Collection Development Policy

All libraries stand for the freedom of thought, intellectual activity and communication. Therefore Libraries must select materials with the view of all sides of an issue. This policy defines the scope and nature of our current collection as well as future collections, this includes all resources in all formats. Our collection does not contain any pornography. Bloomfield Public Library materials are selected, organized and made accessible to meet the diverse needs of of all the citizens of Stoddard County.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Library Director for the selection of the library collections, operating within the framework of policies determined by the board.

To select Library materials the Director uses reviews, general lists and requests. The collection consists of Adult readers 18 +, Youth 13+, Juvenile 8-12 and Easy 0-8. All patrons are welcome to check out any materials in our collection. The responsibility for materials used by a minor rests completely on their parents or legal guardians. Adult collection: this collection is recommended for adults 18+. the library attempts to provide a wide selection of fiction ,best sellers, non-fiction in order to cover a wide range of interest. Youth age 13+ titles should provide a background for ethical, social and cultural development and growth of individuals.

Juvenile: ages 8-12 collection is geared to material that encourages young readers to think and grow. Again the responsibility for materials used by a minor rests completely with their parents or legal guardians . Easy birth to 9. Easy collection is selected to start a child's path on becoming a life time reader.  Board books, bright graphics, easy reads are common in easy.

Bloomfield Public Library does not purchase electronic or media data. The limited collection is from donations. Once a item has been donated the director shall determine whether it will be shelved or discarded following the guidelines of our policy.

Patron suggestion requests are accepted and will follow the same policy. Regular weeding is a vital part of any collection .Books are weeded based on age, wear, and shelf space.

The Bloomfield Public Library does not endorse any particular viewpoint nor does the selection of an item indicate an endorsement of any viewpoint. If a member of the library district is concerned about a particular item in the library's collection they may request a review request form. when this form is completed in it's entirety it will be given to the Director.