General Library Purpose

1. Promote enlightened citizenship
2. Enrich personal lives
3. Encourage continuous self-education
4. Seek to identify community needs
5. Support the curriculum of Bellows Free Academy
6. Assemble and administer books and related materials
7. Serve the community as a center for reliable information
8. Provide free service to every resident in the community without discrimination
9. Provide access to and assist with technology currently present in the library.

Standards
The goal of the Fairfax Community Library is to meet the Minimum Standards for Vermont Public Libraries developed by the Vermont Department of Libraries and follow the guidelines of the Vermont Library Association, the Vermont Library Trustees Association, and the Vermont Department of Education. The library endorses the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association.

Organization
The Fairfax Community Library was created through the merging of two groups, the Fairfax Free Library and the Bellows Free Academy Library. Equal consideration was given to governing by the Fairfax Free Library Trustees and the Bellows Free Academy Board of School Directors who form the Fairfax Community Library Working Committee. The Working Committee shall consist of two Fairfax Free Library Trustees , two Bellows Free Academy School Directors and a Fairfax Selectboard member.

Decisions made by the Community Library Working Committee are based on a majority vote. A quorum is defined as three voting members. Areas for decision making encompass:

1. Acceptance and implementation of library policies
2. Purchase of furniture
3. Setting of library hours
4. Requests by groups for display of their material in the library
5. Dispersal of any grant or monies received as a community library project
6. Placement of material within the library
7. Budget approval

Decisions made by the Fairfax Library Trustees separate from, but with consideration of the School Directors encompass:

1. Development of library staffing for other than school hours
2. Purchase of materials with town monies
3. Annual written evaluation of town library staff

Decisions made by the Board of School Directors separate from but with consideration of the Fairfax Trustees encompass:

1. Development of school hours library staffing
2. Purchase of materials with school monies
3. Restoration and maintenance of library’s physical plant
4. Development of student use of library during the school day
5. Annual written evaluation of school library staff

The Working Committee meets at least once every three months. The members of the Working Committee report to their parent groups. If a voting member misses two consecutive meetings, the parent group shall be notified of the need for representation. The school principal and community librarians are non-voting members of the Working Committee during non-executive sessions. All library committee and board meetings are held in a public building and are open to the public.

Quarterly financial and activity reports shall be prepared for regular Working Committee meetings by the librarians.

The Boards are responsible for making policy and the librarians implement that policy. The operation of the library is the sole responsibility of the librarians.

The officers of the Working Committee shall be elected at the meeting following Town Meeting. Officers shall be Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Secretary need not be a member of the Working Committee.

Personnel

Librarians–One Librarian is hired by the school board for school hours. The librarian hired by the School Board shall oversee annual operation of the library. The librarian shall have authority to delegate responsibility as necessary. The town librarian and staff for the other hours that the library is open, including school vacations, are hired by the Public Library Trustees.

Custodian–Custodial services are provided by the Board of School Directors.

Staff Functions
book selection weeding
acquisition mending
cataloging accounting
processing supervision
shelving continuing education
circulation public relations
guidance to users
Substitutes replace the absent librarian.

Aides:
processing circulation
shelving public relations
cleaning typing

Book Selection
The Fairfax Community Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association and the School Library Bill of Rights of the American Association of School Librarians. This selection statement covers the selection of all library materials, both print and non-print.

The following criteria are considered in building the collection:

1. The community–
   The diverse interests of users, present and potential, should be considered.
   Through the resources of the Department of Libraries and the Interlibrary Loan system access
   can be provided to works of very specific interest. Through the Fairfax Historical Society
   collection users have access to works of local historical interest.
2. Individual merit of the work-
   The staff makes skilled use of selection aids such as general lists, special bibliographies, book reviewing journals and, whenever possible, firsthand knowledge of the works under consideration. The library acknowledges its right and duty to keep on its shelves a representative selection of materials on all subjects of interest to its readers and not prohibited by law, including materials on all sides of controversial issues.
3. The library–
   Budget, space and the content of the present collection are additional considerations in the selection process. Gifts are accepted with the understanding that final disposition of the material will be determined by the librarians in accordance with the above criteria. Gifts for memorial purposes are encouraged. The approval of the Working Committee will be required if gifts are refused. Disbursement of memorial gifts will be decided upon by the librarians and the Working Committee after conferring with the donor or their representative whenever possible.

Final responsibility for the selection of materials rests with the librarians who operate within the framework of this policy as adopted by the Fairfax Community Library Board.

Interlibrary loan
Materials not available in our collection will be borrowed from other libraries for patrons whenever possible through the interlibrary loan system. The library will provide interlibrary loans to other libraries when a request is submitted. Written procedures for interlibrary loan will be kept in the procedures manual.

Reconsideration
Since opinions may differ in a democracy, the following procedures are observed in recognizing those differences in a factual manner.

The citizen of the community may register his/her opinions to the librarian in a written and signed statement which includes specific information as to author, publisher and page number of each item to which objection is being made. (Form attached).

Circulation
Use–Any person wishing to use the library is welcome to do so. Any person wishing to borrow books may do so upon signing a registration card. Any non-resident or non-BFA Fairfax student or employee wishing to borrow books or any other material will be charged an annual membership fee set by the Library Working Committee. This amount cannot exceed the per capita support by the Town. Non-residents over the age of 65 will be exempt from the annual membership fee. (A resident is to be defined as a property owner or tenant). Minors must have a countersignature by parent or guardian. Non-payment of charges for lost or damaged books will result in revocation of borrowing privileges.

Upon receipt of such statement the librarian shall (1) review the material in question, (2) notify the Working Committee of the receipt of the statement and (3) within one week post a notice in the library that the material is in question. The notice should indicate that anyone who disagrees with the complaint may submit a statement indicating his/her opinion, within one month. (Form attached).

During this period all members of the Working Committee will read the material in question and fill out similar forms. The Working Committee will meet as soon as possible following the five week period to re-evaluate the material being questioned and render a decision.

̈Technology
The Fairfax Community Library is committed to providing patrons with the best resources possible for seeking information. The library supports the Bellows Free Academy Communications Systems Policy and expects users to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy which is part of the document(see attached). While the library upholds basic principles governing information freedom and access, the library expects staff and patrons to observe all applicable local, state and federal law governing information access. Rule for use of the computers and for Internet access are developed by the librarians in conjunction with the BFA Acceptable Use Policy.

Cataloging
Cataloging or bibliographic records should be obtained through the Department of Libraries whenever possible. Paperbound fiction and material of an ephemeral nature in the Vertical File are not cataloged.

Shelving
The collection is shelved in at least the following sections:
adult fiction
young adult fiction
juvenile fiction
large print books
easy and picture books
periodicals
reference
adult story collection
juvenile story collection
historical society
non-fiction

Confidentiality of borrowers’ records is supported by the library board and staff in compliance with state law. A number code shall be assigned when a borrower registers which shall be used to sign out books. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of library users shall be strictly confidential. Circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users and the library materials they use are confidential in nature. Such records are not normally available to any agency or individual. Those who make inquiries for such information, including police, FBI, CIA, or similar law enforcement agency or personnel should be informed that:

1. The inquiry for such information should be directed to the Town Attorney, who will rule
   on the legal necessity for disclosure, based upon the showing of good cause, and so inform the
   Library.
2. The Library staff is not empowered to make such information available until such time as
   it has received direct authorization from the Town Attorney or a Court Order.
3. If there is a Court Order or a subpoena, legal advice should be sought from the Town
   Attorney or from the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom.
4. If the court order is in the form of a search warrant, it is executable immediately. Ask for
   legal counsel to be available to assure the search conforms to the terms of the search warrant.
   If the court order is a search warrant issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
   (USA Patriot Act amendment):
5. Request legal counsel to be available.
6. Respect “gag order”, ie. the library staff cannot disclose that a warrant has been served
   or that records have been produced.
7. The library and its staff must comply with this order.

All materials are circulated with the following exceptions:
current issues of periodicals
Fairfax Historical Society collection, unless designated as circulating
irreplaceable items designated as non-circulating

Returned materials

1. Overdue-When an item is overdue by two weeks the borrower is notified. When the item is one month overdue, a bill is sent for the cost of replacing the item.
2. Lost-The replacement cost for lost items shall be the full cost of the item. If item is out of print the charge shall be set by the librarian.

Damaged materials
A nominal repair fee shall be charged for an item in repairable condition. Replacement cost shall be charged for material beyond repair.

Weeding
The collection shall be weeded to cull outdated, unsuitable, worn and unused materials. Disposition shall be at the discretion of the librarian.

Mending
A judgement shall be made between the merits of replacing or mending each specific volume in uncirculatable condition.

Accounting and budgeting
The librarians shall keep an accurate account of monies encumbered by purchase order, the account to which these are charged, the receipt of these materials, etc.

A record of the petty cash account shall be provided for incidental expenses.

The librarians shall prepare an annual budget for review and approval by the Working Committee.

Supervision
An atmosphere conducive to reading and study shall be maintained. A specific area may be set aside in which silence is to be maintained. Patrons are responsible for conducting themselves in accord with the library atmosphere.

School regulations are followed for students during the school hours.

The librarians shall supervise the library aide.

Continuing education
The librarians shall be allowed professional time for attendance at workshops. The School Board employee shall be covered by the negotiated teachers’ contract.

Public relations
Students shall be encouraged to use the library as a facility to display their work to the community. The librarians cooperate and use the opportunity to work library materials into such a display.

The library staff shall inform the public of the library services through the news media. Brochures giving information about the library shall be prepared.

The library shall sponsor programs both in and out of the library to encourage its use.

Community groups shall be encouraged to use the library facilities at hours which do not conflict with regular library services.

Fairfax Historical Society
The School Board has agreed to allow the Society to place its collection of printed materials in the Community Library. It has also agreed to assume storage for the effects of the Society in the event the Society disbands, and has agreed to hold them until the Society reactivates or makes some disposition of the property.

Fairfax Room:
The Fairfax Room of the Fairfax Community Library was planned as a conference room with space allowed for the Fairfax Historical Society library and was furnished with funds from the McNall Fund. The Fairfax Room may be available for the following uses:

1. Adult readers who requests a quiet reading location during the school day.
2. Meetings of community organizations.
3. Patrons using Fairfax Historical Society materials.
4. Small groups of students accompanied by a classroom teacher. (Rec. maximum 10)
5. Small group staff meetings.

In all instances, advance sign up to use the room must be done with the library staff.

Guidance to users
Everything else is to no avail if the patron’s need is unmet. Meeting needs involves a broad spectrum of activities described above and may involve teaching use of the library or getting materials and handing them to the borrower.

Hours
Hours are approved by the Working Committee and posted. The library is closed on national holidays or for emergency purposes. Summer hours will be arranged and announced.

Revision
This policy is reviewed annually at the first meeting following Town Meeting.
This policy is revised as conditions warrant.
Adopted by the Fairfax Community Library Board on August, 1973

Revised April, 1976.
Revised July, 1981.
Revised February, 1988.
Revised January, 1991.
Revised October , 1995.
Revised January, 1998.
Revised April, 2001.
Revised January, 2005.

Confidentiality of patrons’ records is supported by the Joint Board and staff in compliance with state law (22 VSA section 172) and federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)).

A number code shall be assigned when a borrower registers, which shall be used to sign-out and hold circulating Library materials. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of Library users shall be strictly confidential. Circulation and other records identifying Library users and the Library materials they use are confidential in nature. Such records are not normally available to any agency or individual.

Those who make inquiries for such information, including police, FBI, CIA, or similar law enforcement agency or personnel should be informed that, per the State of Vermont:

1. The inquiry for such information should be directed to the Town Attorney, who will rule on the legal necessity for disclosure, based upon the showing of good cause, and so inform the Librarian.
2. The Library staff is not empowered to make such information available until such time as they have received direct authorization from the Town Attorney or a Court Order.
3. If there is a Court Order or a subpoena, legal advice should be sought from the Town Attorney or from the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF).
4. If the Court Order is in the form of a search warrant, it is executable immediately.  Ask for legal counsel to be available to assure the search conforms to the terms of the search warrant.
5. If the Court Order is in the form of a search warrant issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (USA Patriot Act amendment):​
   ​a. Request legal counsel to be available.
   b. Respect “gag order,” i.e. the Library staff cannot disclose that a warrant has been served or that records have been produced.
   c. The Library and its staff must comply with this order. 

Source: The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (text follows).

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. 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.

II. 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.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.

Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.

Our library is supported by the taxes of the citizens who have a right to expect our library to be
a clean, pleasant, and safe place for selecting materials, reading, studying, researching, writing,
and attending community or library­sponsored programs and meetings.

This Code of Conduct is intended to encourage behavior that supports the library’s mission to
provide the best possible resources in a warm, welcoming environment. Behavior which
interferes with this mission, impinges on the rights of others, causes damage to buildings or
equipment, or is hazardous to self or others is unacceptable. Those unable to comply will be
asked to leave. If necessary, the authorities will be called.

The Board has adopted the following policies as acceptable standards of behavior for our library.

The use of cell phones and other electronic devices shall not disturb the business of the library or
patrons. Headphones are encouraged for all audio.

Non­nut food is allowed at the tables only, with permission of the Community Library staff.

Closed top, non­nut beverages are allowed, but not at the computers.

Smoking is not allowed in the Library.

Personal belongings are not the responsibility of the Library staff and should always be attended.

Animals are not permitted in the library, with the exception of service animals as defined by ADA 28 C.F.R. §36.104 or those authorized by prior arrangement.

Appropriate dress, including shoes and shirts, must be worn in the library.

Weapons are not permitted in the library.

Selling or soliciting for contributions is prohibited, except as authorized.

Patrons are expected to abide by federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations.

Anyone found to be in violation of such will be reported to the proper authorities.

Disruptive behavior is prohibited. Disruptive behavior consists of actions which are illegal, or
which infringe upon the rights of others using the library or disturb the tranquility of the library,
or the proper activities of its staff and patrons. Such behavior may include, but is not limited to:
a. Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials;
b. Being in an unauthorized area;
c. Mutilation, defacement, of library property;
d. Obscene, or abusive language or acts directed at other patrons or the staff of the Library;
e. Possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs or any attempted or actual sale of them;
f. Intoxication or impairment;
g. Inappropriate use of furniture, library equipment and facilities..
h. Sleeping and offensive bodily hygiene;
i. Harassing or threatening others;
j. Failing to evacuate in an emergency or during drill;
k. Lewd behavior or sexual misconduct including exposure, offensive touching or sexual harassment of other patrons or staff;
l. Loud or boisterous behavior.
m. Refusing to surrender a computer after one’s time limit is up;
n Any action that is willfully intended to annoy another person.

Source: As recommended by Rob Geiszler, Library Development Consultant for the Vermont Department of Libraries. May, 2010.

Approved by the Fairfax Community Library Joint committee 1/8/15

Part of the Fairfax Community Library’s mission is to serve its community by providing resources to gain knowledge. Unfiltered access to the internet is available to all patrons. The library provides access to digital resources using computers, internet, wireless internet service and other digital devices.

Responsibilities of Library Staff
Library staff is not responsible for monitoring any patron’s use of the library’s digital
resources, except for the length of use of equipment. The library staff cannot provide
in-depth support or training for computer users. Loss of a patron’s time, work, or property
due to equipment malfunction shall not be the responsibility of the library. The library
reserves the right to terminate an internet session that disrupts library services or that
involves user behavior that violate the libraries Code of Conduct policy.

BFA Fairfax Student Use
During school hours, BFA students must abide by the Bellows Free Academy Computer
Acceptable Use Policy. From 2:45 PM until closing, on Saturdays, and during vacations,
students must abide by the Fairfax Community Library Digital Use Policy.

Community Patron Digital Use
Each patron is responsible for his or her own use of digital resources. The library acknowledges
the right and responsibility of each parent/guardian, not library staff, to guide and monitor their
child’s (under 18 yrs.) use of all the library digital resources.

To provide access to all, there is a one-hour time limit for use of computers. When others are
waiting, the person who has been using the computer the longest may be asked to sign off.
When listening to music, narration, or videos, patrons are asked to keep the volume low, or use
headphones.

Patrons are asked to not consume food or drink while using computers.

Unacceptable Uses of Digital Resources
Use of public computers for violent computer games.

Violation of Policies
Violation of the Digital Use Policy or Student Acceptable Use Policy, or use of computers for
illegal activities may result in suspension or termination of digital privileges. Any patron who
willfully violates use policies by damaging library digital resources, will be responsible for any
repair costs incurred.
> Downloading of software by patrons is prohibited
> Damaging computers, computers systems, computer furniture or computer networks.
> Use that is fraudulent, unlawful, or malicious purposes, including but not limited to:
hacking, transmitting a virus or worm, transmission of unlawful material, unauthorized
access, use or dissemination of personal identification information, or harassment
of an individual, business entity or group of individuals.
> Use of computers for private business ventures.

Privacy
The Fairfax Community Library is committed to the privacy of its patrons. Computers can store
temporary and permanent data; therefore, users should be aware that it is not always possible
to maintain privacy on library computers.

UPDATED 11/2022

Parents, legal guardians, and or a responsible caregiver are always responsible for the well
being and safety of their children and the children in their care while in the library. Fairfax
Community Library staff will not be responsible for supervising children. The FCL library
assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended, at any time.

● Children ages 0­7 shall at all times be attended to and adequately supervised by parents,
guardians, or a responsible caregiver of at least 15 years old while at the library or a
library sponsored event.

● Children ages 8 and up may use the library unattended providing the parents/guardians
have spoken with the library staff prior to leaving the visiting child alone, and as long as
the child’s behavior is in accordance with the library’s rules and expectations for conduct,
including following directions from library staff.

● Staff may notify parents, guardians, or responsible caregivers whose children, of any
age, are in need of additional supervision and/or are not following library rules or
expectations.

● Parents/guardians assume all liability for damages done by their children to the library.
This includes damage to materials, computers, furnishings, and to the facility itself.
Regardless of their absence/presence, they are legally responsible for their children’s
behavior in the library.

● It is not the responsibility of the FCL library staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive
role in determining which library resources young people may use or have access to
while at the library during non­school library hours. The library encourages
parents/caregivers to set their own family rules. It is the responsibility of parents
caregivers to monitor young people’s selection and use of print and digital library
resources, including the internet.

● Unattended children must be picked up prior to closing time. Police will be called if
children are left waiting 15 minutes past closing time.

Adopted 4/14

The Fairfax Community Library (FCL) welcomes donations of several types. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to residents and others who wish to make a donation to the library.

All donations to the FCL, either monetary or material goods, must be aligned with the mission, goals, and priorities of the library. The FCL Board of Trustees reserves the right to accept or reject any donation.

Monetary Donations
The FCL welcomes direct monetary donations. Monetary donations should be directed to the Fairfax Community Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with library staff, will determine how unrestricted donations will be used. Funds may be used for the purchase of library materials, library furniture or equipment, or to sponsor library programs. If a donor restricts the use of funds for a particular purpose, once the Board of Trustees accepts the donation, the restricted funds must be expended according to the donor’s conditions. All monetary donations will be acknowledged in writing by the Trustees.

Donations of Material Goods
The following guidelines apply to the donations of books or related materials.

1. Donors are required to contact the library in order to arrange a date and time for book
   donations. No books should be dropped off when the library is closed.
2. The library does not accept the following items:
   a. Textbooks
   b. Encyclopedias
   c. Reader’s Digest editions
   d. Cassettes
   e. Out-dated materials
   f. Magazines
   g. Any material that is mildewed, tattered, yellowed, dusty, or otherwise in poor
   condition.
3. Library staff makes the final decision on the acceptance of material.
4. Donations are accepted with the understanding that the FCL has the right to determine
   the retention, location, and other issues relating to the use or disposition of the donated
   item.
5. The FCL will not assign financial value to any donated materials.

Approved by Trustees 11/19/2020

FCL Mission statement
The Fairfax Community Library serves both the citizens of Fairfax as well as the students, faculty and staff of Bellows Free Academy. We are committed to assisting and encouraging all community members in their endeavor for self-education and/or recreational reading. The library supports the curriculum of Bellows Free Academy. The library provides the community with materials, reference services and programs, functioning as a center for reliable information. The mission of the Franklin West Supervisory Union School Libraries is to support and empower all students and staff to be enthusiastic independent readers, critical thinkers, skillful researchers, as well as ethical users and producers of information in a global society.

Support for Intellectual Freedom
The library provides an impartial environment in which individuals and their interests are brought
together with the universe of ideas and information spanning the spectrum of knowledge and opinions. The library affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to View, and Freedom to Read policy statements in support of acquiring and managing collections. Pursuant to these, the Library will not automatically withdraw duly selected materials from the library collections in response to a request from an individual or group

The Library maintains a collection of over 43,000 volumes, including books, games, DVDs, audiobooks, and a collection of digital resources. The Library develops the collection based upon knowledge of the community, empirical data about the use of the collection, and input from staff and patrons. Selection of materials does not mean endorsement of the contents or views expressed in those materials.

Objectives
The library’s collection is developed and managed to meet the majority of the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of the library’s service area. The library builds and maintains a patron-oriented collection by anticipating and responding to needs and expectations.

Public Library Selection Policy Objectives
Collection decisions are made in conjunction with the strategic initiatives, especially the following:
● To provide materials and information in a variety of formats that entertain, inform and enlighten all people of the community.
● To represent a wide spectrum of diverse ideas, cultures and philosophies which expose patrons to the larger world community without prejudice.
● To maintain a collection with materials appropriate for all ages and reading levels to promote literacy and learning.
● To ensure access to a rich variety of literature to foster a lifelong love of reading for all through effective service.

School Library Selection Policy Objectives
● To provide faculty and students with materials that enrich and support the curriculum and meet the needs of the students and faculty served
● To provide students with a wide range of educational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with diversity of appeal, allowing for the presentation of many different points of view
● To select materials that present various sides of controversial issues, giving students an opportunity to develop analytical skills resulting in informed decisions
● To select materials in all formats, including up-to-date, high quality, varied literature to develop and strengthen a love of reading

Responsibility for Selection
Final responsibility for the selection of materials rests with the professionally trained library personnel using the Joint Library Board’s adopted selection criteria and procedures.

Selection Criteria
Public Library Selection Criteria
Public libraries are diverse and represent a broad demographic. The Fairfax Community Library provides a collection containing a wide variety of material formats, including print, audio-visual,
and electronic. In selecting materials and developing collections for adults, as well as for children and teens, library staff includes materials that represent the broad range of human experience, reflecting the ethnic, religious, racial, and socio-economic diversity not only of the region it serves but also the larger global perspective. The library collection will provide a broad range of opinion on current issues.

Works are not excluded or included in the collection based solely on subject matter or on political, religious, or ideological grounds. In building collections, library staff is guided by the principle of selection, rather than censorship. Furthermore, the selection of a given item for a library’s collections should not be interpreted as an endorsement of a particular viewpoint.

To build a collection of merit, materials are evaluated according to one or more of the following standards. An item need not meet all of these criteria in order to be acceptable.

General Criteria:
● Present and potential relevance to community needs
● Suitability of physical form for library use
● Suitability of subject and style for intended audience
● Cost
● Importance as a document of the times
● Relation to the existing collection and to other materials on the subject
● Attention by critics and reviewers
● Potential user appeal
● Requests by library patrons

Content Criteria:
● Authority
● Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
● Skill, competence, and purpose of the author
● Reputation and significance of the author
● Objectivity
● Consideration of the work as a whole
● Clarity
● Currency
● Technical quality
● Representation of diverse points of view
● Representation of important movements, genres, or trends
● Vitality and originality
● Artistic presentation and/or experimentation
● Sustained interest
● Relevance and use of the information
● Effective characterization
● Authenticity of history or social setting

Special Considerations for Electronic Information Sources:
● Ease of use of the product
● Availability of the information to multiple simultaneous users
● Equipment needed to provide access to the information
● Technical support and training
● Availability of the physical space needed to house and store the information or equipment
● Available in full text

Top Five Recommended Public Library Reviewing Sources:
● Booklist
● Goodreads
● New York Times Book Review
● Publishers Weekly
● Shelf Awareness

School Library Selection Criteria
General Criteria:
● Support and enrich the curriculum and/or students’ personal interests and learning
● Meet high standards in literary, artistic, and aesthetic quality; technical aspects; and physical format
● Be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social, emotional, and intellectual development of the students for whom the materials are selected
● Incorporate accurate and authentic factual content from authoritative sources
● Earn favorable reviews in standard reviewing sources and/or favorable recommendations based on preview and examination of materials by professional personnel
● Exhibit a high degree of potential user appeal and interest
● Represent differing viewpoints on controversial issues
● Provide a global perspective and promote diversity by including materials by authors and illustrators of all cultures
● Include a variety of resources in physical and virtual formats including print and non-print such as electronic and multimedia (including subscription databases and other online products, e-books, educational games, and other forms of emerging technologies)
● Demonstrate physical format, appearance, and durability suitable to their intended use
● Balance cost with need

Top Five Recommended School Library Reviewing Sources:
● Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children’s Books
● Booklist
● School Library Journal
● We Need Diverse Books website
● Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Best Books for Young Adults

Acquisitions Procedures
The public library director and school library director have responsibility for the overall selection
and maintenance of all materials and formats within the collection of the library.

● In selecting learning resources, professional personnel will evaluate available resources and curriculum needs and will consult reputable, professionally prepared aids to selection, and other appropriate sources. The actual resource will be examined whenever possible.
● Recommendations for purchase involve administrators, teachers, students, district personnel, and community members, as appropriate.
● Gift materials shall be judged by the selection criteria and shall be accepted or rejected by those criteria.
● Selection is an ongoing process that should include removing materials that are no longer used or needed, adding materials, and replacing lost and worn materials that still have educational value.

Special Collections
The Fairfax Historical Society collection located in the Fairfax room provides users with access to works of local historical interest.

Selecting Controversial Materials
A balanced collection attempts to represent all sides of controversial issues as far as availability of materials, space, and budget allow. Selection is based upon 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 automatically to be included or excluded from the library’s collection.

All public libraries contain materials that some patrons may find objectionable. Libraries may omit from the collection materials that some patrons feel are important. In either case, the library has procedures that patrons may use in requesting the reconsideration of materials.

School library professional staff will provide materials on opposing viewpoints on controversial issues to enable students to develop the necessary critical thinking skills to be discriminate users of information and productive members of society.

Gifts and Donations
Gifts are accepted with the understanding that final disposition of the material will be determined by the librarians in accordance with the above criteria. Gifts for memorial purposes are encouraged. Disbursement of memorial gifts will be decided upon by the librarians and the Joint Library Board after conferring with the donor or their representative whenever possible.

Collection Maintenance and Weeding
The library continually withdraws items from the collection, basing its decisions on a number of factors, including publishing date, frequency of circulation, patron interest, and availability of newer or more valid materials. Items dealing with local history are an exception. Fiction that was once popular but no longer in demand and non-fiction books that are no longer useful are withdrawn from the collection.

Withdrawn books in good condition may be made available to teachers, students or public patrons. Materials that are moldy, wet, or somehow contaminated will be disposed of.

Sustainable Shelves Program
The Sustainable Shelves program is a new service just launched by Baker & Taylor that helps libraries manage the books removed from the collection through weeding or discarding of damaged material.

All items are packed and shipped, reusing the same boxes that our new materials arrive in.

Materials not purchased for resale are sent to a paper-pulper facility where new paper is created, benefitting our delicate environment. The library is credited for the material shipped and we are able to replenish the collection with new materials.

Policy Revision
All library policies, including the selection policy, should be reviewed for necessary revisions on a regular schedule.

Reconsideration
Fairfax Community Library recognizes that a collection of diverse materials may result in some
complaints or requests for reconsideration. The following procedures have been developed to assure that complaints are handled in an attentive and consistent manner. The Library will consider patron objections to materials in its collection by using the following procedure:

Fairfax Community Library Procedures for Handling Formal Complaints
The following steps will be used when an individual feels that further action is necessary to address concerns about a library resource. For the duration of this process, the material in question will remain in circulation in the library collection.

1. A concerned patron who is dissatisfied with earlier informal discussions will be offered a packet of materials that includes the library’s mission statement, selection policy, reconsideration form, and the Library Bill of Rights.
2. Patrons are required to complete and submit a reconsideration form to the librarians..
3. The librarians will review the reconsideration form and the material in question, to consider whether its selection follows the criteria stated in the collection policy.
4. The librarians will then notify the Joint Library Board and the Superintendent of the receipt of the statement.
5. All members of the Joint Board and the Superintendent will read the material in question and will fill out similar forms if appropriate.
6. The Joint Library Board will then call a meeting and a public warning will be posted.
7. The Joint Library Board and the Superintendent will render a decision in a timely manner.
8. The Joint Library Board and the Superintendent reserves the right to limit the length of public comments.
9. The decision of the board is final.

“Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries”, American
Library Association, December 8, 2016.
http://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit (Accessed October 19, 2021)
Document ID: 8e08577d-3120-4054-796c-6f93719ba584

Fairfax Community Library Reconsideration Form

The Fairfax Community Library ‘s Joint Library Board has established a materials selection policy
and a procedure for gathering input about particular items. Completion of this form is the first step in
that procedure. If you wish to request reconsideration of a resource, please return the completed
form to the librarians.
Fairfax Community Library
75 Hunt Street
Fairfax, VT 05454
Date _______________________________________________
Name ______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
City ________________ State/Zip ___________
Phone ______________ Email ______________
Do you represent self? _ Or an organization? _ Name of Organization

1. Resource on which you are commenting:
   _ Book (e-book) Movie Magazine Audio Recording
   Digital Resource Game Newspaper Other
   Title _____________________________________________________________
   Author/Producer ___________________________________________________
2. What brought this resource to your attention?

3. Have you examined the entire resource? If not, what sections did you review?

4. What concerns you about the resource?

5. Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or other viewpoints on this
   topic?

6. What action are you requesting the committee consider?

Public Library Sample Letter to Person Requesting
Reconsideration
Dear : We appreciate your concern over the use of _______________ in the library. Selecting
materials that serve the needs of our community is a vital part of operating a library. The Joint
Library Board takes this responsibility very seriously and has established a materials selection
policy for selecting resources as well as a detailed reconsideration procedure for requesting
reconsideration of particular items. I have enclosed both for your review. Please feel free to contact
me if you would like to discuss them further.
If you are still concerned after you review the material public library policies, please complete the
Request for Reconsideration of Material form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt
attention to your request. The steps that will be taken are outlined in the Reconsideration procedure.
At any point during this process, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,

Library Director
Date

School Library Sample Letter to Person Requesting
Reconsideration
Dear : We appreciate your concern over the use of _______________ in our school district. The
district has a policy for selecting materials, but realizes that not everyone will agree with every
selection made.
To help you understand the selection process, we are sending copies of the district’s:

1. Instructional goals and objectives
2. Materials Selection Policy statement
3. Procedure for Handling Formal Complaints
4. Request for Reconsideration of Material form
   If you are still concerned after you review this material, please complete the enclosed Request for
   Reconsideration of Material form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt attention to your
   request. If I have not heard from you within two weeks, we will assume you no longer wish to file a
   formal complaint.
   Sincerely,

Principal
Date

Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and
that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. 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.

II. 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.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide
information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of
free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age,
background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should
make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of
individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and
confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s
privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February
2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.

Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that
should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these
principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom
Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

Freedom to Read statement
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
Freedom to View statement
https://www.ala.org/rt/vrt/professionalresources/vrtresources/freedomtoview
ALA Resources
https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport