ITEM NUMBER: 4.34
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-ST-5
Title: Statement on Re-evaluation of Library Materials for Children's
Collections
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
Librarians must espouse critical standards in selection and re-evaluation of library
materials. It is incumbent on the librarian working with children to be aware that the child
lacks the breadth of experience of the adult and that librarians have a two-fold obligation in
service to the child:
1. To build and maintain collections of materials which provide information on
the entire spectrum of human knowledge, experience, and opinion.
2. To introduce to the child those titles which will enable him to develop with a
free spirit, an inquiring mind, and an ever-widening knowledge of the world in
which he lives.
Because most materials reflect the social climate of the era in which they are produced, it is
often difficult to evaluate some aspects of a work at the time of purchase. But social
climate and man's state of knowledge are constantly changing and librarians should
therefore continuously re-evaluate their old materials in the light of growing knowledge and
broadening perspectives. In the process of re-evaluation it may be found that an old title is
still fresh and pertinent. It may, on the other hand, no longer serve a useful role in the
collection. It may have been superseded by better books.
In making his decision, the librarian has a professional obligation to set aside personal likes
and dislikes, to avoid labeling materials, to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each
title, and to consider the material as a whole with objectivity and respect for all opinions.
Only after such consideration can he reach a decision as to whether the title is superseded
in coverage and quality, and should be discarded, or should be kept in the collection.
The Board of Directors of the Children's Services Division, American Library Association,
supports the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS and FREE ACCESS TO LIBRARIES FOR
MINORS. Re-evaluation is a positive approach to sound collection building and should not
be equated with censorship.
Adopted by the Board of Directors
Children's Services Division
American Library Association
January 29, l973
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-ST-5
Title: Statement on Re-evaluation of Library Materials for Children's
Collections
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
Librarians must espouse critical standards in selection and re-evaluation of library
materials. It is incumbent on the librarian working with children to be aware that the child
lacks the breadth of experience of the adult and that librarians have a two-fold obligation in
service to the child:
1. To build and maintain collections of materials which provide information on
the entire spectrum of human knowledge, experience, and opinion.
2. To introduce to the child those titles which will enable him to develop with a
free spirit, an inquiring mind, and an ever-widening knowledge of the world in
which he lives.
Because most materials reflect the social climate of the era in which they are produced, it is
often difficult to evaluate some aspects of a work at the time of purchase. But social
climate and man's state of knowledge are constantly changing and librarians should
therefore continuously re-evaluate their old materials in the light of growing knowledge and
broadening perspectives. In the process of re-evaluation it may be found that an old title is
still fresh and pertinent. It may, on the other hand, no longer serve a useful role in the
collection. It may have been superseded by better books.
In making his decision, the librarian has a professional obligation to set aside personal likes
and dislikes, to avoid labeling materials, to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each
title, and to consider the material as a whole with objectivity and respect for all opinions.
Only after such consideration can he reach a decision as to whether the title is superseded
in coverage and quality, and should be discarded, or should be kept in the collection.
The Board of Directors of the Children's Services Division, American Library Association,
supports the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS and FREE ACCESS TO LIBRARIES FOR
MINORS. Re-evaluation is a positive approach to sound collection building and should not
be equated with censorship.
Adopted by the Board of Directors
Children's Services Division
American Library Association
January 29, l973