Open access and intellectual freedom are the guiding principles directing the development and management of the library’s collection. The collection will respond to the community’s needs with content that engages, educates and inspires.
Diversity of Views
The Library will provide access to information and artistic expression representing the widest possible diversity of views, including those which reflect controversial, unorthodox, unpopular or even transgressive ideas. Neither the physical presence of an item nor the ability to access it digitally indicates endorsement of its content by the Library. The Library subscribes to and has adopted the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statement.
Resource Sharing
As the resource library for the Winnefox Library System, the Oshkosh Public Library is naturally committed to resource sharing and participates in interlibrary loan networks (within the Winnefox Library System itself, the State of Wisconsin and throughout the United States) to make materials not in the collection of the Oshkosh Public Library available for patrons.
Selection Criteria
Materials will be selected for the library collection based on community interests and aspirations; national and international news and events; social trends; professional reviews and staff expertise; and cost. Suggestions for additions to the library collection are welcome from community members and are subject to the same selection criteria as any other material. Such suggestions may be relayed to staff in person at service desks or through the library’s website (https://www.oshkoshlibrary.org/form/recommend-for-purchase).
The library generally does not select textbooks; academic; professional, technical or trade materials unless there is a compelling informational, educational or cultural reason.
The library may consider selecting self-published titles but will be cautious when selecting those on topics where accuracy is especially important such as personal finance, law, and medicine.
Digital/Streaming Media Holdings
The Oshkosh Public Library is a member of digital content purchasing consortia and a subscriber to streaming services which make content available to patrons in vendor-curated packages. Selection of digital content can vary among the vendors who supply digital content to the library. In instances when individual title selection is not an option for the library, selection of the larger service will be based upon the general reputation and overall content offerings of the vendor.
Weeding Criteria
To maintain current and relevant collections the library must continuously evaluate and withdraw materials (also known as “weeding”). Some reasons an item may be weeded include worn or damaged physical condition; because it contains outdated or inaccurate information; or because interest in its content has declined. Withdrawn materials may be donated to other non-profit organizations, sold by the library or discarded.
Gifts/Donations
The library gratefully accepts gifts of materials. To be added to the collection, items must meet the selection criteria stated above. Library staff make all decisions as to the use, housing and final disposition of donations. The library cannot assess the monetary value of gifts or donations, but receipts are provided upon request.
Cash donations for the purchase of materials in memory or in honor of someone are also welcomed. Donor wishes will be taken into consideration for such purchases provided they are consistent with the selection criteria above.
Reconsideration of library materials
Should a patron question the presence or placement of a book or other material in the collection, that person may submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form to the Director. This form is available from all public service desks. The patron will receive a written response to their concern. The item in question will not be removed from the collection during the reconsideration process.
The Library Director will only consider objections to library materials which come from holders of Oshkosh Public Library borrower cards. An individual title in the collection will be reviewed for any given reason or set of grounds only once per calendar year and Director decisions regarding objections or challenges will be kept on file for public review for that duration. The decision will apply to the title regardless of format in the collection. ln the case of a patron challenging or objecting to multiple items at once, the challenges will be thoroughly reviewed in turn based upon the schedule and availability of the Library Director and any staff comprising review committees the Director may deem necessary.
Patrons who wish to appeal the Director’s decision regarding materials may contact the Director to request that the matter be on the agenda of a subsequent regular meeting of the Library Board and will be encouraged to discuss the matter with the Board directly in open session.