Materials Selection

Materials Selection

The Taos Public Library strives to provide all individuals in the community with carefully selected books and other materials to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, research, pleasure, and the creative use of leisure time. Because the volume of publishing greatly exceeds the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet the community interests and needs. The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the Library Director. Suggestions from library patrons are welcomed and given full consideration within the framework of established policy.

Collection Maintenance & De-Selection

An up-to-date, attractive, and useful collection is maintained through a continual withdrawal and replacement process. Replacement of worn and outdated materials is dependent on current demand, usefulness, and availability of newer editions. Withdrawn materials will be handled in a similar manner and under the same authority as donated materials.

Controversial Subject Matter

The Library will attempt to represent all sides of a controversial issue as far as availability of materials, space, and budget allow. Selection is based on the criteria stated in this policy. The race, religion, nationality, or political views of an author or creator; offensive language; depictions or descriptions of violence or sexually explicit activity; controversial content of an item; or endorsement or disapproval by an individual or group in the community does not cause an item to be included or excluded from the collection.

Sensationalism and materials containing undocumented statements and accusations of poorly researched facts will be avoided. Occasionally, materials with doubtful value may be included for their timeliness and discarded when they are no longer of interest.

Responsibility for the reading matter of children rests with the parents or legal guardians. Selection of library materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents and no library materials shall be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft

Non-Circulating Materials

Materials may be held on “closed shelf” status by reason of their unusual value or rarity, or their inclusion in one of the designated “special collections” is needed to protect materials from theft or mutilations.

(Taos Public Library Policy Manual dated July 2024)