KPL Resource Development Policy

The Kitchener Public Library is both a resource and a gateway, connecting our community with the sources of information and works of imagination it needs and enjoys by:

* Identifying and fulfilling the community's needs
* Embracing new outlooks and opportunities
* Creating partnerships with the community
* Cultivating our greatest resource, our staff

The collection of materials at the Kitchener Public Library will:

* Provide broadly-based diverse collections, with a balance of viewpoints
* Support the information and recreational needs of the community and reinforce lifelong learning
* Provide reliable, timely information in various formats
* Preserve and promote a knowledge of the community's historic and cultural development
* Enhance collections by providing access to the resources of other libraries and organizations through networking and cooperative arrangements

There is a need to acknowledge original, critical and unorthodox ideas as reflecting the essence of a democratic society and the belief that public opinion is not the sole guide for the selection of material.

There will be a representation of the interests and views of community members without discrimination based on political, religious or moral views. Any restriction of a child's access to materials is the responsibility of parents.

The Kitchener Public Library endorses the Statement on Intellectual Freedom adopted by the Canadian Library Association in 1985 and the Statement on Intellectual Rights of the Individual adopted by the Ontario Library Association in 1998.

Selection Criteria
Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, librarians select materials using reviews, professional knowledge and suggestions from community members. Each proposed selection is evaluated on its own merit and in relation to the collection as a whole, using some or all of the following criteria:

* Timeliness
* Sustained interest
* Cost and availability
* Popular demand by the public
* Importance of the author or artist
* Availability of the material elsewhere
* Current and future relevance to community needs
* Literary quality, artistic value or importance to its genre
* Suitability of subject, style, format and level for the intended audience

Donated materials are evaluated using the same selection criteria listed above and following the guidelines outlined in the Donation Policy.

In the event of a concern or question about an item in the collection, the customer is requested to complete a Materials Reconsideration Form, whereupon a re-evaluation of the item will be conducted using the above selection criteria.

Collection Maintenance
In order to maintain a current and relevant collection, it is necessary to weed material systematically. The following criteria are considered when weeding:

* Accuracy
* Timeliness
* Physical condition
* Frequency of circulation
* Availability of other copies
* Relevance to needs and interests of the community

Approved in principle by the Kitchener Public Library Board, 1997