Application
The Retention Policy affects staff in implementing procedures to identify items worthy of retention in the library collection. Individuals interested in understanding decisions involving removal of items from or the disposition of items formerly in the collection are also served by this policy.
Statement of Purpose
Managing library resources requires attention to many characteristics of the collection, the informational and recreational needs of patrons, and available space in the facility. Changing communities, new discoveries, fleeting interests, and deeper understandings require an adaptable collection. As storage limitations will always play a role in managing a collection, decisions must be made regarding which items to retain and which to shed.
Policy
Library materials will be evaluated for retention on a regular basis. Frequency of use, physical condition, publication age, and other characteristics will inform retention decisions along with the criteria used for initial selection. The CREW Method will serve as the procedural guide for retention decisions. The Crew Method is available online at the following address: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/crew/index.html.
Items not retained in the collection will be divided between fundraising sales stock, recycling, and disposal. Fundraising partners include the Friends of the Community Library, Better World Books, and Green Fiber.
Responsibility
The Library Director or a designee holds responsibility for providing documents related to the policy to concerned parties. The Library Director is responsible for training and supporting staff regarding this policy. The listing of staff members reflecting selection responsibilities will be used as a primary guide to retention responsibilities. Ideally, the individuals involved in selecting materials should also have responsibility in determining to retain or shed those materials.
Approved Date: 6/12/2014
Revised:
Reviewed by / on: