Nyack Library

Purpose

This policy provides guidelines for the selection, acquisition, and withdrawal of Nyack Library materials and informs users, funders, and other libraries of the principles guiding collection decisions. The collection is developed in accordance with the Library’s mission and long-range plan. Authority for the collection rests with the Library Director, operating within the framework of policies set by the Board of Trustees. Selection of materials is the responsibility of Library staff under the supervision of the Director and Department Heads.

Intellectual Freedom

The Nyack Library is committed to intellectual freedom and will resist all efforts to censor Library materials or resources. We are equally committed to equitable access and strive to provide inclusive materials representing the diverse interests of the Nyack community. The Library respects every individual’s right to choose what to read, watch, or listen to, and ensures all materials, resources, and services are freely available to everyone regardless of origin, age, background, or views.

The Library defends these freedoms and cooperates with groups resisting abridgment of free expression and access to ideas. We adhere to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement.

Collection Description

For over a century, the Nyack Library has built collections to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of its community. The collection reflects our multicultural and diverse population and seeks to promote historically marginalized voices. Materials are organized by format, theme, and age appropriateness for easier browsing.

The Library participates in the Ramapo Catskill Library System, providing access to 46 member libraries, and in interlibrary loan networks for broader sharing.

Adults

The adult collection includes hardcover and paperback books, large print, eBooks, eAudiobooks, audiovisual materials, museum passes, video games, and databases. World language materials currently include French, Haitian Creole, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. The collection evolves continually, except for the Local History Room, which preserves materials related to the history of the Nyacks and surrounding areas.

Teens

The Teen Room collection serves grades 6–12 and includes fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and manga. Selection is managed by the Youth Services Department Head and Teen Services Coordinator, using professional journals and community input. The Library supports all teens’ right to unrestricted access to information.

Children

The Children’s Room serves children from birth through grade 5, offering fiction, nonfiction, picture books, early readers, graphic novels, and chapter books. The collection also includes video games, DVDs, and unique items specific to children’s programming. Only parents or caregivers may determine what materials are suitable for their child.

Material Selection

Designated staff select materials using professional judgment and community input. Selection criteria include:

• Accuracy, currency, accessibility, durability, and ease of use
• Cultural and literary significance
• Reputation of author or publisher
• Positive reviews in professional library journals
• Price, format, and availability
• Popular appeal and local interest
• Contribution to collection diversity, especially underrepresented voices
• Suitability for available space and shelving
• Support for local school curricula
• Budget impact

Additional criteria for electronic products include:

• Ease of use and remote access
• Technical support and training availability
• Usage statistics and compliance with standards
• Budget impact

The Library welcomes purchase suggestions for existing collection formats and languages through an online or in-person request form. Materials that are overly specialized, cost-prohibitive, or fail to meet selection standards may not be acquired.

Collection Maintenance

The Library maintains current, accurate, and accessible resources through an ongoing process of evaluation and weeding. Materials may be removed based on:

• Poor physical condition
• Outdated or inaccurate information
• Supersession by newer editions or better sources
• Excess duplicate copies
• Lack of use

Note on Artificial Intelligence

The Nyack Library is committed to high-quality materials. Given current concerns regarding generative artificial intelligence—including quality, sourcing, and ethical implications—the Library will not knowingly acquire materials created using generative AI until standards and legal frameworks are clarified.

Gifts and Donations

Gifts are evaluated under the same criteria as purchased materials. The Library reserves the right to use, sell, or discard donations as deemed appropriate.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Material

Patrons may request reconsideration of materials by submitting a Request for Reconsideration Form to the Library Director. The Director will provide a written response. If unsatisfied, a patron may appeal in writing to the Library Board President. Before removal, the selector of the material will have an opportunity to explain its inclusion.

Requests will be accepted only from residents of the Nyack School District or their representatives.
Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Approved May 12, 2014
Revised May 2025

Nyack Library Request for Reconsideration of Material Form