Collection Development Policy

Issued: 1/16/2014
Updated: 11/12/2025

Mission:

The Mission of Monterey County Free Libraries is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community.

Goal:

In order to fulfill its mission, Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) will select, organize and make library material accessible in a variety of formats to meet the expressed, anticipated and lifelong learning needs and interests of the broad community it serves, with the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in mind. MCFL will provide material in English and Spanish, and additional languages that best respond to the current needs of MCFL’s service areas. Selections are limited by budget constraints. We acknowledge that some materials may contain potentially offensive or disturbing content, while recognizing their value as part of the historical and cultural record. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by MCFL.

Under the direction of the Library Director, professional librarians select material by utilizing a combination of reviews, knowledge of the community, currency of information, popularity and demand.

• MCFL’s collection strives to meet the broad and diverse interests of the community and respects both the library’s autonomy and their specific community needs.
• MCFL serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas.
• Library material is provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people and present diverse points of view in the collection as a whole.
• MCFL acknowledges the right of the public to receive access to a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences.

Each selection is evaluated on its own merit taking into consideration budgetary and space limitations and its relation to the collection as a whole.

Material will not be excluded solely because it may cause concern to some individuals. Material may include items deemed controversial because of their political, religious or sexual content if they meet other selection criteria. Restriction of a child’s access to material is the right and responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Monterey County Free Libraries subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, and this Policy complies with California's Freedom to Read Act.

Maintenance:

MCFL’s collection is regularly assessed and maintained by professional staff. Materials that are no longer considered useful will be withdrawn from the collection. Factors taken into consideration in the removal of library materials include, but are not limited to, age, accuracy of content, current patron interest, physical condition, availability of other material on the subject, and shelf space. Withdrawn materials may be sold at library book sales, donated or discarded.

Suggestions for Purchase:

MCFL encourages library users to make suggestions for purchase which may be made online or in person. Each suggestion is subject to the same selection criteria as other material and is not automatically added to the collection.

Gifts:

MCFL encourages and regularly receives donations of material as possible additions to the collection. Donations are final and become the property of the library and are evaluated using the same selection criteria as purchased material. Donations the library cannot use will be offered at library book sales or disposed of in other ways. The library reserves the right to refuse donations and does not guarantee that any item will be added to the collection. Items not added to the collection will not be returned to the donor.

Monetary bequests and memorials to honor community patrons and supporters of the library are welcomed. If requested by the donor, an MCFL approved bookplate may be attached to donated or purchased materials.

Gifts to the local history collection require approval by the library director or designee and will not be accepted without legal transfer, deed of gift agreement, or other official acknowledgment.

Reconsideration of Materials:

Library users who express concern about an item in the collection will be provided with a Library Material Comment Form. The completed form and material will be reviewed by professional staff and the Library Director. The patron will be provided with a response if requested.