Longmont library revises collection development policy; explicitly adds graphic novels and clarifies reconsideration process

The Longmont Public Library Advisory Board discussed updates to the library's collection development policy at a recent board meeting, with staff saying the revised policy explicitly adds formats such as graphic novels, clarifies selection criteria for children and teen collections and narrows how requests for reconsideration are handled.

Library staff said the changes are intended to make selection practices clearer for the public and to bring the policy into alignment with a recently revised request-for-reconsideration process. Staff described the revisions as mostly editorial but identified several substantive clarifications: graphic novels are now listed as a distinct format; the children and teen collections will follow the same general criteria as the adult collection while allowing librarians to consider school reading lists and age-appropriateness; and nontraditional three-dimensional items (for example: hotspots, home tools, other circulating “library of things” items) are acknowledged in the policy text.

Staff said the packet will be sent to the city attorney's office for review before the policy is finalized and posted. Staff emphasized that selection uses any one or a combination of the listed criteria — for example, accuracy, currency and longevity — and that selectors retain professional discretion when making acquisitions.

The board also discussed access and challenge procedures. The revised request-for-reconsideration procedure requires a person to be a resident or library cardholder and to complete the packet in person at the desk; staff said more detailed steps remain in the formal packet given at the desk. Staff noted a separate challenge policy contains additional language on responsibility for children's access and on privacy and confidentiality.

Other points raised by board members included whether and how the policy should describe how librarians determine where an item is shelved (juvenile, teen, adult) and the difficulty of reconciling donated copies with replacement needs in the main collection. Staff said some special-collection language was shortened because a number of items the policy previously listed are now housed with the museum or other partners.