PREAMBLE
Materials selected for the library collection are intended to meet the cultural, informational, educational and recreational needs of the residents of suburban Hennepin County. The scope of the collection is intended to offer a choice of format, treatment and level of difficulty so that most individual library needs can be met and service given to individuals of all ages without needlessly duplicating the resources available in other libraries in this area. The collection scope is intended to provide supplemental materials for individuals pursuing educational programs and a start or referral point for those needing more advanced information or materials. The collection is not archival, and is reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis to meet contemporary needs.

DEFINITIONS
Materials: As it occurs in this policy, materials has the widest possible meaning; hence, it is implicit that every format is included, whether printed or in manuscript; bound or unbound; photographed or otherwise reproduced or recorded.

Selection: The decision that must be made either to add material to the collection or to retain or withdraw material already in the collection. It does not refer to the guidance of an individual patron.

Production: The mechanical and creative process involved in the preparation of library materials by patrons as groups or individually, and by library staff.

Translation: The changing of library materials from one medium to another.

Transmission: The sending of the contents of library materials from one place to another by electrical or optical means.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to guide librarians, and to inform the public about the principles upon which selection decisions are made. A policy cannot replace the judgment of librarians, but stating goals and indicating boundaries will assist them in choosing from the array of available materials.

GOALS
One of the Library's goals is the provision of materials which best meet the community's informational, recreational and educational needs. Basic to this policy is the Library Bill of Rights originally adopted by the Hennepin County Library Board July 29, 1968, and reaffirmed April 24, 1980.

The Library acknowledges a particular interest in local, county and state history. It takes a broad view of works by and about Minnesotans as well as general works relating to the State of Minnesota. The Library will add to its collection works produced by authors, printers or publishers with Minnesota connections that meet the purpose and objectives of this policy.

The Library selects materials of varying complexity and format because it has a diverse potential public embracing a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, interests, sensory preferences and reading skills.

The Library pays due regard to the special civic, commercial, cooperative, cultural, industrial and labor activities of each community it serves.

LABELS AND SHELVING
Library materials are not marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and materials are not sequestered except for the purpose of protecting them from damage or theft.

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
The Library will reconsider any material in its collection upon written request of a patron.

GIFTS
The Library accepts gifts of library materials with the understanding that the same guidelines of selection are applied to gifts as to materials acquired by purchase. The Library reserves the right to evaluate and to dispose of gifts in accordance with the criteria applied to purchased materials. Gift materials not added to the collection cannot be returned to the donor.

REVISION
This policy will be reviewed by the Library Board at least every two years.

Adopted by the Hennepin County Library Board April 24, 1969; Reviewed and adopted as "Materials Selection, Production, Translation and Transmission Policy," by the Hennepin County Library Board July 5, 1973; February 23, 1978; March 27, 1980; March 25, 1982; February 23, 1984; March 27, 1986; Revised and adopted May 26, 1988; Reaffirmed June 28, 1990; Revised and adopted August 20, 1992; Revised and adopted December 1, 1994; Revised March 22, 1995.