Saugus Public Library
Collection Development Policy
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Saugus Public Library is to inform, enrich, and empower all
citizens by providing and promoting free access to the universe of information and ideas.
Vision Statement
The Vision of the Saugus Public Library is to be the foremost destination for
the enrichment of all.
Introduction
In order to fulfill our mission, the Saugus Public Library aims to provide useful
collections of current materials representing different points of view for the educational,
informational and recreational needs of its users and to give guidance in its use.
It is the primary objective of the Library to provide and organize materials for people
from infancy through maturity, making available carefully selected materials of purpose and
quality that will meet the needs and interests of the users of the Saugus community. Sensitivity to
all interests, early recognition of needs before they are clearly expressed, and range of viewpoint
mark the outstanding collection.
The Saugus Public Library provides unrestricted access to information and its programs
and resources to satisfy our community’s intellectual needs and lifelong learning. This in turn
will enrich our community’s quality of life.
The purpose of this document is to establish the rules by which the Library develops its
collections. “Collection development” refers to an ongoing process of assessing available
materials for purchase or licensing, and making decisions on their inclusion and retention.
Librarians examine the existing collection, consult with colleagues, and use professional tools.
Selection Responsibilities
The Board of Library Trustees delegates the authority and responsibility for selection and
management of all print, non-print, and electronic materials to the Library Director and
appropriate professional library staff members. Selection and management of materials are
shared among professional staff, who shall use this policy as a guide to the growth and
management of all library collections.
Librarians consult professional book review publications as well as publishers’ catalogs,
periodicals, reliable online resources and other professional and popular options.
Every effort is made within the state and region to participate in cooperative programs to
obtain scholarly, specialized, costly, and/or seldom used materials for loan, rather than expend
limited funds.
A policy cannot replace the judgment of librarians, but stating goals and indicating
boundaries will assist them in choosing from a vast array of available materials.
Objectives

To select, maintain, and provide access to diverse resources and materials which
inform, educate, entertain, inspire, and enrich our community.

To include works of enduring value as well as those timely materials on current
issues.

To select and retain materials based on community needs and interests.

To supplement resources through the use of electronic access and interlibrary
loan.

To help people learn new skills, and improve literacy.

To increase social awareness and community involvement.

To preserve and encourage the free expression of ideas essential to an informed
citizenry.
Scope of the Collection
The Library provides materials and services that reflect the diverse educational, information,
and recreational needs of its users. In so doing, the Library provides access to content through
print, multimedia and technology. The Library recognizes that content and medium should be
suitably matched, and that library patrons have different learning styles and preferences for how
they receive information. Therefore, the Saugus Public Library provides materials in a variety of
formats, including, when appropriate:

Print – such as hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines, and newspapers

Non-print – such as audio and visual formats

Digital resources – such as online databases; digital books, recordings, and images;
digital historical archives; and software programs
Selection Criteria
Items added to the collection are done so based on one or more of the following criteria:
(in no particular order)
 Well-reviewed by known sources
 Authority and reputation of author
 Relevance and appeal to community needs
 Accuracy and timeliness
 Suitable format
 Price and availability of funds
 Importance as an historical record
 Space considerations
 Literary merit
 Current interest
 Local interest in subject or author
 Popular demand
 Diversity of viewpoint
 Cultural significance and critical acclaim
 Patron request
 To strengthen collection
The Library will collect and purchase materials that support the curriculum of the Saugus
Public Schools, with the exception of textbooks. The library will also support preschools, private schools and homeschoolers.
The Library will only purchase self-published books that are reviewed in professional
journals. However, exceptions may be made for some self-published books containing
local information and history.
Suggestions for additions to the collection are welcome from Saugus residents. All
requests will be considered using the same selection criteria.
Children’s Collection
The Children’s collection offers developmentally appropriate materials that meet the
informational and recreational needs of children ages birth through twelve. This collection
includes books, music, audio books, magazines, computer software, and movies geared to
children. In addition, the collection provides materials on child-rearing for parents and
caregivers.
The Children’s Librarians strive to maintain a collection that is balanced, relevant, and of
appropriate size, quality, and diversity to suit the needs of our users.
Some materials in the Children’s Collection might not be considered appropriate by all
adults for all children. While some books are too mature for one child, other children may be
ready for them. Only each child and his or her caregiver can decide what material is suitable for
that child to read.
Young Adult Collection
The Young Adult Collection offers developmentally appropriate materials that meet the
informational and recreational needs of preteens and teenagers ages twelve to eighteen. Formats
included are books, audio books and magazines geared to teens. Young Adult movies and music
are included in the adult collection.
The Young Adult Librarian also strives to maintains a collection that is balanced,
relevant, and of appropriate size, quality, and diversity to suit the needs of our users. Some
Young Adult materials might not be considered appropriate by all adults for all teenagers. While
some books are too mature for one teen, other teens may be ready for them. Only each teen and
his or her caregiver can decide what material is suitable.
Adult Collection
This collection includes books, audio books, music, movies, magazines, databases, and
large print books selected for older teens and adults. Selection of materials for adults is not
constrained by possible exposure to children or young adults. The responsibility for children’s
use of library materials rests with their parents, guardians, or caregivers.
Collection Maintenance
In order to provide the best service to our community the collection is regularly
evaluated. To keep the collection fresh and relevant the Library maintains a schedule of
evaluation.
The following is the criteria for withdrawal from the collection:

Items are worn, stained or damaged beyond repair

Items are out-of-date, contain inaccurate data or are not historically significant

New, more current or more comprehensive resources are available

A more desirable format of the content is available

Duplication

Lack of use over time

Limitations of space
Currently useful items withdrawn by reason of condition, loss or damage will be considered for
replacement.
Controversial Materials and Intellectual Freedom
The Saugus Public Library does not promote particular beliefs or views. The
Library provides materials for various opinions, which can apply to important, complex,
and controversial questions, including unpopular and unorthodox viewpoints. Language,
situations, or subjects that may be offensive to some community members do not
disqualify material whose value is to be judged in its entirety.
The Library recognizes parents and legal guardians as the parties responsible for the
reading and viewing habits of their children. The selection of materials for the adult
collection is not restricted by the possibility that children may obtain materials their
parents or guardians consider inappropriate.
Inclusion of an item does not constitute endorsement of its content by the Library
Board or staff. Concerns about materials in the Library’s collections may be directed to
the Library Director.
In the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to materials, the
Library supports the following documents:

First Amendment of the Constitution

Library Bill of Rights

The Freedom to Read Statement
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/freedomreadstatement
Approved
Board of Library Trustees
January 8, 2015
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill