Video Selection Policy
I. Purpose and Scope of Collection
The Videocassette/DVD Collection of the Weyauwega Public Library is established to assemble and to organize a limited collection of VHS format videocassettes and DVDs which will be educational, entertaining, and will be in accord with the standards set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement endorsed by the American Library Association. The collection will include children's videos, local presentations and events, instructional videos, nonfiction videos, and fiction videocassettes. Feature films that have been favorably reviewed will also be added on a limited basis.
II. Types of Materials to be Purchased
The Videocassette/DVD Collection will be selected for the Library's collection in the following areas:
- Children's videos for circulation to the public.
- Children's videos for use in Library programs.
- Local presentations and events.
- Instructional videos, nonfiction videos, and fiction videocassettes, which may not be available at local video rental shops. For example, videocassettes/DVDs produced by the Public Broadcasting Corporation.
- Academy Award , Golden Globe, and other feature films, which because of their content and reviews will become "classics". For example, "Sense and Sensibility"
III. Responsibility for Selection
The end responsibility for selection of videocassettes for the collection rests with the Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board. Children's videos can be selected by the Children's Librarian. Selection aids to be used in building the videocassette collection include the Standard lists, professional periodicals, videocassette catalogs and Motion Picture Awards and prizes.
IV. Weeding and Replacement of Materials
Material in this collection will be weeded when it is out-of-date or no longer useful and shall be discarded as the Library Board determines. Worn copies of materials of continuing value will be replaced.
V. Acceptance of Gift Materials
Gift materials will be accepted with the understanding that the same selection standards will be applied to gift materials as to those purchased. The Director will have discretion in judging what gift materials will be added to the collection, and final disposition of the gift(s) is to be left to the library.
VI. Affirmations of Intellectual Freedom
The "Library Bill of Rights" and the "Freedom to Read" statements, as found in the Weyauwega Public Library's material selection policy, shall be the basis for the selection of Videocassettes to add to the Weyauwega Public Library's collection. The Weyauwega Public Library selects titles on the basis of the content as a whole and without regard to the personal history of the persons involved in making the video. In no case is any item included or excluded merely because of the race, nationality, political or religious reviews or philosophic stance of the writer. The Weyauwega Public Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons, but selection of titles will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of established professional standards and the principles stated in this policy.Materials will not be marked or identified by the Library to show approval, disapproval, or any other evaluation of their contents by the Library.Parents or legal guardians have sole responsibility for the use of materials by their minor children. Selection of materials for Weyauwega Public Library collections will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children.
VII. Procedure for Handling Complaints
When a patron objects to a particular selection, the objections shall be made in writing and the following procedures will be adhered to in processing the complaint.
- The party registering the complaint will complete a copy of the Citizen's request for Reconsideration of a Work form. Sample is attached to the materials policy.
- The Staff will be asked to submit a written statement indicating why the videocassette was chosen and how it contributes to the accomplishment of public library goals and adds to the collection.
- The complainant shall submit the completed form to the Library Board or the Librarian. The Library Board will review the material being questioned. In reviewing material that shall utilize professionally selected aids, check general acceptance of materials by reading reviews, weigh values and faults against each other and form opinion based on the material as a whole and not on parts pulled out of context. Following individual review of the material the Library Board shall meet to discuss the material and prepare a report. One copy of the report shall be given to the complainant, one copy to the Librarian and one copy will remain with the Library Board.
- The decision of the Library Board is final.