Collection Development

Library materials should be selected to meet the educational, informational, legal, cultural and recreational needs of its users. These materials should be relevant to the needs and interests of the population, reflect different reading levels, languages, special interest and ethnicity of inmates. To ensure that materials meet these needs, each library should have a written statement of policy which defines the principles, purposes and criteria to be considered in the selection and maintenance of library materials. This statement should apply to gifts and donations as well as to purchased items. In addition, inmates may make suggestions for acquisitions to the librarian.