COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The Shellsburg Public Library orders materials regularly to develop a strong collection. The librarian determines acquisitions, with advice from the Board of Trustees in the case of memorials, grants, or other special circumstances. All items in the collection are reviewed for retention, withdrawal, or replacement every three years.

Monthly acquisition emphasizes national best-sellers and books by authors with high circulation rates. Works of non-fiction and reference items are added less frequently, but with a goal of expanding offerings across categories. Children’s collection development is an ongoing priority, including fiction and nonfiction. New books are labeled to designate their level in the Accelerated Reader program used in the elementary school program. Materials are also being increased for preschool/daycare age levels and for middle school/young adult readers, two subgroups the library is targeting for added involvement. In addition, as funds permit, collection development will continue to include more resources in other media formats, such as DVD and  books on tape, other audiotapes or CDs.

The librarian and Board regularly review and seek to improve the magazine/periodical collection. Acquisition of the EBSCO database is expanding the number of periodicals available to patrons in the library or from their homes. Magazines of interest to patrons will continue to be maintained in the library collection.