Purpose

• To uphold the mission, vision and core values of Memorial Hall Library
• To ensure transparency in the evaluation and selection of library material.  
• To establish a framework for continuous evaluation and improvement of the library’s collections.
• To support the principles of intellectual freedom outlined by the American Library Association.

Goals

• To ensure that the Memorial Hall Library collections fulfill the informational and recreational needs of the community and represent a wide range of viewpoints, experiences and cultural backgrounds.
• To strive for balanced, comprehensive collections of adequate size, quality, and diversity to meet our patrons' needs.
• To ensure that all collections remain current, appealing and well maintained.
• To utilize collection usage statistics to insure an optimal allocation of the materials budget.
• To continuously assess existing formats and identify new ones to enhance the collection's value for our patrons.
• To cooperate with Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) to ensure that our collections meet our consortium responsibilities.

Selection

• Memorial Hall Library subscribes to the principles of intellectual freedom as laid out in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statements issued by the American Library Association. 
• The Assistant Director for Collections and Technical Services has operational responsibility for collection development. The Library Director allocates the materials budget and ensures that the collection is in conformity with the Collection Development Policy. The entire professional staff is involved with selection and collection maintenance. 
• Patron usage and interest is an important element of the selection process. Understanding and responding to patrons is fundamental to effective collection development and helps ensure the library remains dynamic, relevant and responsive to the needs of the community.
•  A concerted effort is made to select materials authored by individuals from diverse cultures, ethnicities, genders, and life experiences. The library makes every effort to remain neutral and does not promote or endorse any particular viewpoint. The selection of materials by the library does not imply approval of the content or the views presented in those materials.
• Professional reviews play a crucial role in materials selection. Reviews provide an assessment of the quality of the material, a critical analysis of the content and help the librarians gauge if the item is a good addition for the collection.  
• The author’s qualifications, expertise and previous publications are a consideration when purchasing all materials. 
• A variety of formats are purchased to ensure library resources are inclusive and accessible to a broad audience.
• Curricula are considered so that our collection can supplement the school library’s collections and support the educational needs and interests of students. 
• The cost of materials plays a significant role in the selection of materials. Cost per use and long-term value of items are considered for all library materials. 
• Print on Demand or self-published titles will not be added unless they meet the selection criteria. 
• Local Writers may donate their items for consideration of inclusion in the library’s collection. 
• Donations to The Friends of Memorial Hall Library are accepted with the acknowledgement that these items are subject to the selection criteria of all other library materials and may or may not be added to the collection. 
• The library welcomes patron suggestions for the purchase of materials. Suggestions will be subject to the same selection criteria as other materials.
• Final responsibility for the purchase of materials resides with the Library Director.

Scope of Collection

The scope of MHL’s collection is dynamic and evolves over time to keep pace with changing community needs, technological advancements, and societal trends. Nationwide reciprocal borrowing policies allow access to a broader range of resources for our patrons. 
 

Formats and Materials

• Print books
• E-books
• E-Audios
• Audiobooks/Playaways
• Magazines and Periodicals
• DVDs and Blu Rays
• Music CDs 
• Graphic Novels and Comics
• Library of Things 
• Video Games 
• Lit Kits
• Electronic Databases
• Streaming Services 
• Puzzles and Games 
• Local History/Town Information
• Chinese Language collection 
• Russian Language Collection
• Spanish Language Collection

Collection Evaluation and Maintenance

The evaluation and maintenance process are a crucial aspect of maintaining a relevant and high-quality collection for library patrons. 

• Monitor the collection to ensure it remains current, diverse and aligned with the library’s missions and goals
• Monitor circulation statistics, patron requests and feedback to identify gaps in the collection.
• Mend damaged items, when possible, to prolong their lifespan and reduce the need for frequent replacements 
• Run collection maintenance reports to remove outdated, damaged or rarely used items.
• Follow professional guidelines to withdraw materials regularly and ensure collections are organized, accessible, current and appealing.

Statement of Concern 

Memorial Hall Library is committed to upholding the core principles of intellectual freedom as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement as outlined by the American Library Association.

However, any individual may express their concerns regarding library materials by completing a Statement of Concern and submitting it to the Library Director. 

https://mhl.org/statement-of-concern

Upon receiving the concern, the Library Director will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and provide information on the timeframe for resolution. 

Collection Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Any necessary updates will be made to reflect changes in library operations or community needs.

 

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees October 9, 2024