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Policy Title: Collection Development Policy and Plan 2025-2030

Pupose

The purpose of this policy is to define the underlying principles that direct the development and management of the Library’s collection. This policy guides the selection, acquisition, accessibility, maintenance, preservation, deselection, and scope of the St. Johns County Public Library System’s collection. It establishes roles and responsibilities and defines a process for addressing patron questions and concerns. The Library will update the Plan at least every five (5) years.

Scope

It is the objective of the Library to provide the citizens of St. Johns County informational, recreational, educational, and cultural materials in a variety of formats. These materials and resources will cover a broad range of knowledge and interests and will include both basic works of permanent value and timely materials on current issues and interests. The Library maintains an inclusive approach to collection development, emphasizing unrestricted access to circulating materials. Staff uphold the principles of intellectual freedom.

Due to limitations of space and budget, the Library’s collections will not be able to satisfy all requests for materials. The Library will serve in an educational, adjunct support role to the schools, viewing the school media center as the primary source for school related assignments. Requests for specialized materials that are beyond the scope or budget of the collection may be sought through interlibrary loans (ILL) according to the current Interlibrary Loan Policy. This policy will be periodically reviewed by designated staff, the Library Advisory Board, and ultimately submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for concurrence to ensure that it is responsive to both the changing needs and objectives of the Library and the changing nature of the community and the budget.

Policy

  1. Materials Selection
    1. Responsibility: The Library Director has ultimate responsibility for selecting library materials and resources based on policies approved by the Library Advisory Board and the Board of County Commissioners. Authority is delegated to professional Library staff for routine selection processes. The Library uses a hybrid model combining patron-driven acquisitions with professional staff specializing in selection. Public recommendations are encouraged through the Library’s online form or direct staff contact. Requests for eBooks are also accepted, considering criteria such as availability, budget, and demand. Efforts are made to fulfill requests via Interlibrary Loan or purchase, with patrons informed of outcomes. Staff selections are made using reviews from accredited journals and professional judgment.
    2. Criteria: The overall criteria listed below apply to all collections, including but not limited to Children’s, Young Adult, Adult, Reference Collections, and Library of Things materials. Collections are available in several formats, such as print and eBook. Professional selection aids will be used for review of materials. Items will be purchased or leased based on staff evaluation and material availability as well as the number of patron requests for the item. Some factors for selection include literary merit, circulation of author or series, price, physical quality, permanent or timely value, shelving space limitations, social significance, and relation of work to existing collection.
    3. Format: The Library strives to maintain a balanced mix of print and non-print materials that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our community. This balance ensures accessibility and inclusivity, accommodating patrons who prefer traditional print formats as well as those who benefit from digital and multimedia resources. Our collection includes a wide range of print materials such as books, periodicals, and newspapers, selected to cover various subjects and interests. Concurrently, we prioritize the acquisition of non-print materials including eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, and digital databases, offering convenient access to information and entertainment in flexible formats. By maintaining this equilibrium, we enhance the library experience, promote literacy, and support lifelong learning for all patrons. Not all titles are purchased in multiple formats due to cost and space considerations as well as availability.
    4. Materials Not Purchased: Certain material formats and subject fields are not typically acquired for the library’s collection. Excluded items include rare books, textbooks (unless they are the best or sole resource available in a particular subject area), obsolete media, highly technical and specialized materials (unless they are essential for filling a specific subject need), pop-up books, spiral-bound, microforms, and other formats not durable enough for frequent public use.
    5. Review Sources:
      1. Professional Journals: The Library prioritizes peer-reviewed journals that include materials reviews written by professionals in the library and academic worlds. This allows for considering titles based on expert insight, potential audience, and reading trends.
      2. Non-Professional Resources:
        1. Bookstore Reviews and Ratings: Sometimes it is important to consider other reviews when deciding to make a purchase, either because an item has not been reviewed in one of the professional resources or because the professional reviews offer conflicting information. The Library utilizes reviews from customers on Amazon and Barnes & Noble to get a sense of what readers think of these items to help inform decisions.
        2. Websites: Websites such as BookLooks or RatedBooks do not include professional reviews, are not used for decision making, and are also not acceptable for use in Requests for Reconsideration. While sites such as Book Riot and Common Sense Media are extremely beneficial to locate specific types of content for patrons, they are not professional trade journals and are not used for selection decisions.
    6. Levels of Selection: By delineating these levels of selection in our Collection Development Policy, we ensure a well-rounded and responsive library collection that meets the diverse informational, educational, and recreational needs of our community.
      1. Popular or Recreational Level: Materials selected for the popular or recreational level cater to broad audience appeal and entertainment value. Emphasis is placed on current bestsellers, popular genres (such as mysteries, romance, and science fiction), and titles with wide reader appeal. Selection criteria prioritize engaging storytelling, positive reviews from trusted sources, and anticipated reader demand based on trends and patron requests. This level aims to provide a diverse and accessible range of materials that foster leisure reading and enjoyment for patrons of all ages and interests.
      2. General Information Level: Materials selected at the general information level encompass a wide spectrum of subjects and formats intended to support lifelong learning and general knowledge acquisition. Selection criteria include relevance to current events and societal issues, accuracy and authority of content, readability or accessibility of information, and potential for enhancing cultural awareness and understanding. This level incorporates non-fiction books, documentaries, and educational media that provide comprehensive coverage of topics spanning history, science, technology, arts, and more, catering to patrons seeking informative and enlightening resources.
      3. Instructional Level: Materials selected at the instructional level are designed to support formal and informal learning needs, including educational programs, self-directed study, and skill development. Selection criteria prioritize accuracy, currency of information, clarity of presentation, and alignment with educational standards or curricula. This level includes textbooks, how-to guides, instructional videos, and resources tailored to specific vocational or academic disciplines. Materials selected aim to facilitate practical learning experiences and enhance patrons’ ability to acquire new skills, deepen knowledge, and achieve educational goals.
      4. Reference Level: Materials selected at the reference level serve as authoritative sources of information for personal research and reference purposes. Selection criteria emphasize accuracy, comprehensiveness, and credibility of sources. This level includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, specialized databases, and other reference materials that provide factual information, statistical data, and critical analysis across various disciplines. Materials selected at the reference level aim to facilitate information retrieval and promote intellectual exploration among patrons.
    7. Selection by Collection:
      1. E-Content: The Library subscribes to several e-content platforms. Electronic resources are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Given the dynamic nature of eBook licensing costs, the Library prioritizes the careful selection of titles that not only resonate with the diverse interests and needs of our community but also align with our fiscal responsibilities in managing collection development. This approach ensures access to a robust and relevant eBook collection while optimizing the use of budgetary resources.
      2. Government Documents:
        1. Federal – The Library acquires very few federal documents to add to the collection. Materials most frequently needed or requested are found on the Internet. This means of access seems to satisfy nearly all information needs. This purchasing practice does not preclude the acquisition of federal government documents if a particular item best serves the public or staff by acquiring it and adding it to the collection.
        2. State – The Library acquires very few state documents to add to the collection. Many of the state produced materials are available in a timely manner through the Internet and this has become the primary means to access state-produced information.
        3. Local – The Library receives local documents from the County and the two municipalities (St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach) on an irregular basis. Items received from any of these jurisdictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they should be cataloged or kept as ephemeral materials.
      3. World Language: World Language materials are purchased based on circulation data, patron requests, and staff observations. Donations of materials in other languages are evaluated as to need according to the same guidelines used for the acceptance of donated materials. Purchasing practices are revisited as staff indicate that demand for these materials has increased, or when local demographics indicate a need for these materials.
      4. Children’s Collection: The purpose of the Children’s collection is to foster the desire to read and discover the enjoyment of reading. The objective of material selection will be to provide a collection that helps satisfy the informational, recreational, educational, and cultural needs and interests of children. Suitability of content, vocabulary, and style of presentation for the intended audience are considered in material selection. To this end, the Library maintains lists of popular authors and series that are automatically ordered from our primary book vendor. The Library also orders all New York Times-bestselling children’s material from both the picture book and chapter book lists. The Library will serve in an educational, adjunct support role to the schools, viewing the school media center as the primary source for textbooks and school-related assignments.
      5. Middle Grade Collection: This collection is transitional in nature, offering materials that bridge the Children’s collection and the Young Adult collections. In addition to the general criteria of the Children’s collection, suitability of content, vocabulary, and style of presentation for the intended audience are also considered. To this end, the Library maintains lists of popular authors and series that are automatically ordered from our primary book vendor. The Library will serve in an educational, adjunct support role to the schools, viewing the school media center as the primary source for school-related assignments.
      6. Young Adult Collection: The selection of Young Adult Fiction involves the attempt to satisfy a variety of tastes and provide vital and relevant collection of materials for high school aged teens through young adults. Selection is based on the needs of all types of readers for sub-genres of differing natures. This is done by providing a variety of formats including print, non-print and electronic. To ensure materials stay relevant, the Library maintains a list of popular young adult fiction authors whose works are automatically ordered from our primary book vendor. The Library also orders any New York Times-bestselling fiction that we do not currently own. Young Adult fiction has wide appeal because of its ability to entertain, educate, and stimulate. It also highlights many of the social, psychological, political, religious, and other ideas of the past, present, and future. The Library aims to provide works accepted as classics as well as those novels that portray many aspects of contemporary society.
      7. Adult Fiction Collection: The selection of adult fiction involves the attempt to satisfy a variety of tastes. Selection is based on the needs of all types of readers for genres of differing natures. These genres include but are not limited to: contemporary, romance, westerns, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, humor, mysteries, and short stories. This will be done by providing a variety of formats including print, non-print and electronic. To ensure materials stay relevant, the Library maintains a list of popular fiction authors, updated biennially, whose works are automatically ordered from our primary book vendor. The Library also orders any New York Times-bestselling fiction that we do not currently own. Fiction has wide appeal because of its ability to entertain, educate, and stimulate. It also highlights many of the social, psychological, political, religious, and other ideas of the past, present, and future. The Library aims to provide works accepted as classics as well as those novels that portray many aspects of contemporary society. Notable and popular titles in all important fiction categories will be considered for inclusion in an attempt to satisfy public demand.
      8. Adult Nonfiction Collection: Adult nonfiction deals with factual prose writing that is based on real events and real people. These fields may include but are not limited to: biography, philosophy, religion, social sciences, the sciences, the arts, and history. Non-fiction books are esteemed for their factual content, yet they can still harbor inaccuracies. The Library does not verify every detail within the collection. Authors and publishers bear the primary responsibility for accuracy, but errors occur due to oversight or bias. Therefore, readers should approach non-fiction with a critical eye, using libraries as resources to access diverse perspectives and cross-reference information. The Library facilitates learning and research but does not guarantee the accuracy of every book’s content. The Library aims to provide a balanced, up-to-date, and relevant collection inthese fields to satisfy the informational, recreational, educational, and cultural needs and interests of the community. This will be done by providing a variety of formats including print, non-print, and electronic.
      9. Reference Materials: A small portion of the collection, known as Reference Books, are designated for non-circulation. These are typically local history titles or traditional reference materials such as encyclopedias, price guides, or directories. Whenever possible, duplicates or superseded volumes are placed in the regular circulating collection for greatest access. Items selected for the local history collection are copyrighted and published books. Unpublished materials or ephemera is better suited for local organizations with archival professionals.
      10. Newspapers: Local newspapers, including community newspapers, are the highest priority for purchase. Selected major newspapers from the region, state, and the United States are also purchased. The newspapers to which each Library location subscribes, and the time for which each newspaper is held at each Library, are found in the online catalog.
      11. Periodicals: Periodicals are purchased at selected branches for adults, young adults, and children. These cover a variety of subject areas and interests to meet the patron needs of each location. The Library also offers digital magazine content. Periodicals are selected by Library staff and provided for the public primarily for their current informational value. Each Library location’s periodicals and back files are contained in the online catalog. The Library staff annually reviews and renews our print and eMagazine offerings to adjust for usage, budgetary limitations, and relevancy to the Library’s patrons.
      12. Video: This category primarily includes DVD and Blu-Ray formats. Feature films are purchased based on box office earnings, reviews, budget allotments, and demand. Premium cable/network series, documentaries, educational/child-oriented materials, award-winners, and works of literary or local interest are collected on a limited basis according to popularity, reviews, and demand. Duplication rights are not typically sought when procuring a video recording. Public Performance rights for selected studios are obtained via license annually for Library locations. Television series are primarily collected and maintained through monetary and physical donations due to the high expense of collecting and maintaining adult fiction television series. The Library limits purchases for television series to shows based on patron demand and available funding.
      13. Library of Things: The Library of Things Collection offers a variety of non-traditional items for circulation, aligning with the St. Johns County Public Library System’s mission to foster lifelong learning and enjoyable library experiences. This collection aims to broaden community access to diverse resources, promoting creativity, learning, and sustainability.
        1. Selection Responsibility: Professional staff at the Library curate materials to meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of patrons of all ages in St. Johns County. Patron feedback is welcomed to enhance the collection. A purchase suggestion process allows users to recommend specific items or types of materials for acquisition. Each suggestion undergoes evaluation and is not automatically added to the collection.
        2. Guidelines for Selection: Library staff use their training, knowledge, and expertise along with the following general criteria to select materials for the collection. The following considerations should apply when selecting materials for inclusion in the Library of Things collection:
        3. Size and Weight – Items should not exceed 15 pounds in weight and should be able to fit inside a crate measuring up to 16 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 11 inches in height. These dimensions and weight are within the average limits that staff are able to lift comfortably. Additionally, they are suitable for transportation between branches. While exceptions can be considered when necessary, it is strongly recommended to adhere to these physical limitations.
        4. Storage – Library branches have limited storage capacity for items in the Library of Things collection. Branch Management staff will determine if their location is suitable as the primary storage site for a Thing. Although items in the collection may travel to other branches for patron pick-up, each Thing will have a designated home location where it is stored when not in use.
        5. Budget – Cost considerations play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of acquiring and maintaining items. The policy aims to balance the initial purchase cost of items with ongoing expenses such as repairs and replacement. Additionally, budget allocations are carefully managed to ensure the sustainability of the collection and maximize its value to library patrons.
        6. Longevity – Items containing fragile components, multiple detachable parts prone to loss, or susceptible to damage should undergo careful consideration regarding their procurement, processing, and maintenance costs. Library staff must assess the durability of potential additions to the collection and establish a reasonable expectation for their ability to withstand extensive use. Items requiring frequent upkeep should be avoided whenever possible.
        7. Safety – Ensuring the safety of patrons and staff is paramount, and any potential safety hazards posed by an item must be carefully evaluated.
        8. Community Interest – Patron feedback and suggestions are collected from various sources. Collection Development staff also analyze library circulation and programming statistics to gauge popular and high-demand items within the community, using this data to inform their selection process.
        9. Circulation data and demand – This collection is continuously evolving, and there are occasions when staff introduce items without prior knowledge of their circulation potential. Due to this uncertainty and the associated costs, initial acquisitions may begin with a single copy. If feasible in terms of budget and space, additional copies may be added later. Items that do not circulate effectively will be withdrawn from the collection.
        10. Maintenance – Maintenance time and budget should be taken into account with the initial selection of each Thing.
        11. Quantity of Pieces – Items that consist of numerous components necessitating frequent inventory checks during check-in and check-out processes should be avoided. Ideally, items in the collection should be limited to no more than 10 individual pieces that require a checklist for inventory management. This practice ensures efficient handling and reduces staff workload associated with maintaining the collection.
        12. Donated items: Donated materials are evaluated for condition, relevance, safety, and alignment with community needs and library goals. Donations to the Library of Things collection may be declined if they do not meet safety standards, are not in good working order, or do not fit the library’s collection criteria. This ensures that all materials are safe, useful, and well-suited to the Library’s mission.
      14. Graphic Novels: Graphic novels cater to a wide audience, including children, young adults, and adults. Selection criteria prioritizes graphic novels that demonstrate artistic excellence, compelling narratives, and cultural relevance. The Library strives to curate a balanced collection that reflects the diverse interests and backgrounds of community members, ensuring accessibility to both popular titles and critically acclaimed works. By integrating graphic novels into the collection, the Library aims to foster literacy, creativity, and a love for reading among patrons of all ages, while promoting the appreciation of visual storytelling as a vibrant form of literature.
    8. Selection Criteria:
      1. Popularity: Each year, the Library assesses a ratio of holds on a waiting list per copy of a title for both print and e-content formats. To alleviate wait times for popular titles, extra copies may be acquired through purchase or lease.
      2. Library Programming: The Library strives to foster community dialogue through initiatives like book clubs. Multiple copies of each title may be procured to accommodate Library-sponsored book clubs.
      3. Educational: The Library observes the Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award program, a statewide initiative promoting reading among children. These books are frequently assigned for summer reading when students lack access to their school’s media center. The Library acquires multiple copies of these titles to facilitate young patrons in reading them before the school year resumes.
      4. Multiple Branches: As a multi-branch library system catering to an expanding population, it is crucial to maintain multiple copies of essential collection titles distributed across various locations throughout the county.
      5. Space: Due to limited shelf space, acquiring large quantities of the same title is impractical. Often, popular titles are leased and returned to the vendor once demand decreases. The Library transfers materials between branches, enabling strategic purchasing of limited quantities to meet demand effectively.
      6. Budget: Acquiring multiple formats of the same title, including print, Large Print, eBook, audiobook, and eAudiobook, can be costly. The selection of formats for each title depends on factors such as demand, availability, space, and budget constraints.
      7. New Formats: The Library continually assesses the impact of new technologies on reading behaviors and adjusts the collection accordingly. This proactive stance ensures that the Library remains a relevant and valuable resource in an increasingly digital world. The Library collaborates with publishers and vendors to explore innovative licensing models and partnerships that optimize the collection’s breadth and depth while respecting budgetary considerations. By leveraging evolving technologies thoughtfully and responsively, the Library aims to enrich the library experience, foster lifelong learning, and empower community members to explore, discover, and connect with knowledge in meaningful ways.
    9. Donations: The Library welcomes gifts and donations of library materials and other contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses, and other sources, provided they are in excellent condition. Donated items undergo the same selection criteria as purchased items for inclusion in the collection. For monetary donations to supplement the collection, the Library strives to accommodate donor preferences regarding subject matter that align with the Library’s needs. All donated materials are regularly reviewed and may be redirected to other organizations if deemed unsuitable for the collection, with priority given to the Friends of the Library for their book sales. Materials in poor condition are disposed of appropriately. Upon request, the Library provides written acknowledgment for cash donations and gifts. Depending on the donation’s nature, contributions may support the Friends of the Library. Materials purchased or received as memorials or in honor of individuals may include gift plates bearing the donor’s name and the name of the honored person or group. Please note, the Library does not provide valuations of donated materials for tax purposes. The Library appreciates the generosity of donors and aims to steward contributions effectively for the benefit of the community.
    10. Local Authors: The Library aims to support and showcase literary works by authors from our community. These donated materials serve to celebrate local talent, provide exposure for emerging writers, and offer patrons access to diverse voices within our region.
      1. Works by Local Authors eligible for inclusion in the Library’s collection include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other literary genres produced by authors residing within Northeast Florida. Authors may submit their donated works for consideration through the library’s Local Author Submission process.
      2. The Library recognizes that many local authors have not yet had the visibility to be reviewed by professional publications. In the absence of professional reviews, library staff may use the following criteria:
        1. Binding: The book has been professionally bound. Spiral-bound or stapled booklets with no spines will not be considered.
        2. Quality of Writing: Clarity and coherence in writing style is essential; the language should be accessible and engaging, tailored to the intended age group. It should be evident that the work has been carefully and thoroughly copyedited.
        3. Plot: A book should feature compelling, age-appropriate content with meaningful themes. Well-developed characters should foster empathy, offering a balance between imagination and realism to explore new experiences. Diversity and inclusivity are crucial, representing varied cultures and backgrounds to promote empathy and understanding. Ultimately, high-quality literature should impact cognitive, emotional, and social development, sparking curiosity and fostering lifelong learning and a love of reading.
        4. Quality of Illustrations: Illustrations should be engaging and age-appropriate, enhancing the narrative and bringing characters to life. Diversity in illustrations is important, representing various cultures and backgrounds to promote inclusivity and helps readers see themselves reflected in the books they read. Craftsmanship, including detail, color palette, and artistic style, adds to the aesthetic appeal and educational value of the books. All photos and/or illustrations must be used with permission and should be appropriately cited.
        5. Quality of Information: Non-fiction children’s books must be accurate, presenting verified information from credible sources. They should explain complex concepts clearly and appropriately for the target age group, supported by clear visual aids like diagrams and photographs. The content should be relevant to educational needs, aligned with curriculum standards, and encourage further exploration. Diversity and inclusivity are crucial, offering perspectives that broaden understanding and promote empathy. These books should also engage readers, sparking curiosity and supporting independent learning. An index should be included for non-fiction titles. Citations should be included for works referenced.
        6. Other selection criteria include suitability for the collection, demand, and available space.
      3. Selected items will be added to the library’s catalog and be retained for at least two years. After such time the item will be evaluated on patron use, condition, and available space. Items may be removed from the collection at any time and will be deselected using standard procedures. Titles that are damaged, lost, or withdrawn are not automatically replaced. Library staff are unable to offer advice or criticism to authors and cannot review or edit works.
    11. Purchase Requests: Patrons may submit a maximum of five purchase requests within a 30-day period. This ensures the Library’s collections remain diverse and responsive to community interests while effectively managing resources. Patron input through these requests is vital in shaping the Library’s offerings and enriching the experience for all users. Items recommended for purchase will be approved or denied based on standard selection criteria.
  2. Materials Maintenance To ensure a current and effective library collection, ongoing decisions are made regarding the management of materials that no longer meet the collection’s needs. These decisions involve evaluating whether to repair, bind, replace, or remove items from the library’s shelves. The following guidelines are designed to aid library staff in navigating this reevaluation process:
    1. Weeding: It is essential for libraries to weed their collections. Weeding allows the collection to remain balanced between new authors and titles and older works of historical and community significance. Limited shelf space necessitates the removal of some items to make room for new titles. In order to remain in line with mission and goals of the Library, weeding in all areas of the collection is required to take place continuously. Weeding criteria are based on a combination of the following:
      1. Relevance and currency; titles reflect current interest and needs of the community
      2. Physical condition
      3. Turnover rate and date of last check out
      4. Shelf space
      5. Overall value of item to the collection (is it part of an ongoing series, is it a frequent ILL)
      6. Number of copies
      7. Availability in alternate formats.
    2. Replacement: While the Library attempts to have copies of all standard and important works, it does not attempt to replace each copy withdrawn due to loss, damage, or wear. Decisions will be based on reasons such as demand, availability of newer materials on the subject, cost, circulation statistics, literary merit, availability, and physical condition.
    3. Re-binding and Repair: Factors for consideration for binding include reasons such as the value of the title, cost of rebinding, availability, number of holdings, and physical condition.
  3. Inter-Library Loan The inter-library loan (ILL) service plays a vital role in enhancing the Library’s collection by expanding access to materials beyond the immediate holdings. Through ILL, patrons can request items that are not available in the Library but are held by other libraries within a network or through regional consortia. This service greatly supplements the collection by providing access to a diverse range of materials, including books, DVDs, and other resources that may be out of print or less frequently requested. ILL allows fulfillment of specific patron requests promptly and efficiently, enriching the breadth and depth of offerings without the need for extensive acquisition costs or storage space. It enables catering to varied interests and niche subjects that may not justify a permanent acquisition in the collection but are valued by our community members. The Library’s commitment to maintaining a robust ILL service involves leveraging partnerships with other libraries and adhering to established lending protocols to ensure mutual benefit and reciprocity. By facilitating access to a broader array of resources through ILL, the Library can uphold the mission to provide equitable and comprehensive library services that meet the diverse needs of our patrons effectively.
  4. Intellectual Freedom and Confidentiality
    1.  Ethics:
      1. The Library offers resources for the education and enrichment of everyone in the community, without excluding materials based on the creator’s background or views. The Library presents diverse perspectives on current and historical issues, resists censorship, and works with others to protect free expression and access to ideas.
      2. The Library and the Library Advisory Board stand firmly against all forms of censorship, believing in the unrestricted dissemination of information and ideas, and ensuring that all viewpoints have the opportunity to be heard and considered.
      3. Materials selected for inclusion in the library collection are considered constitutionally protected under the First Amendment.
      4. The Library respects intellectual property rights and strives to balance the needs and interests of both library users and content creators. By doing so, the Library supports a fair and equitable environment where access to information is preserved while acknowledging and honoring the rights of creators.
      5. Library staff maintain a clear distinction between their personal beliefs and professional duties.
      6. Library staff are committed to respecting the dignity and rights of every individual within the library and the broader community, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.
  5. Material Reconsideration: All library users have the First Amendment right to borrow, read, view, and listen to library resources. The library maintains an inclusive approach to the provision of collections. Staff uphold the principles of intellectual freedom. Any requests for reconsideration of library materials will be referred to the Director, or their designee. If the person desires to pursue the request, they will submit a completed Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form, including the name and address of the requestor, to the Director. Reconsiderations requests will be accepted from residents of St. Johns County. Residents may submit up to two (2) reconsideration requests per month. Reconsideration requests are public record. The Director and designated Library Staff will review this form. Library staff will make a recommendation regarding the request for reconsideration to the Director, who has the discretion to approve or reject the recommendation. The Director will then notify the resident of their decision. If the resident remains unsatisfied with the Director’s decision, the resident may request a review by the Library Advisory Board. The resident will be informed of the date, time, and location of the Library Advisory Board meeting where the Reconsideration Request will be addressed. The resident may appear before the Library Advisory Board. Challenged materials will not be removed during the reconsideration process. The Library Advisory Board will make the final decision regarding reconsideration.
  6. Material Segregation and Labeling: The Library maintains an inclusive approach to its Collection Development Policy, emphasizing unrestricted access to circulating materials. This means that all items within the collection, whether physical or digital, are freely available for borrowing without segregation into closed collections. The Library does not apply cautionary labels or markings to any materials, affirming the commitment to intellectual freedom and the belief that individuals should have the freedom to explore diverse viewpoints and subjects without imposition of restrictions. This policy ensures that the Library remains a welcoming space where patrons can explore a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and information freely and without censorship.
  7. Confidentiality of Records: Records of materials borrowed by library patrons are protected by Florida State Statute 257.261, “Library registration and circulation records.”

Approved by LAB & BCC: 2016, 2019
Revision approved by LAB: 9/13/2021
Revision approved by LAB: 9/11/2024
Approved by BCC: 02/01/2022
Revision approved by BCC: 10/15/2024

St. Johns County Public Library System