I. Objectives of the Library

The J.C. Clegg Public Library of Central City, IA strives to serve the community 
and surrounding area by providing free access to up-to-date materials and 
technology to meet patrons’ educational, personal and recreational needs.

II. Responsibility for Material Selection

Ultimate responsibility for the Material Selection Policy lies with the Board of 
Trustees.  The Board of Trustees delegates to the Director the selection of books 
and materials (pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals, video, tapes, etc.) and the 
development of the collection.

Suggestions for books and materials to be added are welcomed from staff, Board 
of Trustees, and patrons.  The suggestions will be given prompt consideration and 
will be subject to normal selection criteria.

III. Criteria for Selection

The library subscribes to the principles as found in the Freedom to Read, Freedom 
to View, and Library Bill of Rights  statements as adopted by the American 
Library Association.

Library books and materials are selected by the Library Director.  In selecting 
books and materials the library will at all times try to consider the ultimate goals 
of the library.

Books and materials will then be purchased that will best serve the needs of the 
library in carrying out its goals as budget allows.

The library will attempt to maintain a well-balanced and broad collection of books 
and materials considering all ages.  Special books and materials will be 
considered for persons who are handicapped-large print, etc.  Considerations 
will also be given to the merit of each item selected as it relates to the needs and 
interests of the community.

IV. Other Libraries and Resources

Every effort will be made through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to fill the requests that 
cannot be filled by the J.C. Clegg Public Library.

V. Gifts

The library will accept gifts of books or other materials with the understanding 
that it will be evaluated with the discretion of the Library director and in 
accordance with the criteria applied to purchased books and materials.  The 
library will not accept textbooks or Reader’s Digest Condensed books.

When the library receives a cash gift for the purchase of books and materials, the 
selection will be made by the Director with consultation with the donor.  The 
name of the donor or person memorialized will be entered on the book plate.

VI. Maintaining the collection

In order to maintain the collection in its most attractive condition, the Director 
will use judgment in removing from the collection books and materials which are 
no longer useful, or are not in condition suitable for circulation.  If the books or 
materials have not been circulated in the last five (5) years it will be considered 
for removal from the collection.  The Director may refurbish by repairing books 
and materials when appropriate.

Books and materials no longer useful to the library will be given to other libraries 
or to the Friends of the Library Group to be sold for the benefit of the Library.

VII. Request for Reconsideration

A patron who objects to specific books or other materials will be requested to 
complete the form "Request for Reconsideration of Library Material".

The request will then be considered at the next regular Board of Trustees meeting 
and the patron will be notified of the results of the "Request".  The book or 
material being considered will remain in circulation until final action has been 
taken.