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Friends of the Library
99 Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
(978) 373-1586
fax: (978) 373-8466
Video Selection Policy
I.
Aims
The objective of the
Haverhill Public Library is to select, organize, preserve, and to make freely
and easily available to the people of the community video materials, within the
limitations of space and budget, which will aid them in the pursuit of
education, information, research, and in the creative use of leisure time. The
goal of the library is the maximum use of its collection by the greatest number
of persons.
The library seeks to promote endeavors which will stimulate and expand the viewing interests of both adults and children and to coordinate this work with that of other educational, social and cultural groups in the community in a cooperative effort.
In its selection of video materials, the Haverhill Public Library subscribes fully to the principles adopted in 1948 by the American Library Association in the Library Bill of Rights. The Library endorses the American Library Association's stand on the freedom to read/view material as essential to our democracy. It is the function and duty of the public library to provide the means, whenever possible, through which all persons may have free access to the thinking on all sides of all ideas.
Final responsibility for what an individual views must lie within that individual. Responsibility for what children view rests with their parents. Selection of adult material is not limited by the possibility that videos may inadvertently be viewed by children.
II.
Responsibilities of Selection
The selection committee is made up of professional librarians who have
demonstrated broad interests, knowledge and good judgment. Nearly all purchases
stem from reviews in the most highly regarded sources. Suggestions from patrons
are always welcomed and given serious consideration.
Rectifying mistakes in purchasing is up to the selection committee and/or the
individual selector. Should the public become involved, it is the
responsibility of the director to determine the library's official response.
The director stands ready to review individual decisions regarding specific
videos upon written request. However, the library resists at all times the
efforts of individuals, organizations, or pressure groups to dictate purchase or
removal of so-called objectionable videos.
III. Criteria of Selection
A. The following specific guidelines are used in the selection of videocassettes for all ages:
1) Attention of Critics and
Reviewers
We are especially interested in purchasing films which have been awarded the
following (in order of importance): Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy
Award for Best Actor/Actress, Academy Award for Best Director, Academy Award for
Best Screenplay/Script, or any other Academy Award. We pay close attention to
professional reviews, especially in the selection of documentary and "how-to"
videos.
2) Public Interest
Certain films that have not received awards are purchased for their
overwhelming box office success. The same is relevant in the selection of
instructional videocassettes.
3) Relevance to the Ethnic Community
We make every effort to acquire good films in languages other than English,
or American films with other language subtitles/dubbing that will be of interest
to local people.
4) Cost
We usually attempt to purchase videos/films at a reduced price, however,
there are times when the film is so popular that we decide to purchase it
immediately at full price.
5) The following general principles are also considered:
5.1 Contemporary significance
5.2 Permanent value
5.3 Accuracy
5.4 Relevance to existing collection
5.5 Quality of format
5.6 Scarcity of information on subject
5.7 Availability of material elsewhere in the community or through interlibrary loan
5.8 Duplication of material already in the collection
5.9 Ease of use
B. Specific Criteria
1) Adult Non-fiction videos (includes documentaries, instructional
films, travel films, etc.)
Chief points considered are authenticity of factual matter presented,
quality of script, cost, format, existing library holdings and suitability of
material to the community.
Non-fiction may be excluded for inaccurate information, lack of integrity,
sensationalism, intent to indicate hatred or intolerance and text of material
too limited or specialized a nature.
Titles are selected on the basis of the content as a whole and without regard to
the personal history of the narrator, producer or actor/actress. Important
videocassettes of all persuasions should be carried. In no case is any video
included or excluded merely because of the race or nationality, or the political
or religious views of the author.
In the case of controversial questions, variety and balance of opinion are
sought whenever possible.
2) Adult Feature Films:
Selection of adult feature films is made with reference to one or more of
these criteria:
It should contribute positively to the individual's awareness of self, community
and social heritage.
It should contribute to the value of the library's collection as a whole by
representing all types and styles of motion pictures.
It should provide pleasant viewing for recreational and creative use of leisure
time.
Serious works which present an honest aspect of life are not necessarily
excluded for frankness of expression.
3) Children's
Materials:
The first objective in selecting children's materials is to encourage the
child's joy in learning and creativity. Videos are selected which offer
adventures of mind and spirit to the growing child, cultivating an appreciation
of literature and film and encouraging the creative use of leisure time by
inquiring minds. Special attention is given to films of use and value to
parents or other adults working with children.