Collection Development Policy

Library Mission

The mission of the East Hartford Public Library is to provide all members of the community with opportunities to pursue life-long learning and literacy, to connect with their community, and to share information and ideas freely. The addition of materials to the collection will supplement the Library’s mission.

Goal of Collection Development

The library provides access to information in a wide variety of print and non-print formats. The library collects books, DVDs, audio books, downloadable and streaming materials, compact discs, and government documents. In addition, the library purchases access to information through subscription databases, and other online services. The majority of these electronic services are available via computer in the library and to library card holders offsite through the library’s website. In the future the types of materials acquired will change as new technologies become available. Basic to this policy are the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement, as adopted by the American Library Association (attached).

Selection Responsibility

Materials selection is a process based on the professional knowledge and judgment of the staff, under the direction of the Library Director. This knowledge includes familiarity with all types of materials, familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of the existing collections, and awareness of the needs and interests of the community. Staff members consult published reviews both in print and online for evaluations of available materials. Suggestions from patrons are welcome and are given serious consideration.

Special Collection

Local and state historical materials are collected and catalogued under the supervision of the Cultural Assets Manager, under the direction of the Library Director. The collection includes artifacts, ephemera and print items relating to the Town of East Hartford as well as other relevant topics.

Controversial Materials

The library recognizes that certain materials may offend some patrons. Selections will not be made on the basis of potential approval or disapproval, but on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collections and to serving the interests of library patrons. The selection of any material is not a library or Town of East Hartford endorsement of the viewpoint expressed. Responsibility for the reading, viewing and listening of children and teens rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of adult materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that books may inadvertently come into the possession of children.

Request for Reconsideration

A patron wishing to recommend the exclusion of an item from the collection must submit to the Library Director a “Request for Reconsideration” form. Such recommendations will be considered by the Library Director in conjunction with library staff. The final authority regarding removal or retention of library materials ultimately resides with the Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, a Town of East Hartford Commission that serves as the library’s board.

Gifts and Donations / Local Author Shelf – see “Local Authors Shelf Policy”

Gifts and donations of materials are added only if they serve to improve the collection. Out of date reference materials, textbooks and encyclopedias are never accepted. Materials not chosen to be added are sold at the library booksale, placed on the Honor Book shelf, or recycled.

Collection Maintenance and Weeding

The East Hartford Public Library discards books on a regular basis to maintain the usefulness of the collection. The library has an obligation to discard materials that are obsolete or in poor condition, as well as duplicate copies of titles no longer in demand.