Collection Development Policy for the Albany Public Library (APL)
Vision Statement
A connected and diverse Albany that celebrates curiosity, knowledge, and possibility.
Mission Statement
The Albany Public Library is an essential resource promoting community,
life-long learning, and quality services in a safe, welcoming space.
Materials Selection: We choose materials that support the community’s information needs. We also provide items for learning, exploration, and enjoyment. When selecting materials, we consider community interest, how often items are used, professional reviews, and what we already have in the collection. Our goal is to offer a collection that includes a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and subjects.
Our collection is always changing. We remove items that are worn out, outdated, or no longer being used. We welcome suggestions from patrons and will try to purchase requested items if they fit our collection guidelines and budget.
Gifts and Donation Policy: We appreciate donations of books and other materials, as well as financial gifts to help fill gaps in our collection. We add donated items when they are a good fit for our needs. If donated materials are duplicates or not suitable for our collection, we pass them on to the Friends of the Library Bookstore, where sales help support the library.
Intellectual Freedom: The Library works to provide materials that help people explore different viewpoints and ideas. We support the right of every person to access information, even if others find the content controversial or disagreeable. We aim to maintain a diverse and inclusive collection that represents many perspectives.
Reconsideration of Materials: We respect each person’s right to choose materials that fit their own values and interests. For that reason, we do not restrict what we purchase, separate items from the rest of the collection, or make judgments about what patrons should or should not borrow.
If a patron requests that an item be removed, the purchasing librarian will review the concern. They will look at how the item fits the collection, how it supports the library’s mission, and what professional reviews say. If the patron still wishes to pursue removal after this discussion, they may fill out a reconsideration form. The Library Director will review the request, and if needed, the Library Board will make the final decision at its next meeting. Items remain available during this process.
Once the Director or Board makes a final decision about a reconsideration request, the same materials cannot be reviewed again for five years.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement: The Albany Public Library serves a vast range of individuals with unique experiences and characteristics. We affirm that we serve everyone in our community. We encourage an inclusive environment that promotes freedom of speech in conjunction with policies that protect patrons, volunteers and library staff of all gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, income level, age and all other personal, social, cultural and economic perspectives.