Objective

Mustang Public Library attempts to provide a comprehensive, well-balanced collection of general and specialized materials in multiple formats to meet community needs. The Materials Selection Policy provides details for selecting materials and maintaining the composition of the collection, helps library staff respond to patron inquiries regarding selection in an informed, professional manner, and assists staff with guidelines for purchasing library materials.

The Mustang Library Board and the library staff believe that the right to read and the right of free access to the library collections for all people are essential elements of community service. Mustang Public Library aspires to serve the diverse needs of our community, to provide resources for learning, and to inspire lifelong literacy. Quality service is dependent upon material availability for circulation and use. The library collection reflects the interests and needs of the community.

Selection Responsibility

The library’s primary source of funding is the City of Mustang. Other funding comes from donations, In Memoriam gifts, grants, state aid monies, Friends of the Mustang Library, and funding from the Canadian County Educational Facilities Authority. The library director and designated staff, operating within Mustang Public Library Board-approved policies, are responsible for the selection and removal of books and other materials.

Selection Criteria include:

· Supporting lifelong learning, literacy, and enjoyment

· Accuracy of information and authoritativeness

· Popular appeal and/or demand

· Existing library holdings

· Budget, format, durability

· Favorable commentary in review journals, media, and public opinion

· Special need and/or scarcity of material on a particular subject

Materials may be purchased because of popularity and demand even though they may not meet usual standards of literary quality.

Item duplication is subject to collection needs, budget, and patron demands. Efforts are made to acquire items with diverse viewpoints, characters, and authors. Materials are judged on the work as a whole, not on the presence of words, phrases, or situations which might be objectionable.

Items recognized as classics and of literary merit are retained, even though the content may be unacceptable by modern standards. The library provides works of differing points of view. Items will not be excluded because of racial ethnicity, nationality, political, moral, ethical, or religious views of the author. Mustang Public Library does not advocate a position on any issue, nor does it knowingly add or retain materials deemed illegal under Oklahoma or federal laws.

Purchase requests from library patrons are welcome and will be considered for purchase. Policy does not require meeting curriculum needs of area schools or specific programs of study, nor does the library buy textbooks. If suggested items are not purchased, the library may attempt to borrow the item through interlibrary loan.

Materials are regularly reviewed and withdrawn if they are outdated, damaged, rarely used, superseded by newer editions or formats, or duplicated. Replacement of worn volumes is dependent upon current demand, usefulness, relevance to community needs, and long-term significance. Withdrawn items are reused, donated, or recycled. Separate collections are provided for children, young adults, and adults. The supervision of a child’s access to library materials is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

DVDs for children, teens, and adults are rated PG-13 or lower. Occasionally, the library will add DVDs rated R if they are deemed important additions to the collection. These titles are labeled “Rated R” on the front cover and will not circulate to patrons without adult patron cards.

Challenged Materials

The library recognizes that some materials are controversial and may offend some patrons. Selection of materials is not made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the selection policy principles previously mentioned. Materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their content, and no library material will be sequestered except to protect it from damage or theft. Content warnings will only be present when publishers print them within the book.

The library encourages all parents to be involved in their children’s reading. In addition to fostering a love of reading, involvement allows parents to monitor items the child is viewing. Sole responsibility for materials read or checked out for children rests with parents and legal guardians. Library selection of materials is not inhibited by the possibility of coming into possession of children. Items are organized within the library based upon ages of the intended audiences.

Although materials are carefully selected, differences of opinion may arise regarding materials. Patrons requesting material be withdrawn or restricted may complete a Patron Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form. The library director will respond within thirty days and the inquiry will be placed for discussion on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the Mustang Public Library Board.

Revised and Approved by Mustang Library Board March 26, 2026
Approved by Mustang Public Library Board July 28, 2022
Adopted by Mustang City Council March 23, 2004