Upper Hunter Regional Library

Welcome to the Upper Hunter Regional Libraries

Collection Development Policy

To provide readily available and accessible Library Services to meet the Recreational and Informational needs of the residents of the Upper Hunter.

1. To continually monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of Library stock, staff, services and accommodation and the changing needs of the community.

2. To provide a Library Service to the Community that is equitable, effective and efficient.

3. To ensure that library materials and services provided are:

Relevant to the needs of the Community, including those with special needs

Abreast of current social, educational and technological developments in content and media type

Organised and delivered in an efficient and effective way.

4. To provide well-trained and competent staff, who provide a high quality service to all customers without discrimination. This includes specialized training for services such as children, aged, literacy and cultural activities.

5. To physically deliver services via conveniently situated and adequately accommodated premises to meet the Community's needs.

6. To provide the Committee with the necessary informational resources to support its endeavours in areas of Policy formulation, programs and service provision.

7. To ensure that the operation of the Library Service is in accordance with the relevant Acts, Regulations and Codes governing Public Libraries in New South Wales.

8. To participate in co-operative projects with other Libraries and agencies, so that local, national and international resources can be utilized for the benefit of all.

9. To be active and positive in outlook, demonstrating the value of Library Services and materials.

A collection development policy is a document to assist, plan, build and maintain the library collection based on the library's objectives and the needs of the community. It takes into account the existing collection, the library's internal and external environment and the finance available.

The purpose of this Collection Development Policy is to clarify for the Upper Hunter Regional Library (UHRL) clients, the Regional Library Committee, the constituent Councils and the staff of the Library, the criteria used for selecting materials and the responsibility for the development of the collection.

There are many reasons for formulating a Collection Development Policy. Listed below are those considered of major importance to this service:

to establish the strengths and weaknesses of the collection

to prepare a guide and a basis for future collection development

to identify and help rectify particular inadequacies within the collection

to allow priorities to be established and funds allocated accordingly

to inform the public of our selection policy in all areas

to assist with internal communication and training

to communicate to the public the scope and value of the collection

to assist with acquiring funding from various sources

The Collection Development Policy is revised on a regular basis. Comments and suggestions on the policy are welcome and should be directed to:

Upper Hunter Regional Library
P.O. Box 122,
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333
Phone: 02 6543 1913
Fax: 02 6543 1325
Email: technical.services@uhrl.nsw.gov.au

In 1945 Muswellbrook Shire Council (this later became Denman Shire Council) and Muswellbrook Municipal Council held a public meeting, which recommended to both Councils that they jointly adopt the Library Act. The first regional service was set up in 1958, when Merriwa Shire Council entered an agreement with Muswellbrook Municipal Council for joint library services. In August 1959 the name Upper Hunter Regional Library was first used. Scone Shire Council joined the services in 1979. In 2004 Scone, Merriwa and part of Murrurundi Shire Councils amalgamated into the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

The library service consists of the two Councils, and is administered by Muswellbrook Shire Council on behalf of the Upper Hunter Regional Library [UHRL] Committee. At present, the Library Committee consists of four [4] delegates from each Council, the Chief Executive Officer of the administering council, and the Regional Library Manager.

Library Services are provided through seven branch libraries, Aberdeen, Cassilis, Denman, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook and Scone. Most buildings are modern having undergone work over the past few years. The largest library and the regional headquarters operate out of the Muswellbrook branch. The building was purpose built in 1979, and there are plans at present for its extension. Aberdeen branch was moved to a purpose built Library in 1983, with Denman branch being renovated and enlarged in 1993. Scone Branch Library was modernized in 1995 with additional floor space added. Merriwa Branch Library was relocated to the main CBD area in 2000. Cassilis Branch operates from the Community Centre in the main street of Cassilis. Murrurundi Branch is in the main street of Murrurundi, with plans to move to the former Council Chambers late in 2005.

Library stock has improved slowly over the past few years when a small increase in funding was made available. Stock is rotated through the Branches using a rolling two-directional exchange system. Following a successful library development grant application in 2004/2005, establishment of collections in regional history resources and DVD formats is underway.

The Library was first automated in 1994 using the Insight Library Management System. This was upgraded to the windows based Libero Library Management System in November 1999. A hardware upgrade, and the introduction of a web-catalogue accessible remotely by patrons occurred mid-2005.

Individual councils provide the buildings, furniture and fittings. The UHRL provides staff, library resources and the operating of the integrated library management system.

The library offers a range of services and collections. All types of lending stock are available from every branch and may be borrowed by any person with a current library card. Items may be returned to any branch in the local government area.

The Regional Library Service covers approximately 10,937.4 square kilometres. The region varies greatly in its economic development. The Muswellbrook Shire mixes industrial with agriculture with its many coal mines, electricity generation, thoroughbred horse studs, vineyards and cattle properties. In the Upper Hunter Shire, both Merriwa and Scone have an agriculture base, Scone with thoroughbred horse and cattle studs, a piggery and abattoirs; while Merriwa has cattle, sheep and wheat farming.

The Shires have main centres of population at Muswellbrook and Scone, with minor centres at Aberdeen, Cassilis, Denman, Merriwa and Murrurundi, the remaining sparse population scattered across their areas.

Total 2006 population of Upper Hunter Regional Library was 28,811 . Age characteristics for each LGA are shown below:

Age profile of UHRL LGAS - 2001

Age span	Muswellbrook	Upper Hunter	Region
% less than 15 years	23.1%	18.6%	20.98%
% 15-24 years of age	14.2%	13.2%	13.74%
% 25-44 years of age	28.0%	25.0%	26.64%
% 45-64 years of age	24.1%	27.7%	25.77%
% over 65 years of age	10.6%	15.5%	12.87%
Total			100%

Scone, Murrurundi and Aberdeen are situated on the New England Highway, and there are daily rail and bus services from Scone to Sydney, Newcastle and Tamworth. There are daily buses from Dubbo to Newcastle which go through Merriwa. However, there is no public transport to and from Cassilis.

As at 30th June 2006, Muswellbrook Shire had a population of 15,562, with a population of 12,564 living within Muswellbrook township. The main industries in the shire include mining, horse studs, vineyards and a power station. The Shire also supports the St. Heliers Correctional Centre and lies in close proximity to the New England Highway, so consequently there is a substantial transient population.

Muswellbrook Shire has a hospital, an established nursing home and aged care units for elderly citizens. There are three retirement villages - Mt. Providence and Verlie Weidman Village in Muswellbrook, and Merton Court in Denman. Services available in the Shire are used by the communities of Muswellbrook and Denman, as well as Merriwa, and to a lesser extent by constituents from Scone, Aberdeen, Cassilis and Ulan. Muswellbrook Shire has the second largest indigenous population in the Hunter Region, and this population has increased by 30% between 1996 and 2001.

Muswellbrook is linked directly to Sydney, Newcastle and Tamworth via the railway, and daily services to these centres are available. There are 8 primary schools - Denman, Martindale, Sandy Hollow, Muswellbrook, Muswellbrook South, St Joseph's Denman, St James Muswellbrook, Dunmore Lang Christian Community School - and 1 high school - Muswellbrook High School, and a campus of the Hunter Institute of TAFE.

As at 30th June 2006, Upper Hunter Shire had a population of 13,564, with the Scone area having a population of 7773. Scone supports 6 primary schools - Scone Primary, St Mary's Scone, Ellerston, Moonan Flat, Rouchel, Aberdeen -; one local high school - Scone High School; two regional high schools - Scone Grammar, and St Joseph's College Aberdeen; a campus of Hunter TAFE Institute; and an equine research centre. Medical services are provided from Scone Hospital, and at Strathern Village there is an established nursing home and a retirement village and a number of aged care units. A community transport service is available weekly to regional offices in Muswellbrook.

As at 30th June 2006, the Merriwa and Cassilis area had a population of 2,210. Merriwa township has a local hospital, a primary school and a Central School which covers Kindergarten to Year 12, Gummun Place Aged Care Centre. There is a smaller primary school located at the outlying centre of Cassilis. There are school bus services to all primary schools, and to Scone Grammar, and St. Joseph's College at Aberdeen. The only public transport is a weekly community transport service.

The issue of the accessing of services, including library services, by citizens from outlying areas, or by those that are housebound needs to be taken into consideration. The issue of access to and delivery of community information and services is particularly relevant to the substantion proportion of the Shire's population living outside the township of Merriwa.

As at 30th June 2006, the Murrurundi area had a population of 1,501 . Murrurundi township has a local hospital, 2 primary schools, and an aged care facility. There are school bus services to all primary schools, and to Scone and Quirindi for secondary school students. Murrurundi is on the main train and road routes from Tamworth to Sydney, and is a close knit community with an eclectic population, with an active arts sector.

"The public library, by tradition, is expected to serve everybody without the limits imposed by particular client groups. It is, however, practically impossible for any library to have, locate, or provide every item that is required by every enquirer and to service all to the same degree. Adequate resources to meet collection goals depend on the library's budget. The quantity and range of materials that can be purchased in any financial year are limited by budgetary considerations. In any given year then, collection building is therefore based on clear priorities, with major collections and areas of deficiency targeted on an annual basis for the purpose of allocating resources."

Three factors are used in determining which sections of the collection require development and the recommended budget allocations for each financial year. These factors are the size of the collection, its age and relevancy, and most importantly its use.

The current size of the collection by category of material is as follows, with Murrurundi stock yet to be included in these figures:

TOTAL LENDING & NON-LENDING STOCK BY BRANCH, AT 30/6/2003
Collections	Muswellbrook	Scone *	Aberdeen	Denman	Merriwa	Cassilis	TOTAL
Fiction	6,349	3,571	1,069	1,871	1,250	667	14,777
Young Adult	710	238	172	144	191	43	1,498
Junior Fiction	3,795	1,849	551	519	740	303	7,757
Serials	2,013	899	252	106	507	158	3,935
Audiovisual	4,247	1,363	393	283	868	407	7,561
Non-Fiction	13,253	6,230	1,729	1,569	2,030	405	25,216
Special Collections	1,522	750	266	249	655	95	3,537
Stack*							6,813
Sub-Total Lending	31,889	14,900	4,432	4,741	6,241	2,078	71,094
Reference	1,590	648	228	427	224	89	3,206
TOTAL	33,479	15,548	4,660	5,168	6,465	2,167	74,300

*Housed at regional headquarters, and these figures include all stock in processing and in transit, yet to be allocated to specific branches.

Since 2000/2001 the age of the collection has changed, so that the percentage of library resources purchased within the UHRL during the last 5.5 years and 10.5 years has changed as follows*:

Year	Last 5.5 years UHRL	Last 5.5 years NSW Average	Last 10.5 years UHRL	Last 10.5 years ¨C NSW Average
2003/2004	37.58%	48.49%	72.69%	90.07%
2004/2005	38.10%	48.49%	65.77%	90.22%
2005/2006	40.63%	48.37%	66.72%	89.31%

* figures from Public Library Statistics - Tables "Age of Library Material¡"

As part of this profile it is necessary to consider the accuracy and relevance of information, including whether the information has been superseded, is accurate, is needed for historical reasons, and is meeting the needs of the clients of UHRL at the required standard.

Circulation by branch:

Branch	2001/2002	2002/2003	% change	2003/2004	% change	2004/2005	% change
Muswellbrook	85,202	79,472	-6.41%	73,434	-7.60%	67,157	-8.55%
Scone ***	36,015	39,133	8.66%	37,617	-3.87%	31,441	-16.41%
Merriwa	11,158	9,078	-31.64%	7,472	-17.70%	6,235	-16.56%*
Denman	7,716	9,078	-4.59%	6,947	-5.64%	7,222	3.96%
Aberdeen	4,986	5,145	3.55%*	6,454	25.44%	5,298	-17.91%
Murrurundi *
Cassilis **	2,340	2,827	20.81%	2,869	1.49%	1,455	-49.28%
TOTAL	155,677	152,268	-2.19%	147,417	-3.19%	143,125	-2.91%

*Murrurundi only joined the Upper Hunter Regional Library in 2005, and no figures are available prior to that date.
**Cassilis had interim staffing arrangements from mid- 2004 until December 2005.
***Scone had interim staffing during 2005, and ALL branches were affected by system downtime during system upgrade in 2005.

The following budget proportions are intended to be targets for expenditure on library materials. The actual expenditure or number of items purchased will vary depending upon availability of suitable titles, actual cost, currency fluctuations and publishing outputs. The expenditure/number of items purchased may therefore vary from the proportions outlined below. The funds are distributed across branches in proportion to contributions and grants monies received. The details of these proportions/percentages are set out in the charts below. To ensure an up-to-date reference collection, a proportion of the budget has been assigned to that collection.

Currently member Councils contribute to the running of the UHRL in the same proportion as each Council's receipt of library subsidy from the Library Council of NSW.

Muswellbrook	Upper Hunter	Total
47%	56%	100%

To provide a comprehensive public library service to the communities covered by the UHRL, library services are provided through a network of seven branch libraries within the region: Merriwa, Denman, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Cassilis, Aberdeen, and Scone.

The two local government areas of Muswellbrook Shire Council, and Upper Hunter Shire Council, cooperate with each other, other New South Wales public libraries and the State Library of New South Wales to ensure that all residents of the Upper Hunter can receive high quality library and information services.

Below is a table showing the current distribution of stock across the region. These figures incorporate stock individual libraries held when they joined the Regional Library, as well as any donations received. The distribution of the physical numbers of stock held in each branch or council area often varies from the budgetary allocations, given the variations in item costs and the wide range of sources of funds and materials. Muswellbrook residents access Muswellbrook and Denman branches, and Aberdeen, Cassilis, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone branches all service Upper Hunter residents.

Branch	Catchment Population	Number of Library Members	Collection Size	Asset Value of collection*
Denman	2,683	900 [35.54%]	4,930
Muswellbrook	12,564	7,001[55.72%]	32,041
Cassilis	261	117[44.83%]	2,099
Aberdeen	2,080	602[29.18%]	4,596
Merriwa	1,949	786[40.33%]	6,397
Scone	7,773	4,164[53.57%]	14,886
HQ			9,432
Murrurundi**	1,501	658[43.84%]	3,840
Total	28,811	12,939[44.91%]	78,221

Asset value of collection will be amended following inclusion of resources from 2005/2006 purchases. These figures will be updated regularly to include ongoing acquisitions

** joined UHRL in 2005 from CNRL, with figures to be finalised after 2006 Census.

The success of this collection development policy can be measured in the following ways:

New South Wales state average circulation per capita in 2002/2003 was 6.26 loans per capita.

With a three week loan period this equals 5.7 loans per item

PLEG (Public Libraries Evaluation Group) survey statistics, with benchmarking against other public libraries in NSW

Quarterly reporting on circulation statistics, catalogue searches and Internet usage of materials.

Door counts for branches (where applicable).

Ability to effectively cater for special needs clients, including Inter-Library Loans services for resources from the SLNSW

Web hits on UHRL web page, and database usage with the implementation of an interactive website during 2006.

The development of the collection is the responsibility of the Regional Library Manager who may delegate the implementation of collection policy at his/her discretion.

The UHRL's selection policy and philosophy is based on the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Statements: Freedom to Read (Appendix A), Libraries and Literacy (Appendix C), Library Services to People with Disabilities (Appendix D), and Libraries and Multiculturalism (Appendix E).

With expanding areas of knowledge, changing social values, technological advances and increasing cultural differences, the library staff responsible for collection development require open mindedness, flexibility and responsiveness in the evaluation and re-evaluation of all library materials - old and new, as well as considerable subject/genre expertise.

Staff of the Regional Headquarters shares selection and deselection activities with input from Branch library staff.

The UHRL believes in the principles expressed in the ALIA Statement on Professional Ethics (Appendix F). The public library is the institution in our society that should provide materials representing all views in all fields, including political, social and religious, no matter how controversial or objectionable these ideas may be to some people in a democratic society. Individuals should feel free to explore any and all ideas in order to decide which are meaningful to them.

Consequently:

The Library has a role as an unbiased source of recorded knowledge and ideas.

The Library must accept responsibility for providing free access to materials and information presenting, as far as possible, all points of view on current and historical issues, including controversial issues.

The Library should endeavour to provide comprehensive and balanced collections, as far as budget, space and availability of materials allow.

Materials should not be excluded on moral, political, racial, religious, sexist, language, or other sensitive grounds alone, whatever pressure may be brought to bear by individuals or groups, except where subject to lawful Federal or State prohibition (e.g. by the Office of Film & Literature Classification).

Collections should not be limited because of the possibility that material may fall into the hands of children. Monitoring the reading of children is the responsibility of their parents or guardians; staff should not exercise censorship in the selection of materials by rejecting, on moral, political, racial, religious, sexist, language, or other sensitive grounds alone, material which is otherwise relevant and meets the Library's standards.

The arrangement of collections should facilitate access. Restricting access to certain titles or classes of materials, eg. by holding them in special collections available on request, may be an indirect form of censorship. Materials should not be held in closed access except for the express purpose of protecting them from injury/theft or where legal restrictions regarding access to material must be observed.

Continuous review of material is necessary as a means of maintaining a current and useful collection. This procedure should not be used as a means of removing materials presumed to be controversial or disapproved of by sections of the community.

The following criteria are used in overall evaluation of material for inclusion in the collection:

quality of writing and/or production

timeliness or permanence of the work

reputation and significance of the author and/or publisher

importance of the subject to the balance of the collection

actual or potential community need and/or demand for the work

arrangement/style

physical presentation

cost

Criteria relating to specific areas of the collection are included in the guidelines for that specific section.

Material selected should be durable and strong enough for use by the intended readers. The format chosen will be that which will best encourage the use of the materials, and conveys the information to the user in the best and most appropriate way. Material should meet high standards of presentation including clarity and readability. Illustrations should be clear and easily related to the text. Material in formats not suitable for use in public libraries are not purchased - eg rag books for young children are not bought as they become unhygienic with use in the library environment. Where print is the preferred medium hardcover binding is generally selected for its greater durability. Paperback materials are purchased, especially where the titles are published in this format first, and when the format meets the needs of the target client group.

The public library has a right and a duty to keep on its shelves books and materials which meet the selection criteria on topics of interest to readers and which are not prohibited by law, including material covering a range of opinions on controversial subjects. Material classified by the Office of Film & Literature Classification, ie G, PG, M, MA & R may be purchased subject to the selection criteria set out in this policy. Material rated as 'MA' or 'R' by the Office of Film & Literature Classification, will not knowingly be made available for loan to persons under 18 years of age.

There is an overall emphasis on quality Australian content across all areas of the collection. Particular attention is paid to coverage of Australian Aborigines in all subjects: particularly in literature, art and sport as well as religion, sociology and history.

Broad coverage rather than multiple copies is the preferred option for most collections. An exception is made for some reference works, and items in great demand, especially in adult, junior and young adult fiction. A maximum of three copies of one item is purchased for UHRL. Additional, donated copies may be taken in to temporarily meet extra demands.

Where an item from a set/series becomes damaged beyond repair or is lost, then replacement will be considered after assessing the relevancy and need for the total series.

Curriculum textbooks are not purchased as a general rule as the provision of such materials is seen to be responsibility of each educational institution. The Library will strive to provide material to supplement the information and recreational needs of students of all ages. Textbooks would be considered for purchase if no other suitable material exists on a given subject to meet general public demand.

Suggestions and requests for purchase by members of the public from the UHRL region are encouraged. These suggestions are then considered subject to the selection criteria outlined within this Collection Development Policy. Materials are purchased where finances permit and if requests meet library priorities.

Donations of materials are accepted by the library with the proviso that the materials meet the guidelines of the Collection Development Policy. Donations of duplicate current or popular material may be accepted to meet demand. As a general rule material older than three years may be selected for inclusion if it fills gaps in the collection or replaces missing or damaged items. Donations that are not suitable for inclusion are either:

sold at library book sales

given to charity

sent for recycling

returned to the donor

Material which is not held by the UHRL and is not available for purchase, or is of lower priority within the collection development policy, can be obtained for a fee through inter-library loan. Items requested by multiple clients may be considered for purchase.

Bulk loans of materials to suit special needs, can be obtained at no cost to the client, from the State Library of New South Wales through UHRL. These include audio books, large print materials, and English as a Second Language (ESL) materials. Branch officers are able to access these individually, as required.

Tools used for selection include:

publishers' catalogues

reviewing journals and newspapers

pre-publication advice

suppliers' information

sighting items

suggestions for purchases

online and internet resources

A number of factors are used to determine whether or not an item should be retained in the collection. These tend to be the same as those used to select an item. For further details refer to the individual collection development policy selection criteria.

Standard criteria used are:

Accuracy of the information

The currency of the edition or version, and whether or not the information is obsolete

Physical condition and appearance of the item. Consideration will be given to re-binding items that otherwise meet retention conditions.

Usage - by both staff and clients

Items published in, relating to, or by a resident of the Upper Hunter in most cases, to be retained.

The depreciation period used for public library collections is 5 years. This period recognises that most material held by the library would be kept for a period of 5 years apart from those withdrawn due to damage. Newspapers and Electronic Subscription Services are expensed in the year of purchase and therefore not depreciated. While not a factor in determining whether or not an individual item should be retained the depreciation rate does reflect the period that an average item would be expected to remain either in a good enough physical state to be kept or for the content to remain sufficiently up-to-date.

All assets having a limited useful life are systematically depreciated over their useful lives in a manner which reflects the consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets. Depreciation is recognised on a straight-line basis, using a standard range of rates of the local government industry which are reviewed annually.

Major depreciation periods are:
Books 5 years
Audio Visual 5 years

The aim of these collections and resources is to provide access to a comprehensive up-to-date range of materials and information sources, which facilitate the provision of ready reference information. All reference material is for use in the Library only. Within copyright, excerpts from reference materials may be electronically delivered to another Branch.

Materials in all formats are included in this collection eg print, CD-ROM, with the particular format chosen to encourage the use of the materials and convey information to the user in the most appropriate way.

The central reference collection is located at Muswellbrook Branch Library, and operates as a regional resource. The reference collections at each branch are enhanced by the provision of access to electronic information through the library network and by providing public access Internet terminals in all branch libraries.

Clientele: The community in general

Scope: Up to date and accurate ready reference resources covering all major topic areas, for use within the library only.

Location: The major and expensive works will be held in the Muswellbrook branch. All branches have a collection of resources, which will answer the majority of ready reference questions.

Formats: All formats collected

Criteria: Reference materials are selected using the following criteria:
Relevance
Purpose
Currency
Authority
Scope
Organisation of the content, including indexing and ease of use. Cost

Weeding/retention: Material, which is outdated and/or inaccurate, is discarded. New editions of encyclopedias should be purchased every 2 to 3 years. Yearbooks and almanacs should be&

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

The library provides online services, both via the Internet and other electronic media such as CD-ROM. Selection and deselection is done by senior staff, acting on input from all staff members and members of the public. The following criteria are applied to the selection of the electronic resources:

provide information relevant to the Library and its services

provide an online equivalent to standard types of reference materials

provide government information at the federal, state and local level

provide resources that support K-12 curriculum

assist the general public in self-education and exploration as fostered by public libraries

provide information specifically of interest to residents in the UHRL service area

The Internet is used to electronically provide access to the wealth of information and recreation resources from around the world. The Library collections held by the UHRL are part of, and enhanced and supllemented by, information which is available via the Internet. The availability of information via the Internet should be considered when selecting materials, particularly for reference collections.

Public Internet Access terminals are available at all branch libraries, and additional terminals will be provided based on the demand for the information accessed through them, and the ability of the library to provide the supporting infrastructure and user education.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: To supplement the main collections

Location: Available at all locations, and via the online catalogue once it is accessible on the Internet

Formats: Electronic, including online subscription services, CD-ROMs for in-library use, and linking to relevant sites from the UHRL home page

Criteria: Meets the needs of UHRL clients. Price, licensing, updating and archiving arrangements should be considered.

Weeding/Retention: Currency and functionality of links and information

Future plans: Expand coverage in the higher use subjects as funding becomes available.

Notes: The availability of this collection is dependent upon the IT infrastructure across the region served by UHRL.

The Regional History Collection will be a reference collection of family and local history resources, the bulk of which will be housed at the regional headquarters at Muswellbrook Branch Library. It may be supplemented by family and local history resources from local societies. The Library will aim to complement existing collections held by local and/or family history societies, ensuring public access to library resources through the Regional History collections at various branches.

This specialist collection will be aimed at materials produced within the region, about the region, and by regional authors. The collection will encompass historical and some archival material. Materials pertinent to particular communities will also held within the reference collections of each branch. Local newspapers held at the appropriate branches will form part of this collection.

Materials relating to areas outside the current administrative and functional boundaries of the Upper Hunter, but whose histories have impacted significantly on Muswellbrook and the surrounding region, for example Mudgee, the Hunter Valley, and the New England area are also collected, though not actively.

Clientele: Local and family history researchers and students.

Scope: Materials dealing with the history of the Upper Hunter region, i.e. including the geographical areas of Shires of Muswellbrook, and Upper Hunter.
Materials of relevance to local and/or family history for the Upper Hunter region.
Historical and current materials that have historical significance.
Material written by local authors with local and/or family significance.

Location: The principal collection will be housed at Muswellbrook Branch Library, with smaller locally tailored collections at Aberdeen, Cassilis, Denman, Merriwa, Murrurundi, and Scone Branch Libraries.

Formats: Monographs, periodicals, ephemera, pamphlets, newspapers, manuscripts, maps and plans, photographs, digital resources, microforms.

Criteria: Material written about the region or by local authors will be selected according to:
Purpose.
Scope.
Format.

Weeding/retention: Superceded editions are replaced. Materials damaged beyond repair are weeded. Weeded community materials will be returned to the appropriate local Society. Copies of Council and EIS reports should be retained in this collection for the life of the interest in the subject of the report and according to council requirements

Future Plans: Continue to develop a comprehensive collection, including photographic collection, and collections for Muswellbrook, and all other branches.

This is a collection of current awareness material and information which has not usually available as formally published material. It is often ephemeral in nature.

Clientele: All categories of students within Upper Hunter region.

Scope: Non Fiction material which meets the guidelines for the Non fiction collection, but which is not suitable for the shelving, because of size or format of the publication.

Criteria: Relevant current materials for students of all ages.

Weeding/retention: Material, which is outdated or inaccurate, should be weeded.

Future Plans: To develop specific guidelines for all branches on maintaining and updating this collection.

Lending collections are provided from all libraries in the UHRL system. Materials in all formats are included in these collections, with the particular format chosen to best encourage the use of the materials, and convey information to the user in the most appropriate way.

All items in the lending collection are available through all libraries in the system, regardless of the item's allocated location. Stock is regularly rotated across the region to facilitate access to material.

The adult non-fiction collection provides a comprehensive up-to-date range of material to meet the information, recreational and cultural needs of the community. The aim is to ensure comprehensive coverage of Australian popular material. The Library aims to be responsive to client demands and general trends, and reflect the needs of the individual communities within the region. This is reflected in the composition of different branch collections.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: Resources suitable for information and for recreational purposes, to support individuals of all ages pursuing their interests or independent life-long learning and to enhance interest in literature and reading. Material, to assist people to enjoy and understand Australian Society and Culture and the place of Australia in the world. Resources reflecting the interests and information needs of the industries based in the Upper Hunter.

Formats: Monographs, both hardcover and paperback, videos, audiobooks and CD-ROMs

Criteria: Non fiction materials should be selected using the following criteria:
Accuracy and currency.
Authority of publishers and authors.
Scholarship involved in the work.
Popular demand.
Ease of use, comprehension and relevance to the intended audience.
Physical quality of the item and value of the book in relation to its price.
Appropriate emphasis to be placed on the acquisition of Australian material.

Weeding/retention: Materials that are either outdated, inaccurate or damaged should be weeded. Historical works generally should be retained. Standard works and classics should be retained. Australian works should generally be retained.

Lending copies of Council and EIS reports should be retained for the life of the interest in the subject of the report and according to council requirements.

Superceded editions of reference material may be relocated to branch lending collections to reflect local community needs. Items weeded from one branch may be transferred to another branch to reflect local community needs.

Future Plans: The Non fiction collection should be weeded extensively and gaps in subject areas of need identified. As funding becomes available these gaps should be filled.

Liaison with branch library staff and their communities to effectively tailor collections to meet local needs.

The junior and young adult non-fiction collections provide a comprehensive up-to-date range of material to meet the information, recreational and cultural needs of non-adult clients within the Upper Hunter. The aim is to ensure that the coverage of Australian popular material is as comprehensive as possible. The Library aims to be responsive to client demands and general trends, and reflect the needs of the individual communities within the region. This is reflected in the composition of different branch collections. These collections are interfiled within the Adult Non-Fiction collection to facilitate the transition to adult readership and information.

Clientele: All non-adult members of the community.

Scope: Materials are collected in most subjects from elementary reader level secondary. Some subjects have wider coverage and more stock than others, depending on interest and use.

Formats: Monographs, both hardcover and paperback, videos, audio-books and CD-ROMs materials, and electronic resources providing access to the Internet

Criteria: Accuracy and currency.
Authority of publishers and authors.
Scholarship involved in the work.
Popular demand.
Ease of use, comprehension and relevance to the intended audience.
Physical quality of the item and the value of the book in relation to its price.
Appropriate emphasis to be placed on the acquisition of Australian material.

Weeding/Retention: Titles damaged beyond repair are weeded and Information is dated.
Perceived usage with reference to circulation statistics and in-house use.
Books damaged beyond repair.
Relevance to Stack.
Superceded editions of reference material may be relocated to branch lending collections to reflect local community needs.
Items weeded from one branch may be transferred to another branch to reflect local community needs

Future plans: Continue regular weeding and updating the collections.
Respond promptly to suggestions for purchase.
Identify gaps in collections and fill these as funding becomes available.

The fiction collection provides clients with access to the broadest possible selection of popular and contemporary fiction and literary classics. This includes writers in English from throughout the English speaking world and translation of works of major non-English speaking writers.

Many genres are collected: best sellers, contemporary fictions, award winning titles and foreign language material translated into English. While the aim is to achieve a broad coverage of all adult fiction multiple copies of popular materials are only purchased to meet actual demand, and a maximum of three copies of one title is purchased.

The paperback collections mainly include popular and contemporary fiction provided for clients who prefer this format, and the majority of these collections is kindly donated by the public. This material is shelved for browsing, not necessarily in any order.

Clientele: Adult community, including young adults.

Scope: The adult fiction collection includes all types of fiction, both popular and literary written in English. Australian writers' work will be collected as will the work of best selling writers and award winning writers. Genre fiction will be identified by an appropriate genre symbol.

Formats: Hardback where possible. Paperback editions will be purchased to provide additional copies of popular titles and when a hardback is not readily available.

Criteria: Fiction will be selected using the following criteria:
Literary merit
Imaginative and original writing
Accurate description of the era, or country or subject.
Well sustained plot with effective characterisation.
Popular demand
Standard Western and Mystery series.

Weeding/retention: Stock is discarded when it is damaged, aged or no longer in demand.

Future Plans: As funding allows missing copies of series and classics discarded from stock over the years will be acquired. To monitor, and respond to, current reading trends, keeping the collection as up-to-date as possible. Continue purchasing across all genres. Respond promptly to suggestions for purchase.

Youth culture is characterised by fast changing popular trends and collections must reflect this. Young adult collections cater to the differing levels of maturity and ability amongst teenagers. Paperback items are most commonly selected to appeal to users wanting up-to-date popular material.

Fiction materials are selected to appeal to readers who are influenced greatly by peer pressure and the media and who have often lost interest in reading fiction.

Clientele: Young adults (approximately 12 years and upwards)

Scope: The Young Adult Collection includes all types of fiction, both popular and literary written in English. Australian writers' work will be collected as will the work of best selling writers and award winning writers. The collection will include large print books and a wide range of attractive high interest fiction to encourage interest in reading for Young Adults.

Formats: Paperback format is preferred, although many Australian titles will be acquired in hardback editions.

Criteria: Young Adult Books will be selected using the following criteria:

Fiction:
Literary merit.
Imaginative and original writing.
Well sustained plot with effective characterisation.
Attractive presentation.
Current reading trends as reflected by borrower requests.
An emphasis on Australian titles.

Non-Fiction: Accuracy and currency
Authority of publishers and authors.
Scholarship involved in the work.
Popular demand.
Ease of use, comprehension and relevance to the intended audience.
Physical quality of the item and value of the book in relation to its price.
Appropriate emphasis to be placed on the acquisition of Australian material.

Weeding/retention: Information is dated.
Perceived usage with reference to circulation statistics and in-house use.
Books damaged or worn out.
Lack of interest.
Relevance to Stack.
Items weeded from one branch may be transferred to another branch to reflect local community needs.

Future Plans: As funding allows to acquire missing copies of series and classics discarded from stock over the years.

The collection allows children to discover and maintain an enjoyment of reading. Titles are provided for all reading levels and abilities. This collection caters for popular reading tastes and reflects latest trends in children's reading.

Youth culture is characterised by fast changing popular trends and collections must reflect this. Items classified as paperbacks are selected to appeal to users wanting up-to-date popular material.

Clientele: Junior Fiction - children 6-12 years (this age range is only an approximation as some juniors read Young Adult Fiction).

Scope: The Junior Fiction collection includes all types of fiction, both popular and literary written in English. Australian writers' work will be collected as will the work of best selling writers and award winning writers. The collection will include large print books and a wide range of attractive high interest fiction to encourage interest in reading for children.

Formats: Paperback format is preferred, although many Australian titles will be acquired in hardback editions.

Criteria: Junior fiction will be selected using the following criteria:
Literary merit
Imaginative and original writing
Well sustained plot with effective characterisation
Current reading trends
Attractive physical presentation

Weeding/retention: Stock is discarded when it is damaged, aged or no longer in demand. Items 15 years old or greater, or borrowed less than twice in the last two years. Relevance to Stack.

Future Plans: As funding allows to acquire missing copies of series and classics discarded from stock over the years. To monitor, and respond to, current reading trends, keeping the collection as up-to-date as possible

The collection caters for readers of all ages with a need or a preference for large print publications with the broadest possible selection of contemporary fiction, selected classics and a broad range of non-fiction. Hardcover books are generally purchased due to their durability, while some soft cover books are obtained to meet the physical needs of some clients.

Clientele: People in the community with visual impairment, and members of the adult community who require or prefer their reading matter in large print format

Scope: Popular fiction and non-fiction.

Formats: Hardbacks and paperbacks.

Criteria: Large print should be selected using the criteria for Fiction and Non Fiction and mindful of the needs and general interests of the clientele. Large print will be acquired generally by standing order from reputable suppliers and publishers of Large Print materials. Efforts will be made to maintain a supply of popular genre fiction.

Weeding/retention: Old and damaged items are discarded

Future Plans: As the population ages, it is expected that the demand for Large Print Material will increase. The large print collection will be supplemented by bulk loans from the State Library of New South Wales as needed. It is intended that the standing orders should be extended as funding permits. Where feasible, collaboration with public libraries in the Hunter Valley will enable the UHRL to supplement this collection.

The collection caters for the needs of those members of the community with hearing impairment, and/or who prefer this format for listening to material, rather than reading the items. The collection covers the same range of fiction and non-fiction as in the main collections.

Clientele: All members of the community, including people with print disabilities.

Scope: Popular works for all members of the community.

Formats: Cassettes or CDs or any other media in which these resources are produced which clients are able to access easily at home.

Criteria: Audio books should be selected using the criteria for Fiction and Non Fiction and mindful of the needs and general interests of the clientele. Audio books will be acquired generally by standing order from reputable suppliers and publishers of audio materials. Efforts will be made to maintain a supply of popular genre fiction. Unabridged material is purchased where possible. Sound and clarity of the reader's voice should be considered. Durability of presentation and medium should be considered. The availability of replacement copies may be a consideration. Items with general audience copyright are preferred.

Weeding/retention: The demand for Audio Books is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The collection should be extended as funds permit. The audio book collection is supplemented by bulk loans from the State Library of New South Wales as needed.

Audio book titles are regularly rotated around the branches to ensure a steady supply of relatively new materials

Future Plans: As the population ages, it is expected that the demand for audio books will increase. The collection will be broadened to include any formats compatible with the community's needs.

The aim of this collection is to enhance the collection with a range of audio-visual materials covering the same range as in the main collections, with emphasis on

documentaries of an informative or educational nature

do-it-yourself, and instructional presentations

performance of dramas or screenplays with a particular emphasis on the purchase of Australian drama

popular series, classic films, drama, comedy, including films with an Australian interest - eg an Australian leading actor or director

material of specific interest to the Upper Hunter communities.

This collection does not include music resources, as these are described separately.

Clientele: All members of the community, including children and young adults.

Scope: Same as the main collections.

Formats: Compatible with library infrastructure.

Criteria: Accuracy
Currency.
The authority of the work.
Infotainment value (with emphasis on educational aspects).
Popular demand.
Value in relation to price.
Appropriate emphasis should be placed on acquisition of quality Australian material.
No R or X-rated material.
Commercial new release videos will generally not be acquired.

Weeding/retention: Information is dated.
Lack of interest.
Disks damaged beyond repair.
Technical requirements superseded for most clients.
Program is difficult to use / has bugs.

Future Plans: Develop the collection further as funds permit, especially in areas of greater demand.

The collection aims to provide an up-to-date range of serials for loan, which meets the informational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. There is an emphasis on newspapers and serials published within the Upper Hunter region, as well as Australian material.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: The magazine collection should contain titles whose subject material is of general interest, focusing on current affairs and other issues of interest to Australians. Local and national daily newspapers are included in this collection. Where possible titles should be indexed in resources held by the library. The collection should support and supplement the non-fiction collection.

Formats: Compatible with library infrastructure.

Criteria: Magazines should be selected using the following criteria: Reputable publication, currency and regularity, not blatantly biased, Australian publications are favoured.

Weeding/retention: Magazines for loan are discarded when damaged or usefulness has ended. Retention policies are provided for each title. Reference magazines are kept until available on full text databases. Local newspapers are kept. National Daily Newspapers are discarded after one month after which they are available electronically.

Future Plans: To develop a core collection of magazines for each Branch, which will reflect the clients' interests. Review the subscription lists of magazines annually with the view to providing good coverage in areas in demand. To purchase microfilm copies of the local newspapers if and when funds are available. Negotiate use of Muswellbrook Chronicle on microfilm with Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter Family and Local History Society

The collection caters for readers who require further extension of their reading skills prior to reading junior or adult fiction material. It also caters for children who are reluctant readers or have reading difficulties.

Clientele: Parents and children (approximately 7-15 years).

Scope: Fiction and non-fiction books to stimulate young readers e.g. chapter books of short to medium length which include pictures and straight-forward text, books in a picture book format which contain concepts applicable to children in the age range. Series specifically designed with reading level indicators.

Formats: Hardcover and soft cover books.

Criteria: Books to stimulate and interest children.
Imaginative storylines.
Literary merit.
Interesting characters.
An emphasis on Australian titles.

Weeding/retention: Books damaged or worn out.
Books no longer of interest to the target group may be discarded or transferred to another branch.

Future Plans: Weeding of the Junior Literacy collections at all branches to remove unsuitable material from the collections. Concentrate on purchasing books specifically designed for young readers.
Weeding on a yearly basis of out-dated material will continue.

The collection aims to introduce children to books and reading as enjoyable and rewarding experiences. It provides materials in a variety of illustrated formats introducing language, concepts and themes that stimulate and appeal to babies and young children.

Clientele: Children from birth to primary age (approximately 0-7 years)

Scope: Books for non-readers ie. board books, alphabets, counting, nursery rhymes etc. and picture story books for parents to read to pre-schoolers. Also easy to read picture books. Collection to include works by local and Australian authors, recognised classics, both Australian and international award winning titles.

Formats: All formats, including audiovisual, although predominantly printed format.

Criteria:
Literary merit.
Original and imaginative writing.
High quality illustrations that compliment the story line.
Well sustained plot and effective characterisation.
Books to stimulate imagination and speech.

Weeding/retention: :
Books damaged or worn out.
Books no longer in demand.
Copies of classics, works by local authors, etc. will be replaced if at all possible.

Future Plans: Weeding at some branches is needed. The emphasis on buying books by popular Australian and overseas authors and illustrators will continue.

The collection contains recorded examples of works by major contemporary and past composers and performers, including examples of musical styles from a wide variety of countries and cultures and a comprehensive collection of Australian artists. The junior collection of music gives children access to a variety of styles of music and singing specifically produced for their age group. Junior material may include compilations of songs, music and stories.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: Music Compact Discs collection will include: Classical Music, Jazz, World Music, Music for Meditation and relaxation
Movie soundtracks
Musical comedy & music theatre
Australian compositions, artists and or performances

Formats: As compatible with UHRL resources and community requirements

Criteria: High quality productions from reputable production companies and Australian artists given preference.

Weeding/retention: : Stock is discarded when it is damaged, aged or no longer in demand.

Future Plans: To supplement the collection at all Branch Libraries. Active collecting of audio cassette recordings has been discontinued. Due to technology changes, compact disks are the preferred format for recorded music and audio cassettes will be progressively withdrawn.

This collection of palliative care resources is donated and maintained by Carelink Muswellbrook. Carelink also advises the UHRL and recommends resources for purchase.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: According to recommendations from Carelink

Formats: All media as supplied by Carelink.

Criteria: According to advice from Carelink Co-ordinator.

Weeding/retention: : According to UHRL non-fiction guidelines and Carelink advice.

Future Plans: To produce a bibliography of holdings to assist easy use of the collection.

The Regional Stack, located in the Muswellbrook Branch Library, has a support function for the Regional collection. It houses older material of value, including classic fiction, important non-fiction works, Australiana and works by local authors (see Appendix G). Back issues of selected newspapers are also kept in Stack. The Stack does not hold duplicates of items on open shelves. Hardback copies of titles are retained in preference to paperback copies.

Clientele: All members of the community

Scope: Supplement the regional lending collections.

Formats: Monographs - preference for hard covers over soft covers. Newspapers.

Criteria:

Fiction:

Representative collections of works of enduring interest? including classic works regardless of age, works by Australian authors, and works by local authors.

Deposits considered with reference to guidelines/advice from recognised authorities in the field, and the interests of local communities.

Non-Fiction:

Culturally significant works and works of importance in all subject areas including histories.

Representative collections of works of enduring interest, including classic works regardless of age, works by Australian authors, and works by local authors.

Deposits considered with reference to guidelines/advice from recognised authorities in the field and the interests of local communities.

Newspapers:

Hunter Valley News, Muswellbrook Chronicle, Scone Advocate, Aberdeen Whisper, Merriwa Ringer and Denman News

Weeding/retention:

Fiction & Non-Fiction:

As per deposit criteria with reference to circulation statistics and changing needs of local communities

Newspapers:All non-local newspapers to be retained for 1 month, then discarded

Future Plans: Ensure Stack continues to meet the needs of UHRL communities.

The Australian Library and Information Association, believing that freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if its citizens have access to information and ideas through books and other sources of information, affirms the following principles as basic and distinctive of the obligations and responsibilities of the librarian:

1. A primary purpose of a library service is to provide information through books and other media on all matters which are appropriate to the library concerned.

2. A librarian must protect the essential confidential relationship which exists between a library user and the library.

3. The functions of the librarian include: to promote the use of materials in the librarian's care; to ensure that the resources of the library are adequate to its purpose; to obtain additional information from outside sources to meet the needs of readers; to cater for interest in all relevant facets of knowledge, literature and contemporary issues, including those of a controversial nature; but neither to promote or suppress particular ideas and beliefs.

4. A librarian, while recognizing that powers of censorship exist and are legally vested in state and federal governments, should resist attempts by individuals or organised groups within the community to determine what library materials are to be, or are not to be, available to the users of the library.

5. A librarian should not exercise censorship in the selection of materials by rejecting on moral, political, racial or religious grounds alone material which is otherwise relevant to the purpose of the library and meets the standards, such as historical importance, intellectual integrity, effectiveness of expression or accuracy of information which are required by the library concerned. Material should not be rejected on the grounds that its content is controversial or likely to offend some sections of the library's community.

6. A librarian should uphold the right of all Australians to have access to library services and materials and should not discriminate against users on the grounds of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, economic condition, individual lifestyle or political or social views.

7. A librarian must obey the laws relating to books and libraries, but if the laws or their administration conflict with the principles put forward in this statement, the librarian should be free to move for the amendment of these laws.

Adopted 1971
Amended 1979, 1985

1. The Australian Library and Information Association asserts that each member of the Australian community has an equal right of access to public library and information services regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality, language, social or economic status.

2. Such freedom of access is essential to the democratic process and to the social well-being of the Australian community. That satisfaction of a person's information needs must be independent of an ability to pay.

3. Libraries and information services established to serve the general public should, therefore, provide core services to all members of the library's clientele without direct charge to the individual.

Adopted 1979
Amended 1982, 1989, 1994

Rapid social change, the emphasis on lifelong education, the increasing rate of technological development and the movement towards an information based society are factors which suggest, as never before, that literacy is an essential instrument for effective participation in society.

The illiterate person can be substantially disadvantaged. It is essential to democratic processes of government that citizens have the skills and opportunities to inform themselves on matters of community and national interest and participate in the decision-making process.
The scope for access to information resources is growing and will be increased enormously as communications technology becomes more sophisticated.

Nevertheless, the communications media of the foreseeable future will continue to assume the user's capacity to read and understand the written word.

The Australian Library and Information Association believes that:

primary responsibility for information services to students rests with the institution at which the student is enrolled;

all libraries should acknowledge their responsibility for servicing educational goals in a variety of institutional and social contexts, in particular the responsibility held by public libraries as agencies for supporting and supplementing education within their communities;

the traditional functions of librarians include the collection, organisation, promotion and dissemination of printed and audio-visual communications media. The exercise of these functions implies concern for those who lack the skills necessary to make appropriate use of communications resources. This concern is also a natural outcome of libraries' educationally-oriented role;

and in addition to recognising the link between literacy and effective citizenship, the library profession is dedicated to fostering in all people a lifetime habit of purposeful educational and recreational reading for the enjoyment, stimulation and delight it brings.

Adopted 1979
Amended 1996

The Australian Library and Information Association believes that all people have the right of access to library services, equipment and materials (both specialised and non-specialised) to meet their needs for information, inspiration, education and recreation.

The Association supports the objectives of the Disability Discrimination Legislation (1992) and related legislation of the states and territories to ensure that services provided to people with disabilities offer equal opportunities and further the integration of people with disabilities in the community and complement services available generally to people in the community.

The Association supports programs and formal courses in library and information sciences that will strengthen and expand the delivery of library and information services to people with disabilities.

The Association encourages federal, state, territory, regional and local authorities to provide adequate financial support to enable libraries of all types to offer the specialised services, materials and equipment needed by people with disabilities at a level no lower than those provided for the remainder of the community.

The Association supports efforts to ensure that library and information services complement the services to people with disabilities provided through government and voluntary sponsored programs and by agencies concerned with direct support to people with disabilities.

The Association promotes the universal application of building standards [in particular Australian Standard (1428-1993)] which will ensure maximum ease of access to library buildings for people with disabilities.

The Association supports efforts by libraries, voluntary and other agencies and commercial producers in ensuring that people who cannot use conventional library materials have maximum access to the materials and equipment they require.

The Association supports efforts by libraries, government and voluntary agencies in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are made and standards established for the production of materials for people with special needs.

The Association is concerned to ensure that copyright law provisions do not unnecessarily hinder access by people with disabilities to copies of materials in special formats.

The Association supports efforts by libraries, government and voluntary agencies to ensure that adequate numbers of trained staff are available to provide services for people with disabilities.

NOTE: The World Health Organisation (1980) defines disability as 'the consequence of impairment of functional performance and activity'. It is the lack of non-conventional library services and facilities which forms a handicap for people with disabilities rather than their disability providing the handicap.

Adopted 1979
Amended 1986, l988, 1996

ALIA objects addressed
To promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interests of all Australians and a thriving culture and democracy
To ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and foster their professional interests and aspirations

Principle
People engaged in library and information services are members of a profession committed to intellectual freedom and the free flow of ideas and information.

Statement
Because of the role of library and information services in fostering the social, cultural and economic well being of their communities the people who work in those services have responsibilities for creating and providing access to information for the clients of their services. The interactions between library and information services and their clients should be guided by the highest standards of service quality and characterised by the highest levels of integrity. Library and information service professionals should observe these standards by:

encouraging intellectual freedom and the free flow of information and ideas;

exercising their responsibilities within the context of duty of care for the clients of the library and information services they offer;

recognising and respecting the intellectual property of others;

protecting their clients' rights to privacy and confidentiality;

distinguishing in their actions and statements between their personal viewpoints and those of the library and information service that employs them or the Australian Library and Information Association;

maintaining and enhancing their professional knowledge and expertise, encouraging the professional development of their colleagues and fostering the aspirations of potential library and information service professionals;

avoiding situations in which personal interests might be, or be seen to be, in conflict with the interests of clients of library and information services, colleagues or employers.

Funding authorities at all levels are urged to provide adequate resources to develop and maintain balanced collections and services in all types of libraries.

Adopted 2001

The Australian Library and Information Association endorses the vision of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation for united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.

The Association recognises that libraries and information services have a role to play in the process of reconciliation by encouraging where relevant the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the governance and operation of library and information services.

The Association recognises the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It believes that the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in planning and decision making will lead to the achievement of appropriate representation of this diversity in library and information services. The Association affirms its commitment by taking a leadership role in promoting participation.

Four key areas are to be addressed by the library and information services sector in providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in managing information relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are included in decision-making and policy formulation processes to ensure that culturally appropriate decisions can be made.

Management of information resources and provision of services recognise cultural diversity, and culturally appropriate decisions are made on all issues related to access to information and provision of services. This will include consultation with community representatives.

For equity of employment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must have access to employment opportunities at all levels and in all areas of library and information services. Opportunities for education and training should be provided to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to pursue their career aspirations.

Cross-cultural awareness programs are implemented and provide opportunities for two-way learning. Programs should reflect the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and be developed in conjunction with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Relevant government policy and legislation and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols for libraries, archives and information services must guide and determine practice within the library and information sector.

Review
Evaluation to be done in conjunction with the Australian Library and Information Sector Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Career Development Program; the Biennial Round Table on Library Collections and Services of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other relevant recommendations of Towards Federation 2001; and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols for libraries, archives and Information services.

Adopted 1995

The Australian Library and Information Association asserts that each member of the Australian community has an equal right to public library and information services regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality, language, social, individual lifestyle or economic status.

Such freedom of access is essential to the democratic process and to the social well being of the Australian community. That satisfaction of a person's information needs must be independent of an ability to pay.
Local, state/territory and Commonwealth governments have an obligation to provide a basic level of core library services to all members of the library's clientele without direct charge to the user.

Basic or core library service are those which:

Provide free entrance to the library.

Provide access to the library's information resources, regardless of the format in which material is held, and including print, tape, disk, CD-ROM and networked electronic resources.

Provide assistance with the use of the collection and with reference enquiries.

Provide training in the use of public access catalogues.

Lend items from the collection to members of the public for specific periods of time.

Educate the public in the effective use of public libraries.

Provide special activities such as story-telling.

Provide any additional service which enables access to other basic core services (for example: books on wheels services, and bulk loans).

Other services
Libraries may provide a very wide range of services. Those services which provide greater ease of access, convenience or private benefit, and which may attract additional costs to the library service provider, are sometimes charged for by libraries. These services are distinguished from the basic or core services listed above. They may have a higher level of value added by the library. They include:

Use of remote online resources where access is only obtainable by payment of a specific per use charge, but excluding use of online resources which are paid for by subscriptions, site licences or other 'non-use'-based charges.

Providing access to loans from collections outside the public and State Library network, such as those of academic, government or special libraries.

Reserving specific items in library collections.

Providing printed or electronic copies of materials held or accessed by the library.

Providing, for public use, standard office software such as word processing and database software.

Requiring staff to undertake research, to write reports and to provide other high-level support.

Providing any service which attracts an external service charge (for example: online database searching, speakers, theatre performances)

In the case of services not defined as basic or core, the Association believes that the individual library service providers should be free to determine those services which would attract a charge, providing that due consideration is given to the possible impact on neighbouring library services caused by such decisions.

Adopted 1999

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