• Collections
  • Collection responsibilities and selection procedures
    The Collection Management Librarian and staff members select library materials. Recommendations of other professionals in the field, review and/or endorsement from a recognized professional publication, publisher descriptions, as well as requests by patrons are all considered in the selection process. Any library material, so selected, shall be held to be selected by the Board.

    The selection of print and nonprint materials for the Lincoln County Libraries is based on the principles expressed in the American Library Association Freedom to Read and the Library Bill of Rights documents.

    The purpose of the selection process is to obtain the most relevant and useful materials to provide information access, recreation, and cultural activities for the diverse needs of our community.

    Objectives of Selection
    • To provide materials that will enrich and consider varied interests
      • To provide materials that present various points of view on controversial issues
      • To provide materials representative of many religious, ethnic and cultural groups

    Balance and Space
    When works of one author, genre, or style are unnecessarily numerous, causing the collection to be out of balance and space limited, those of least significance or demand may be discarded. This will enable the collection to maintain balance and be current. Refer to the Discard Policy for discard procedure.

    Adopted 12/96

    Revised 11/97

    Revised 04/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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  • Formats
    The following formats of information are available: books, magazines, newspapers, audio tapes & cds, video tapes, DVDs, music cassettes and cds, computer software, historical photographs and maps, microfilm, CD-ROMs, electronic databases, and internet.

    Videotapes and DVDs

    The library's objective is to develop and maintain a videocassette and DVD collection to serve the diverse informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the community.

    Criteria used in selecting videos will be the quality of reviews; the selector's knowledge of the video in question; the price of the materials; whether or not the subject matter is one that would be enhanced by a video format; and whether or not there have been patron requests for a video.

    Materials are evaluated and acquired in accordance with the Library's selection criteria. Items are selected using standard reviewing materials, catalogs of distributors and patron requests. Gifts are added to the collection in accordance with the general selection policy.

    Newspapers

    The Library will provide newspapers representing local, state, regional, and national coverage

    Audio & Music Tapes and CDs

    The Library will provide books on tape and compact disc, both abridged and unabridged, selected according to same manner as print.

    Computer Software

    The Library will provide the following; Word processing, Graphics, Spreadsheet and Database programs for use on the public access computers.

    Microfilm

    Primary sources of local community newspapers will be maintained on microfilm.

    Vertical Files

    The Library will provide selected information not readily available in other formats, mainly local history.

    Photographs

    The Library will provide historical photos of our local communities.

    Magazines

    The Library will maintain a diverse selection both of informational and entertainment magazines for the communities served.

    Websites

    A website providing library information and card catalog will be maintained and managed by the library.

    Adopted 12/96
    Revised 12/97
    Revised 04/05
    Revised 8/08
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  • Chronological coverage
    Most periodicals are kept for one (1) year. Periodicals related to Montana are kept permanently. Information in reference, science, medical, and business areas is kept updated.

    The discarding policy is followed when materials are withdrawn. Materials relating to local historical events are maintained for research purposes.

    Adopted 12/17/91

    Reviewed 10/97

    Revised 04/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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  • Multiple copies
    The collection contains some multiple copies for popular titles and the Montana Collection. If demand requires, and at the discretion of the director, additional copies of a title may be purchased.

    Adopted 12/96

    Reviewed 10/97

    Revised 04/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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  • Languages
    Materials are collected in a variety of languages, mainly in the form of dictionaries and other language instruction. Variety is determined by demand.

    Adopted 12/96

    Reviewed 10/97

    Revised 04/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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  • Gift Policy
    Gifts are accepted based upon the needs of the library and pursuant to the Materials Selection Policy. The library encourages and accepts gifts with the understanding that the materials will be integrated into and retained in the collection if they meet the same criteria outlined in this policy.

    Appraisals can not be given for the value of materials. Receipts can be given for the number of items donated. Money gifts for purchasing specific materials for the library will be accepted when the requested materials are consistent with the standards and criteria of the library as outlined in this policy. Donors are encouraged to place few restrictions on these gifts so that use of funds will be flexible and effective.

    Adopted 12/17/91

    Reviewed 10/97

    Reviewed 04/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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  • Discarding policy
    The following materials may be withdrawn from circulation:
    • Outdated or inaccurate materials
      • Materials no longer of interest to or in demand by the community
      • Duplicates
      • Materials in poor physical condition that cannot be repaired

    Materials that have been withdrawn shall be disposed of in one of the following methods:
    • Gifts to other libraries or non-profit organizations
      • Sales to the public
      • Discarded in an appropriate manner (refer to policy on Disposal of Surplus Property)

    In the case of an objection to discarded library materials, the procedure is as follows:
    • The library staff will try to handle the question on an informal basis and present the discarding policy.
      • If the complainant wished to discuss the issue further, they may schedule an appointment with the Director.
      • The Director will inform the Chairman of the Library Board of the complaint. If the complainant wishes to discuss the issue with the Library Board, they may attend a Board meeting.

    Adopted 3/23/94

    Revised 12/96

    Reviewed 10/97

    Reviewed 5/05

    Reviewed 8/08
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