3.         The Board of the North Smithfield Public Library supports the belief that censorship is a purely individual matter and declares that while anyone is free to reject for him or herself books or other library materials of which he/she does not approve, he/she cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom to read of others.  History shows that many books that have been mostly controversial or objectionable to some persons or groups have, in due course, been recognized to be among those books which most, rather than least, belong in public libraries.  If an idea is truly dangerous or evil, the best protection against it is a public who has been exposed to it and has rejected it; the worst protection is a public which has been shielded from exposure to it by official or self-appointed guardians. 

4.         The Board defends the principle of the freedom to read and declares that whenever censorship is involved, no book or library materials shall be removed from the library save under the orders of a court of competent jurisdiction. 

5.         The Board adopts and declares that it will adhere to and support

a.        The Library Bill of Rights.

b.        The Freedom to Read Statement

c.        The Freedom to View Statement 

 

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA

 

The selection and acquisition of library materials in both print and non-print formats shall be based on the following criteria: 

1.         North Smithfield as a community.

a.         The collection shall reflect the interests of the community.

b.         North Smithfield's colonial history and its pivotal role in the industrial revolution are factors that shall influence selection of materials.

c.         Other library resources, such as CLAN (Cooperating Libraries Automated Network) libraries, may make duplication in some areas unnecessary.

d.         The library has an obligation to the community to have at least representative materials from most fields of knowledge available for the public, as well as materials in other formats to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.  Budgetary considerations preclude purchasing in depth in every field of knowledge and every format and language.  Availability of materials through interlibrary loan shall be a factor in purchasing decisions.

 

2.         The merit of the individual book/library material.    

Books/library materials need to be considered in relation to similar books and to the collection as a whole.  In addition, each book/library material has a right to be considered as a unique product and judged on its own merits.

The following criteria shall be considered when selecting works of fiction or non-fiction:  accuracy of information, appearance of the title in special bibliographies or indexes, availability of the materials elsewhere in the state, availability or scarcity of materials on the subject, authoritativeness, clarity of presentation and readability, format, historical value of the work, importance of the subject matter to the collection, literary value, permanent or timely value, public demand, price, reputation of the author/publisher, social significance--for individuals or groups. 

The selection of fiction involves attempting to satisfy readers of differing tastes, interests, purposes and reading levels.  The literacy criteria used in selection will differ depending on the various categories of fiction writing. Criteria to be considered are character, plot, setting, style and theme.

 

3.         General Considerations. 

Types and forms of materials will alter constantly to parallel society's changing needs and advancing technology. 

Materials shall be purchased which represent both sides of controversial issues, whenever possible. 

Materials for adults, young adults and children are selected to meet a wide range of interest, abilities, tastes and the conceptual and cultural needs of different children.  All ages are given freedom of access to the library's collection.  It is the right and responsibility of the parent or legal guardian--and only the parent or legal guardian--to guide his or her children--and only his or her children--in their choice of library materials. 

The primary responsibility of the North Smithfield Public Library is to meet the needs of individuals residing within the legal boundaries of the Town of North Smithfield.  It also serves persons outside its immediate area through reciprocal borrowing agreements with CLAN (Cooperating Libraries Automated Network) and through participation in the interlibrary loan network of NHILINET (Rhode Island Library Network).  The library is a signatory to and abides by the interlibrary codes of RHILINET and ALA (American Library Association). 

4.        Selection Criteria. 

The library does not attempt to acquire textbooks or other curriculum- related materials except as such materials also serve the general public.
In order to fulfill its obligation to provide reference material for answering specific questions and for continuing research, special reference and research material will be purchased within budgetary limits.
Internet resources and on-line services will be utilized where appropriate.