Collection Development Policy

The Belmont Public Library ensures equitable access to a diverse, current, and relevant collection that meets the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of all members of the Belmont community. The Library collects for four major purposes: 1) to provide popular materials; 2) to foster independent learning; 3) to support formal education; and 4) to support an informed citizenry and foster civic engagement.

Materials selection is implemented by the Library Director, who may delegate selection responsibilities to appropriate staff. This policy serves as a guide for the selection, evaluation, and de-selection (weeding) of all materials.

The collection includes materials in a variety of formats including but not limited to print, audiovisual, electronic, Library of Things, and emerging digital and electronic formats. The library aims to provide equitable access to resources for all ages, abilities, interests, and backgrounds, and to promote self understanding and growth.

We endorse and are guided by the following foundational documents of the American Library Association:

These principles affirm the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom, diversity of thought, and equitable access for all. The library provides materials to support each individual’s journey, and does not place a value on one patron’s needs or preferences over another’s.

Selection Criteria

Materials are selected based on professional judgment, community interests, and the overall value to the collection. Selection tools include professional journals, industry reviews, award lists, patron recommendations, and data-driven usage trends. Key criteria may include:

Relevance to community interests and needs
A request by a Belmont resident
Items of current importance and accuracy of content
Reputation and qualifications of author, publisher, or producer
Enduring value or historical significance
Contribution to the diversity of the collection
Inclusion of diverse viewpoints and underrepresented voices
Popular demand and anticipated usage
Compatibility with the existing collection and formats
Accessibility (including language, reading level, and digital availability)
Cost and budgetary considerations
Availability through Minuteman Library Network or interlibrary loan

Patron requests are encouraged and considered within the scope of this policy. Requests can be made in person, over the phone, via chat, or with this form which assists with tracking.

Collection Maintenance and De-Selection

To ensure a useful, current, and relevant collection, library materials are regularly reviewed and evaluated. Items may be withdrawn for reasons including:

Obsolescence or inaccuracy
Poor physical condition
Low usage or lack of demand
Duplication
Format superseded by newer technologies
Prioritization of space

Local authors are defined as writers who currently reside or have spent a significant part of their lives in Belmont or the adjacent towns. Pending evaluation, the library may accept one donated copy of a local author’s work and place it in the Local Author section if it is an Adult book or in the appropriate Youth or Teen collection if it is a Youth or Teen book. All donated works are subject to the same criteria for removal as other materials. Items requested by the author to be purchased by the library are subject to the same collection development criteria as any other work.

Deaccessioned materials may be donated, sold, or discarded as needed.

Reconsideration of Library Materials

The Belmont Public Library recognizes that individuals may occasionally object to specific items in the collection. Requests for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the Library Director, who will initiate a formal review process in accordance with library policy and the principles of intellectual freedom.

Adopted October 30th 2012

Amended May 15th 2025

Collection Development Policy

Collection Maintenance and De-Selection

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