reconsideration forms when filled out by patrons will be forwarded to the Library Director.

• The Director will review the material in question and make a determination whether copies will be pulled from the collection pending resolution of the issue.
• The Director will seek written reviews of the material
• The Director will advise the patron who requested reconsideration of the process and timetable.
• The Director will request three people to review the material and respond to the Director in writing. These reviewers will include one from the library staff and two from the community.
• Upon receipt of the reviews, the Director will make a determination and respond in writing to the complainant.

If unsatisfied, the complainant may appeal the decision to the Director, and if still unsatisfied, may appeal to the Library Board. The decision of the Library Board is final.

 

 

Gifts, Memorials and Donations

 

The Appleton Public Library believes that private initiative has an important role in extending and enriching the services of the library.  The Library Board establishes this policy to set guidelines for accepting gifts.

 

1) Conditions under which gifts will be accepted:

o        Gifts for the library should be of such nature that usage of them falls within the Mission Statement of the Library.

o        Gifts should be viewed as an addition or supplement to, not a reduction of, the operating budget of the library.

o        Staff will routinely determine if gifts are acceptable under this policy.  The Board will routinely vote approval on grants from the Appleton Library Foundation or other sources.  Gifts resulting in ongoing costs to the institution such as staffing or special maintenance will require special Board approval for acceptance.

o        Gifts should be complete and may be refused if the expenditure of library funds is necessary to make the gift item usable.

o        Gifts of cash, real property, stocks, trusts, etc. will be accepted.  Such resources may be used to purchase materials in keeping with the library's collection development plan, or to provide services in keeping with the library's mission.  The purchase of specifically identified titles with such funds cannot be guaranteed, nor does the donor have the right of approval of titles before purchase.  However, donors are encouraged to recommend subject areas.

o        Depending on the wishes of the donors, some donations may be referred to the Appleton Library Foundation, the Friends of the Appleton Library, the FOAL Endowment, or the Frank P. Young Scholarship fund.

o        Gifts of art objects, personal property, etc will be accepted if such items have a use in the library.  If an item can not be used, the library reserves the right to sell the item and use the proceeds of the sale for purposes in keeping with the Library's Mission Statement.  Books will also be accepted with the understanding that the material may or may not be added to the collection.

 

2) Disposal of gifts:

The library reserves the right at all times to dispose of any gift without notification to the donor, if in the judgment of the staff, such item no longer serves the purposes of the library.

 

3) Recognition of gifts:

Library bookplates will be placed in any library materials purchased with gift funds, format permitting.  Programs and services made possible by gift funds will include recognition of such benefactors in their supporting literature.  Recognition of gifts may be made through the library's newsletter; major donations may also be announced in the local newspaper.  The Appleton Library Foundation has distinct donor recognition mechanisms.

 

4) Solicitation of gifts:

The library will work with the Appleton Library Foundation and Friends of the Appleton Public Library to develop appropriate methods for the solicitation of gifts.

 

approved by the Library Board, 1/11/99

 

 

Memorials

 

Customers may make a monetary donation in memory of friends or family to purchase materials deemed appropriate by the Gifts Policy approved by the Board. The customer may request their money be spent of materials deemed appropriate by the Materials Selection Policy.  Please fill out this form (link to Memorials & Donations Work Form) and submit it to the Technical Services Supervisor. 

 

Once the donated item has been received, a letter of appreciation should be sent to the donor and an announcement letter should be sent to the family of the deceased person or the person being honored.

 

If possible, a book plate will be incorporated into the item with the wording on the book plate to be determined by the customer within the limits of space.  The check should be given to the Administrative Secretary for deposit.

 

 

Used Item Donations

 

The library welcomes gifts of materials, with the understanding that they will be evaluated using the same criteria as those applied to purchased materials. If the gifts do not meet these criteria, the library reserves the right to dispose of them as it sees fit. All gifts of library materials are subject to the Library's Gifts Policy.

The donor of used items may request a receipt for their donation.  Copies of the receipt form may be found at the Circulation Desk back counter.  Staff may not provide an estimate of the value of the donations per the IRS.

 

 

Customer Requests

 

Customers may request an item(s) to be purchased.  If the item(s) meets the criteria defined in the Materials Selection Policy and there are sufficient funds, then the item(s) will be purchased.  If the patron barcode (and name) are included in the request, Acquisitions will generate a hold on the item for the patron if there is room on their hold queue.  There is no guarantee that the requestor will be the first person in the hold queue.

 

 

Multiple Copies and Replacements

 

The Library will purchase multiple copies of titles for which there is high demand.  The Library may order multiple copies of authors whose works are typically in high demand in advance of publication.  Demand is determined by the ratio of copies owned by the number of patron holds.

The ratio between copies owned and patron holds has changed overtime in an effort to meet the changes in the mission statements.  At the present time (2006) the following ratios are in effect:

Books                          3 holds per book (3:1)

Video                         10 holds per title (10:1) regardless of edition and a maximum of 4 copies of all editions

Books on CD/Tape     10 holds per title (10:1)

Music CDs                    5 holds per title (5:1)

For titles for which there are significant holdings amongst OWLSnet libraries and for which Appleton Public Library holds over 10 copies, the ratio may be allowed to increase.  The effect desired is to reduce the patron’s wait time from placing the hold to obtaining the item to a week or less.  As the total number of items available increases, the number of copies required to meet this wait time may change based on several criteria including the circulation period per library, the number of holds and the number of copies available.

Titles may be duplicated between collections if the Supervisors managing those collections feel there is sufficient reason to warrant the duplication.  Justifications might include the series aging beyond its initial audience, or the desire not to have older readers mix with very young children, etc.

 

 

Special Collections

 

With the exception of the Wisconsin Collection, the Library does not collect rare or collector items.

The library is a partial depository for State of Wisconsin documents.  Selected Federal documents may be purchased depending on the needs of the collection.  All government documents are cataloged and classified according to standard local practices.  Most Wisconsin government documents are stored in the Wisconsin Collection.  Federal government documents will most likely be stored in the Adult nonfiction or Reference collections.

 

 

Formats

 

(This section should provide guidelines of justifications for format changes within the collections.  Include information about how changes in technology impacts collection building, guidelines to determine when formats have become superseded and when it is appropriate for the dismantling of collections based on superseded formats, and recommendations on unique disposal issues of the withdrawn materials)

 

 

Interlibrary Loan

 

Interlibrary loan is a transaction in which library materials from another library outside the OWLSnet catalog are obtained for and loaned to our customers.  Some materials borrowed from other libraries may only be used in-house.  For details on local ILL procedures see this Reference document.

 

 

Collection Services as OWLSnet Resource

 

Selection of materials is a process that requires knowledge of the local community, customer preferences and needs, and the library’s subject collections.  In addition, selection is impacted by holdings and purchases made by other libraries in the OWLSnet systems.  Selection is also influenced by availability to purchase.

 

 

Plan Review and Revision

 

Collection plans and policies should be reviewed on periodically for relevancy to both the mission statement and changing community needs.

 

 

 

Collection Plans

 

Adult Collections

Fiction Collections

     General Fiction

The aim of the Fiction collections is to make available works representative of popular and/or enduring value.  The collection acquires works of fiction by American and international authors.  Attempts will be made to make available the entire oeuvre of desired authors, but this cannot be guaranteed.  Special consideration is given to publications about Wisconsin and the local community.

     Mystery Collection

The aim of this collection is to bring together for easy accessibility those fiction items which tend to be considered murder mysteries.

     Romance Collection

The aim of this collection is to bring together for easy accessibility those fiction items that focus on romances with female leads.

     Science Fiction / Speculative Fiction Collection

The aim of this collection is to bring together for easy accessibility items that include both fantasy fiction featuring imaginative and strange unreal settings and as well as science fiction, dealing principally with the impact of imagined or extrapolated scientific facts, but not including distinctively horror fiction or magic realism

     Western Collection

The aim of this collection is to bring together for easy accessibility those fiction items that relate experiences of men and women living the in the American West.  While most of these books relate experiences early in the development of the American West, the collection may also encompass tales typical of life in the contemporary rural American West.

     Spinner Paperbacks

The aim of the Spinner collections are to make available popular, mass-marketed paperbacks published within the prior two or three years.  This is not a permanent collection.  This collection does not require duplication in the above fiction collections.  This collection contains general fiction, romance, and mysteries.  It does not contain western and science fiction

 

Nonfiction

The aim of the Nonfiction collection is to satisfy the community’s diverse demand for nonfiction information and continued education.  Selections for this collection should be time sensitive and time-enduring.  Stress is placed on acquiring books of contemporary significance and lasting value that provide some form of added value to the scope and depth of the collection.

 

Large Print

The aim of the Large Print collection is to make available select works of enduring and popular value to customers with impaired vision. 

 

Media

The aim of the Adult Media collections is to acquire media reflecting the full diversity of points of view on topics of interest to the public.  High quality media that represents the best materials in each format and subject areas will be selected.  Media containing graphic violence, excessive profane language or explicit sexual content may be held to a higher standard of quality than less potentially offensive materials.

Video

     Adult DVD, Adult Video

The aim of the Video collections is to make available a wide variety of fiction videos and nonfiction videos.  Special consideration is given to videos performed or directed by Wisconsinites, about Wisconsin and the local community.  The library gives preference to acquire items that are not easily accessible via the Internet for free.

     Fiction videos

The aim of these collections is to acquire time-enduring titles representative of American and foreign films from the silent era to the present time.  Current television series of critical and popular acclaim as well as classic series will be selected.  Stress is placed on acquiring videos of contemporary significance, popularity and/or lasting value. 

      Nonfiction videos

The aim of these collections is to acquire visual depictions of a diversity of subject matters.  The information contained within the films should be accurate and well-organized.  The presentations should be employ a style appropriate for the medium, the subject matter and the intended audience.

 

 

Music & Comedy Recordings

The aim of the music collections is to provide select examples of the best recordings available.  A representative sampling of the works of major composers from all periods of history, both instrumental and vocal, will be acquired.  Titles and artists are chosen according to their impact on that musical genre and their long-lasting appeal.  Quality of recording and quality of performance as determined by standard review media are important selection criteria, but not restrictive.  Special consideration is given to recordings by local performers.

     Audiobooks (Books on Tape, Books on CD)

The aim of these collections is to provide a selection of fiction and nonfiction on varied topics to appeal to a broad range of interests.  Selections are chosen based on content, technical quality, subject demand and the performance of the reader.  Emphasis is made to acquire unabridged editions of printed works.  Abridged and excerpted works may be purchased based on customer demand.  Special consideration is given to recordings by local authors and poets.

     Software

The aim of this collection is to purchase on a case-by-case basis computer programs and supportive software to fill collection needs that cannot be filled by other formats

 

 

 

Reference

The aim of the Reference collections is to make quick and easy accessibility to key information on a wide variety of subjects by authoritative authors.  Reference materials are typically identified as works one consults for specific pieces of information rather than read in its entirety.  Reference materials are intended for use within the library and do not (under most circumstances) circulate. 

 

Selection focuses on authority and currency.  Older reference works of historical and/or scholarly interest may also be retained.  Superseded editions are generally not retained, although material of potential further value may be transferred to other collections.  Reference works in foreign languages may be acquired as deemed appropriate and useful.  Reference works are not limited by format; reference tools come in all variations of print and non-print including electronic databases and networked subscription services.  The format selected is based on the most appropriate and efficient use of the tool.  In certain circumstances a title might be purchased in multiple formats depending on the needs of the staff, and/or the library’s customers, and the intuitiveness of the databases or online services.

 

      General Reference Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy accessibility to information covering a large spectrum of knowledge and information.  These tools include (but are not limited to): almanacs, anthologies, atlases, bibles, bibliographies, biographical compilations, concordances, consumer information, dictionaries, encyclopedias, geographical sources, government manuals, guide to literature, handbooks & manuals, indexes & abstracts, legal matters, medical information & directories, natural history materials, plot summaries & synopses, quotation & proverbs, style manuals, telephone directories, travel books, statistical sources, vehicle maintenance.

     Business Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy access to information on business (local, national and international), business directories and financial reference works. 

     Career Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy access to information on career information and post-secondary educational opportunities.

     Ready Reference Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy access to information of particular use to the Reference staff in assisting them to answer customer’s questions.

     Reference Vertical File

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy access for staff working the Reference service points to miscellaneous materials and forms which the staff finds helpful to have at the desk on a permanent basis.

     Electronic Databases

The aim of this collection is to provide remote easy accessibility to information covering a large spectrum of knowledge and information.  Selection focuses on currency, flexibility of search/retrieval options, equipment requirements and ease of use.

 

 

Wisconsin Collection

     Wisconsin Reference, Wisconsin Circulating, Wisconsin Pamphlet, Wisconsin Maps, Wisconsin Storage

The aim of these collections is to provide easy accessibility to information about Wisconsin and to some degree by Wisconsinites.  This is a multimedia collection.  Some items in this collection also circulate.  Preservation of information is very important. 

     Historic Photo Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide easy accessibility to images of historic buildings, landscapes and events.  Images are maintained in both photographic paper and electronic formats.  Electronic formats should be accessible online for public viewing.

 

 

Adult Easy Reader Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide easy accessibility to materials used in the tutoring adults with low reading skills.  The selection of materials for this collection is restricted to publications created specifically for this audience. 

 

Hmong Resource Center

The aim of the Hmong Resource Center Collection to encourage an awareness of the Hmong community as well as act as a resource for those seeking knowledge of Hmong culture and history. The collection includes books and media resources for all ages in Hmong or English. It covers all topics including, but not limited to: Hmong history, politics, and biographies. In addition, materials are included if they are of special interest to the Hmong community. All materials in this collection circulate. Noncirculating copies may be duplicated in other collections.

 

Periodicals

The aim of these collections is to acquire magazines and newspapers that extend the scope and currency of the print collections; to make accessible current adult educational, entertainment and consumer interests; to support recreational reading and student research needs.  Periodicals are purchased in a wide variety of formats including (but not limited to): magazines, newspapers, microforms, CDs, and paid online services.  Retention is based primarily on current relevancy, customer use, bibliographic instruction, and accessibility via online services.  Titles may be acquired in foreign languages to meet needs of Appleton’s growing diverse ethnic populations.  Selection decisions are made annually by a staff committee from all sections of library service.  Special consideration is given to publications about Wisconsin and the local community.

 

Pamphlets

The aim of this collection is to provide easy accessibility to selective pamphlet material that supplement the book and periodical collections,  provide information not yet available in other print forms.  These materials tend to be short, brief, and easy to read documents focused on very specific topics.  This collection also contains maps.  Materials in this collection are indexed by subject; they are not individually cataloged.   

 

Foreign Language Materials

The library does acquire materials in most collections in a variety of languages (besides English) for several reasons including developing ties to local ethnic populations groups as a method of welcoming and introducing these groups to library services.  Materials may be grouped together by language or integrated by subject or genre as determined most appropriate by staff, the user group, and the Board.  All materials will be cataloged and processed using standard practices with appropriate access points in the catalog.

 

 

 

Children’s Collections

 

Fiction

Board books, Easy Readers, Advanced Easy Reader, Picture Books, Big Books, General Fiction Spinner Collection

The aim of these collections is to acquire works of fiction for children that satisfy community needs and demands.

     Board Books

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make easy accessibility to board books for children aged birth through preschool. Board books are constructed of sturdy materials suitable for babies and young children to introduce basic book handling concepts. Many board books in the collection deal with simple concepts such as shapes, colors and counting. Many books are purchased to support early childhood literacy research.

     Picture Books

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make easy accessibility to picture books written for babies through 1st graders that are meant for reading aloud. They are generally a synergy of words and art. Award winning books are automatically purchased as are many titles by established authors. Books that are in great demand by children of the ages served are often purchased in multiples. The collection serves children, parents, caregivers, as well as educators. The Picture Book collection is maintained as a popular collection of titles that is consistent with the diverse backgrounds and interests of all sectors of the community. Picture books are usually large in format, with lots of graphics and rather few words.

     Easy Readers

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make easy accessibility to fiction books written primarily for beginning readers.Their difficulty ranges from books for emerging readers (readers who know the alphabet and are ready to make the first steps toward reading) to books with simple sentences and short chapters. Many of the books contain word lists, controlled vocabulary, large typeface, illustrations on nearly every page and few words per page. Some take a phonetic approach to teaching reading.

     Advanced Easy Readers

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make easy accessibility to books written for 2^nd graders through 4^th graders. These books are for students who have mastered the easy reader collection but are not yet ready to begin reading from the fiction collection. This collection contains chapter books and picture books for mature young readers.

     General Fiction

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make easy accessibility to books of current interest as well as classics for independent readers written for 3rd graders through 8th graders. This collection contains chapter books for children reading on their own. It includes fiction, mysteries, and science fiction/fantasy and represents a wide variety of subjects, themes, developmental issues, and life situations. Recently picture books been published in which subject, style, illustrations and language is developmentally more appropriate for readers over eight. In these cases, content takes precedence over format and books are usually placed in the advance reader or general fiction collection. It can also contain picture books for more mature young readers.

     Big Books

The aim of the collection is to provide materials to assist educators, daycare providers and parent/ caregivers in developing curriculum activities that require children's literature in a larger form for group presentation.

     Spinner Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide easy accessibility to popular paperback books to children who are independent readers. This collection focuses on books that are part of a series, TV or movie tie-ins, fad, and pop literature. Materials in this collection often represent a broader age range or reader levels. Series will continue to be made available as long as they continue to be popular with the readers. The book’s format as paperback does not determine that it will go into this collection. Titles in this collection are often not indexed in the professional children’s literature indexes. Additional copies are added to ensure there is a title of the series available on the shelf at all times.

     Emergent Reader Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide kits consisting of an easy reader book and audio book read along at first or second grade reading level that will enable new readers, English Language Learner students, and students who have difficulty with reading to see the words and hear them at the same time.

     Graphic Novels/Comics Collection

The aim of this collection is to give standards to Children’s Services Graphic Novel/Comics Collection and provides a basis for developing the collection. A graphic novel/comic is defined as any work where the story is told through sequential framed art and contains a complex storyline similar to novels.  Books in this collection serve independent readers. The collection will include stand alone titles, series, and movie/TV tie-ins on multiple reading levels. Exclusions to the collection are non-fiction graphic novels or books that contain words and sequential art having a less complex storyline. e.g. picture books, easy readers.   Beyond standard selection tools, awareness of titles and selection decisions may be based upon appropriate websites. 

 

 

Nonfiction

The aim of these collections is to make accessible and bring together nonfiction materials that are age appropriate or issue oriented.

     General Nonfiction

The aim of this collection is to serves children aged birth through twelve opportunities for learning and entertainment and homework related materials. It encompasses a broad range of books from 24 page “first” books to full-scale biographies. Selections for this collection should be time sensitive and may be time-enduring. Emphasis is on materials that support pre-K to 6^th grade curriculum. Selection focuses on books that are well organized, accurate, relevant, have child appeal, and words appropriate to the content and the audience for which it is written. Many books are purchased to support the state curriculum standards and to help young readers acquire new skills. The collection may contain some books written for an older audience if the subject matter is of interest to children. More than one version or edition may be chosen of a work if the work has received favorable reviews in professional reviews. This is especially true in the areas of folklore and poetry.

     Parent Collection

The aim of the Parent Collection is to bring together materials written for children but of primary use to adults helping a child understand a more difficult topic or concern.

     Child Literature Collection

The aim of this collection is to bring together materials parents and teachers use to help identify materials of use with their children’s education, growth and development. Special emphasis may be given to materials that deal with topics of current interest or important research such as early literacy and brain development. An effort may also be made to provide materials that support community interests and programs. Older editions of titles from the reference collection may be made available for circulation when there is a community need. The collection includes books offering suggestions for entertaining children, bibliographic reference works and readers’ advisory materials, books related to children’s literature and materials used by staff for researching and preparing programming. In some respects, this collection duplicates the Reference collection; the primary justification for this collection is that all of these materials circulate.

 

 

Media Collections

The aim of these collections is to acquire media for children aged birth through twelve to provide them opportunities for learning and entertainment.

     Audiobooks

The aim of this collection is to acquire and make accessible recorded fiction from Easy Readers through juvenile novels encompassing all fiction genres and non-fiction. Fiction recorded books will be based on popular children’s literature with a preference for unabridged editions. Nonfiction audiobooks will be acquired to support the informational needs of children.

     Audiobooks w/ books

The aim of this collection is to provide a kit consisting of an age appropriate picture book and cassette or CD to help preschool children who are learning a language. The read along kit allows the children to see the words and hear them at the same time.

     CD-ROMS

The aim of this collection is to provide educational games for children from birth through elementary school. The CD-ROMS offer an opportunity for children to acquire and enhance basic computer skills and also offer an opportunity for caregivers to preview CD-ROMs before purchasing a specific title.

     Story Bag kits

Each story bag kit is a bag containing books on a theme. To each bag is added a collection of relevant items such as a flannelboard story, media, and& and instructions for a take home activity. Story bag kits are intended primarily for use by caregivers who share books with children aged 3-7 in educational settings.

     Music Collections

The aim of this collection is to make accessible a broad range of available, appropriate, children’s music.  The collection will contain (but not be limited to): lullabies, action songs for storytime use, music just for fun, and music to support elementary school curriculum.  Music genres will encompass a broad variety including (but not limited to): classical, zydeco, rock, jazz, folk, soundtracks, musical theater, country and ethnic music.

     Video

Child DVD, Child Video (VHS)

The aim of these collections is the make easy accessibility to films that entertain and teach that are age appropriate and MPAA ratings appropriate.

Fiction/Feature Films

The aim of these collections is to acquire and make easy access to films that will appeal to families with children ages twelve and under. Popular animated and live-action films will be made available.  Feature films are expected to have a G or PG MPAA rating, though under certain circumstances a PG-13 film may be acquired and made available.  An example of this is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  In addition to the general selection criteria, selection criteria of these films can also be based the following:  based on children’s literature, feature popular characters from TV shows featured on PBS, Nick Jr., the Cartoon Network, etc., are produced by Disney studios or other high-quality animation studios.

 

Nonfiction Films

The aim of these collections is to acquire and make easy access to films that support learning for children from birth to twelve.  Films should meet the academic needs of preschoolers and elementary children.  Films may also be purchased to support K-6 curriculum or to help young viewers acquire new skills.  Films should be of high quality, accurate and relevant to children’s needs and abilities.

 

 

Reference

The aim of the Reference collections is to make quick and easy accessibility to key information on a wide variety of subjects by authoritative authors.  The children’s ready reference collection contains books written for adults and is mostly used by staff and other adults who work with children to answer reference and reader’s advisory questions.

Reference materials are intended for use within the library and do not (under most circumstances) circulate.  

     General Reference

The aim of this collection is to provide quick and easy accessibility to information covering a large spectrum of knowledge and information.  This collection provides reference works written to age-specific audiences in addition to reference works of primary interest to adults. This collection also provides materials to supplement the elementary and middle school curriculum. Superseded materials may be transferred to other collections.  These materials include (but are not limited to): almanacs, anthologies, atlases, Bibles, biographical sources, business directories, concordances, consumer information, dictionaries, encyclopedias, geographical sources, government manuals, guides to literature, handbooks & manuals, indexes & abstracts, legal materials, medical materials, natural history materials, plot summaries and synopses, quotations & proverbs, style manuals, statistical sources, travel books

     Caldecott/Newbury Award Collection

The aim of this collection is to collect copies of and provide quick and easy access to those books which have won either the Caldecott or Newbury awards. This collection ensures a copy of the award winning title is always available for children to read at the library.

     Story Collection

The aim of this collection is to provide easy access to a select group of books for primary use to library staff for programming.

Internet and Electronic Resources

Many reference titles are also available online or in another electronic format.  Selection of these materials may require the consideration of these additional criteria:  relationship to a print counterpart, indexing, intuitive use, flexible search/retrieval options, and equipment requirements.  Management and selection of electronic resources is deferred to the Reference & Information Services staff.

 

 

Periodicals

 

The aim of this collection is to acquire periodicals that extend the scope and currency of the print collections.  Selected titles will support both recreational and student research needs of children, parents, and caregivers.  Titles may be acquired in foreign languages to meet needs of Appleton’s growing diverse ethnic populations.  Selection decisions are made annually by a staff committee from all sections of library service.  Special consideration is given to publications about Wisconsin and the local community. Retention is based primarily on current relevancy, customer use, bibliographic instruction, and accessibility via online services.

 

 

Pamphlets

 

General Pamphlets, Scouting Pamphlets

The aim of this collection is to provide an inexpensive collection of supplementary resource for which there exist few if any other resources.  This collection contains materials intended primarily for children's use on current information not yet published, popular topics, unusual information and/or current or seasonal events, or supplemental reading materials prepared by agencies to assist students in achieving informational pursuits.

 

 

Foreign Language Materials

The aim of the foreign language materials is to provide recreational reading and language learning materials for languages other than English. These include bilingual materials, books in other languages and language instruction. The fiction collection includes picture books, board books, as well as titles for beginning and older readers. There are translations of popular or classic English language books as well as books in their original language. Language learning materials are the main focus of the nonfiction portion of the collection.

Materials may be group together by language or integrated by subject or genre as determined most appropriate by staff, the user group, and the Board. All materials will be cataloged and processed using local practices with appropriate access points in the catalog and other tools developed as needed to help the intended audience find and use these materials.

 

 

Young Adult Collections

 

Fiction

The aim of this collection is to acquire and provide easy accessibility to young adult fiction and materials of popular culture and is of interest to young adults of varying levels of maturity and reading levels.

     General Fiction

The aim of this collection is to acquire and provide easy accessibility to young adult fiction that may be either popular or time-enduring. Stress is placed on selecting books of contemporary significance and lasting value.

     Spinner Collection

The aim of these collections is to acquire and provide easy accessibility to popular works of fiction and movie tie-ins in paperback form. Materials in this collection are expected to have high turnaround times and short lives (due to the heavy use and form).

     Graphic Novels

The aim of this collection is to acquire and provide easy accessibility to manga, graphic novels, and comic books that are age appropriate for young adults of varying levels of maturity and reading levels. This is a collection that has high visibility and interest.

     Large Print

The aim of the Large Print collection is to make available select works of popular interest to young adults with impaired vision and assist young adults with reading disabilities.

     Easy Reader

The aim of this collection is to provide easy accessibility to materials used in the tutoring young adults with low reading skills. The selection of materials for this collection may come from publications created specifically for this audience and also from age-appropriate picture books, etc. that have appeal to young adults.

 

Media 

     Audiobooks

The aim of these collections is to provide a selection with appeal to young adults. Selections are chosen based on content, availability, technical quality, subject demand and the performance of the reader. Emphasis is made to acquire unabridged editions of printed works. Abridged and excerpted works may be purchased based on customer demand. Special consideration is given to recordings by local authors and poets.

 

Periodicals

 

The aim of this collection is to acquire periodicals to support recreational and reading interests of young adults. Titles may be acquired in foreign languages to meet needs of Appleton’s growing diverse ethnic populations. Selection decisions are made annually by a staff committee from all sections of library service. Special consideration is given to publications about Wisconsin and the local community. Retention is based primarily on current relevancy, customer use, bibliographic instruction, and accessibility via online services.

 

 

 

Foreign Language Materials

 

The library does acquire young adult materials in a variety of languages (besides English) for several reasons including developing ties to local ethnic populations groups as a method of welcoming and introducing these groups to library services and as a method to introduce children to other languages and cultures.  Materials may be group together by language or integrated by subject or genre as determined most appropriate by staff, the user group, and the Board.  All materials will be cataloged and processed using local practices with appropriate access points in the catalog and other tools developed as needed to help the intended audience find and use these materials.

 

Games

 

The aim of this collection is to provide non-circulating games for teens to play for teens to play and to support teen programming.  Game selections are chosen based on educational and entertainment value.