The purpose of the Oldsmar Library Collection Development Plan is to define each section of the collection and to provide guidelines for the expansion and maintenance of each part of the collection. This plan helps answer questions about the collection and explains the basis on which materials are selected.
The library’s goal is to maintain a current and useful collection that is attractive and inviting to the patron. It is important that the collection is a diverse one and contains materials that are representative of a wide range of perspectives and cultures. The library affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to View, and Freedom to Read policy statements in support of acquiring and managing collections.
Selection is made by professional librarians holding an MLS degree. Suggestions can be made by the public with the final decision to purchase being made by the librarian.
Most items purchased for the collection have been reviewed by professional library journals. The library subscribes to the following:
Residents also have the right to express their opinions, either positive or negative, about items in the library’s collections. Requests for reexamination or reconsideration of specific library materials must be made in writing, in accordance with a procedure provided by the library for this purpose. Completion of the form “Citizen’s Request for Review of Library Materials” is the first step in this process. A copy of this form can be received from library staff. Once a Request is submitted, a Reconsideration Committee comprised of no less than the City Manager (or designee), the Library Director, and one citizen of Oldsmar. Materials under consideration will not be removed from the collection while the review is taking place. The determination of the Reconsideration Committee will be submitted in writing to the concerned party.
The adult collection provides information and entertainment materials in a variety of formats for adult residents of the community.
Fiction- contains current and popular fiction. Also contains older titles that continue to be in demand. Hardback is preferred. Older titles that have not been checked out in three years are considered prime candidates for weeding.
Large Print- contains a variety of fiction titles in large print format.
Non-fiction- contains non-fiction items which are selected to meet the patrons' informational and recreational needs. Materials purchased should be both pertinent and timely unless they are of an historical nature. The Library makes an effort to obtain material representing a continuum of opinions and viewpoints when available. Multiple titles are generally not purchased.
Magazines- contains magazines that represent a range of interests of our patrons.
Newspapers- contains the local newspapers plus selected papers of national reputation. Multiple copies of local free publications are available in the library entranceway. Newspapers are kept for two weeks before they are discarded.
Audio books- contains fiction and non-fiction audio books on compact disc.
Videos- contains a variety of videos, both featured movies and non-fiction titles in DVD format. Additional copies of popular titles are leased from a vendor and returned after several months. Leased DVDs are available for local patron checkout only and are unable to be loaned to other libraries.
Reference- contains an up-to-date basic reference collection. Additional titles are added as budget permits.
Areas of concentration- These are areas of special interest in which the Library collects as many materials as budgets allow. Included are Florida information, local history, and Spanish language materials.
The Children’s collection provides informational and entertainment materials in a variety of formats for children and young adults.
Juvenile fiction- contains popular reading materials, both hardback and paperback, for children reading at third through sixth grade level. A balance between classic award-winning books and the best of new children’s books is maintained.
Easy (picture books)- contains hardback and some paperback books that appeal to preschoolers. A balance between classic award-winning books and the best of new picture books is maintained. It is important that this collection be kept in good condition to encourage children to respect and appreciate books. Books that are written in or colored on will be withdrawn if they cannot be cleaned.
Easy Readers- contains hardback and some paperback books with controlled vocabularies that are aimed at the beginning reader in grades one and two.
Nonfiction- contains non-fiction titles for children in preschool through grade six. This collection is intended for both recreational and educational uses.
Kits- contains a book and a compact disc.
Board Books- contains cardboard books that appeal to babies.
Audio Books- contains audio recordings of juvenile fiction titles on CD.
Young Adult- contains contemporary fiction (and a limited number of non-fiction) books that are of interest to young people 13-18. The collection is meant primarily for recreational purposes. The young adult user of the Library has access to the entire collection. Limitations to be placed upon the reading materials of the young adult are left to the discretion of the parents.
Digital materials are purchased through vendors to provide a variety of materials in various formats. Digital materials available include books, audiobooks, videos, music, newspapers, magazines, and reference databases for all ages. Most purchases and subscriptions are made as a group through PPLC and some are paid for by the library for Oldsmar Library card holders only.
Vendors are selected and renewed based on several criteria. Primary criteria that is considered is the type and variety of materials offered, ease of use, interest and usage by patrons, and cost.
Digital materials are accessed through the library website and may require additional apps that the patron will need to download to a tablet or phone before the material can be accessed. Not all digital materials are in the catalog.
Selection criteria for modern board game collection:
Jigsaw puzzles of 500 and 1000 pieces in a variety of pictures and shapes comprise this collection. Library staff are not responsible for ensuring all puzzles and pieces are complete when checked out but will rely on feedback from patrons for notification of incomplete puzzles- similar to DVDs and Audio CDs that are scratched and damaged.
Other circulating materials include sporting equipment, musical instruments, and wi-fi hot spots. Adding non-traditional materials to the collection will be done at the discretion of the Library Director.