Below is a generic sample policy that I have used in my classes.
DS
Sample Collection Policy
Memorial Library
Today , 2003
Mission Statement
The mission of the Memorial Library is to provide materials
and programming for the congregational members, staff, and community. The
library collection will consist of materials in all media that will enable
members to enhance their experience of Jewish life and provide the
resources for the study of Judaism. The library staff is committed to
excellence in its service to all users.
Definition of Library Users
Primary users of the Memorial Library include:
1. Members
2. Students and Faculty of the Religious School
3. Professional staff
4. Users outside of the congregation via interlibrary loan, email, and the
Internet
5. Members of the community with the permission of the librarian
Collection Formats
The library collection will not be limited to media formats
and will include books, newspapers, periodicals, ephemera, videos, audio
cassettes, compact discs and DVDs.
Selection Process
The scope of the collection will focus on materials of Jewish
content that supports the educational and recreational reading needs of the
congregants. The collection will include popular and critically acclaimed
fiction, philosophy, liturgy, history (American and world), and Israel,
Zionism, Jewish life cycle, sociology, Hebrew language and literature and
other areas that the congregants need. Most of the books will be in
English. Books in other languages will be considered if they meet the needs
of the members. The library will continually strengthen all areas of the
collection.
All selections must be consistent with the library mission and
collection policy. Materials will be purchased at the discretion of the
librarian with an approved budget. The librarian will track all orders.
Members, clergy, and staff may submit a written request for the acquisition
of new materials.
Selection criteria may include, but is not limited to:
1. Items that meet the needs of the congregation
2. Items of Jewish content and relevant to our congregation
3. Items useful to the primary users of the library
4. Items presenting a variety of points of view on a controversial subject
5. Items of lasting literary, social, or historical value
6. Fiction of Jewish content or relevancy
7. Works written by the past and current rabbis, educators, teachers, and staff
8. Works written by members that are on a Judaica subject or have relevance
to the mission of the library.
9. Works on Jewish movements
10. Works on local Jewish history or community
The library will not purchase materials that are more appropriately held by
other institutions. Financial and space limitations will be considered in
selection.
Deselection Process
With the approval of the Library Committee and the knowledge
of the Library Committee materials will be removed from the collection in
order to conserve space and to make room for new materials. Deselection
will also improve access to the collection and conserve money. In
processing, an attempt will be made to sell materials or donate to
appropriate homes.
Deselection criteria may include but is not limited to:
1. Material inconsistent with the mission statement and collection policy
2. Unneeded duplicates
3. Obsolete books
4. Superceded editions
5. Materials that are worn out, damaged and too expensive to repair
Gifts and Donations
The librarian is appreciative of gifts of books and library
materials with the understanding that inclusion in the library collection
is dependent upon agreement with the mission statement and collection
policy. Donations must be made with prior agreement with the
librarian. If the donation is accepted the donor must sign the donor
agreement. The library maintains the unconditional ownership of gifts
and reserves the right to sell or dispose of all materials at a later
date. Anonymous donations are unconditionally owned by the Library and are
subject to library policies.
The library welcomes gifts of funds and will honor
recommendations from the donor as long as they are in accord with the
mission statement and collection policy.
Revision of Policy
This policy may be revised upon the recommendation of the
Library Committee and with the approval of the Executive Committee.
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Donation of Materials Form
I hereby donate materials to the Memorial Library. I warrant that I have
the right to donate all materials and transfer unconditional ownership to
the library. I hold the Library harmless from all claims by third parties
for these materials. The library has the right to keep the materials, add
them to the collection, sell them, or otherwise dispose of them at the
discretion of the librarian. Any conditions must be approved by the librarian.
________________ _______________________
Donor date
Daniel Stuhlman
Chicago, IL 60645
ddstuhlman @ earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~ddstuhlman/liblob.htm
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