Purpose:

The statement of material selection policy is to implement the purposes and objectives of the Lakewood Presbyterian Church Library, which are:

• to provide a well selected collection of books, periodicals and pamphlets which aid in developing informed and intelligent laymen of the church

• to serve all who come seeking development of their spiritual capacities and a growing expression of their Christian faith

• to aid in developing a deeper understanding of one’s self and one’s role in the community and the world

• to participate effectively in the church program as it strives to meet the needs of adults in their personal and group relationships

• to provide children and youth with library materials most meaningful for their Christian growth and development, for aiding in personal adjustments, and for developing desirable social attitudes

• to provide library materials to aid in the wholesome use of leisure time for enrichment of personal lives

Authority

The authority for the ultimate decision concerning material selection policy resides in the Library Committee.

Responsibility

The privilege and responsibility for book selection lies with the Library Committee and the Minister of Christian Education, who operate within the framework of policies determined by the Session. Recommendations by individuals and groups are welcome, but the committee exercises its judgment in following them.

Criteria for Selection

1. Materials acquired should meet high standards of quality in content, expression, and format

2. In considering the inherent qualities of the material, the library committee must make a critical evaluation.

3. Materials need to be judged in relation to the existing collection and on their relative importance in comparison with books on the subject.

4. A significant number of novels of serious purpose all within a Christian context, well written, and based on authentic human experiences are included in the collection.

5. Quality of format is judged for attractiveness and durability of binding, paper, and printing.

6. The needs of all the various organizations in the church must be reflected in the continuing selection of library materials. There must be an alertness to potential demands.

7. The collection is continually re-evaluated in relation to changing curriculum concepts, new methods, and current needs of (church school) teachers. Appropriate materials are obtained for these new developments. This process of re-evaluation also leads to the replacement of outmoded materials with those that are up-to-date, the discarding of materials no longer useful, and the replacement of materials in poor repair.

8. Since this church is committed to the doctrine and practices of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., materials of required quality are selected to define and interpret this position.

9. Realizing the importance of seeking an understanding of the religious faith of all people, the collection includes the basic beliefs and practices of other branches of the Christian faith, and basic beliefs and sacred writing of the other religions of the world.

10. Since this church is committed to the belief that Christianity is relevant to every part o the whole fabric of our lives, library materials of required quality are selected to include many areas. These include the areas of social education and action, leadership development, depth psychology, child development, family relationships. Christian interpretation of sex, recreation, vocations, art, drama, poetry, and biography; as well as the well-defined areas of Christine doctrine, Bible study, prayer and worship, Christian education, Christian mission, church history, and church music. In case of controversial areas a variety of opinions, with as much authoritative background as possible, is sought whenever available.

11. Materials on the Christian interpretation of sex are included in the collection for the growing understanding of parents, young people contemplating marriage, newly married couples, and young people.

12. Although this church is not committed to follow the social pronouncements of the General Assembly of this denomination, it is pertinent that this church community grow in its understanding of these controversial areas. Materials implementing these pronouncements are included in the collection for the thoughtful study and an impetus for social action.

13. Books for children and youth are selected to aid in their Christian growth and development, for personal adjustments, for developing desirable social attitudes, and wholesome leisure time reading. These include inspirational books of lasting value, books of information concerning this religion, books of nature relating to God’s world, books to develop his understanding of people in all parts of the world, books of social relation, books of biography and poetry. Quality in content, expression, and format are all of vital importance in selection of children’s books.

14. Selection of pamphlets and periodicals follows general policy for the selection of books. They are an integral part of the collection.

15. Gifts to the library collection are accepted without commitment and are to meet the same standards for book selection as those purchased.

16. Systematic removal from the collection of material no longer useful is essential to maintaining the purposed and quality of resources.

17. Since only quality books are selected, duplication can be made if demand increases, subject to the permanent value of the material.

18. Paperbacks are to be selected only where other bindings are not available, in order to extend the collection in certain areas, or where the material is of very temporary interest.

19. If a book is not chosen for the library collection it has been excluded because it does not measure up to the library’s standard, because the library already has adequate coverage in the subject, because it will not be used enough to justify its purchase, or because of budget limitations.

20. The ability of any library to meet all demands from its own collection is limited. Smaller libraries cannot be all things to all men. Needs beyond the resources of the church library can be met by the Public Libraries.

21. If materials serve the purpose of the library, are of required quality, and relate to an existing need or interest, they will not be removed by pressure from groups or individuals.

This material is made available as a service of the Church and Synagogue Library Association. For further information, write: CSLA, PO Box 19357, Portland, Oregon, l97280-0357, or call 1-800-LIB-CSLA.