ITEM NUMBER: 4.06
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-6
Title: Evaluating Library Collections, An Interpretation of the Library
Bill of Rights.
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
The continuous review of library materials is necessary as a means of maintaining an active
library collection of current interest to users. In the process, materials may be added and
physically deteriorated or obsolete materials may be replaced or removed in accordance
with the collection maintenance policy of a given library and the needs of the community it
serves. Continued evaluation is closely related to the goals and responsibilities of libraries
and is a valuable tool of collection development. This procedure is not to be used as a
convenient means to remove materials presumed to be controversial or disapproved of by
segments of the community. Such abuse of the evaluation function violates the principles
of intellectual freedom and is in opposition to the Preamble and Articles I and II of the
LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS, which state:
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information
and ideas, and the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library
serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of
view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or
removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
The American Library Association opposes such "silent censorship" and strongly urges that
libraries adopt guidelines setting forth the positive purposes and principles of evaluation of
materials in library collections.
Adopted February 2, 1973; amended July 1, l981
by the ALA Council.
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-6
Title: Evaluating Library Collections, An Interpretation of the Library
Bill of Rights.
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
The continuous review of library materials is necessary as a means of maintaining an active
library collection of current interest to users. In the process, materials may be added and
physically deteriorated or obsolete materials may be replaced or removed in accordance
with the collection maintenance policy of a given library and the needs of the community it
serves. Continued evaluation is closely related to the goals and responsibilities of libraries
and is a valuable tool of collection development. This procedure is not to be used as a
convenient means to remove materials presumed to be controversial or disapproved of by
segments of the community. Such abuse of the evaluation function violates the principles
of intellectual freedom and is in opposition to the Preamble and Articles I and II of the
LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS, which state:
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information
and ideas, and the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library
serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of
view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or
removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
The American Library Association opposes such "silent censorship" and strongly urges that
libraries adopt guidelines setting forth the positive purposes and principles of evaluation of
materials in library collections.
Adopted February 2, 1973; amended July 1, l981
by the ALA Council.