The Chappaqua Library provides materials and services to support the informational and educational needs of the citizens of the Chappaqua Central School District. The mission statement of the library is as follows:
- To be a welcoming community center for human interaction, intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment for people of all ages;
- To provide, through books and other informational, educational and cultural materials, including non-print resources, events, and programs, a place where the experience of the past can meet the needs of the present and future;
- To provide access to its own materials and to sources beyond its collections for people on-site and in other locations; and
- To work with institutions, organizations and individuals within the community in the pursuit of these goals.
Our mission statement shapes the development of the collection and how our resources and funds are allocated.
Selection and purchase of library materials rests with the professional librarians in each department. Staff will adhere to accepted professional practices when making selection decisions. The recreational, educational, and informational needs of the community will be considered in selecting materials.
Prior to the beginning of each budget year, the director will determine how budgeted funds will be allocated among the major collection subdivisions, e.g., adult nonfiction, fiction, youth collection, reference, periodicals, and non-print. Circulation statistics and counts of in-house use of materials will be maintained to assist in decision making. Average cost per item, as determined by the previous year’s purchases and reports in library and publishing journals, will also be considered in allocating funds.
Materials will be selected based on positive reviews in professional journals or actual examination and evaluation of materials. Popular demand, school bibliographies, or local interests may also be used as the criterion for selection of materials. Items that must be updated every year may be placed on a standing order list to ensure timely delivery. Suggestions from the community for items to be considered for purchase are strongly encouraged, but materials must meet selection criteria.
The Chappaqua Library does not attempt to acquire textbooks that specifically support local curricula, but it may acquire textbooks for general use by the public. Multiple copies of popular books, e.g., bestsellers may be purchased to meet short-term demand. Paperback books will be purchased when available to meet short-term demand. The library will attempt to have information available in a variety of formats, such as book, non-book, magazines, etc., when available and practical. Generally, only one copy of materials in other formats—DVD, compact disc, computer programs, etc.—will be purchased unless long-term high demand is anticipated. Film and audio recordings will be selected for potential long-term use that meets general interests. Regardless of an item’s popularity, the library may choose not to select it if the available format is not durable enough to withstand reasonable library use or if it would require excessive staff time to maintain. Objections to items in the collection should be made in writing to the library director. (See also the “Request for Reconsideration of Materials” policy.) Materials that no longer meet the needs of the community and no longer support the library’s collection will be withdrawn and disposed of in accordance with the library’s “De-selection of Materials” policy.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: October 19, 2010
