Collection Policy

Selection Policy

The library’s collection will include resources in the following categories:

• Inspirational and devotional materials
• Bibles and reference materials such as dictionaries, concordances, commentaries, and atlases
• Works on church history and theology
• Denominational resources and information
• Christian fiction
• Inspirational biographies and autobiographies
• World religions and Christian denominations
• Worship, ministries, and church life
• Marriage, family life, and Christian education
• Missions and evangelism
• Social concerns
• Particular needs of church members such as aging, parenting, and divorce
• Church management and stewardship
• Items of Scandinavian cultural significance
• Items authored by current church members or their relatives

Materials in various formats will be considered for inclusion based on demand, cost, and availability of appropriate display and storage locations.

Other factors to be considered in selecting materials include:

• Age, current relevance, and historic value
• Condition, quality, and durability
• Specific requests or suggestions
• Uniqueness to the collection
• Point of view compatible, or not directly in conflict, with Christian and Lutheran beliefs

Donation Policy

Donated items will be evaluated using the same criteria as items the library considers for purchase. Items not accepted for the library collection may be returned to the donor on request, sold, donated elsewhere, or recycled. Any money raised from selling items will be used for library books and materials.

The library will maintain a wish list on its website and provide a written list on request. Potential donors are encouraged to consult the list for suggestions.

Removal Policy

Items are subject to removal from the library’s collection when they:

• Do not meet the current selection criteria
• Are duplicate copies
• Contain subject matter for which the library has sufficient, better quality resources
• Are damaged or noticeably yellowed
• Have not been checked out for many years (except for reference materials)
• Contain outdated information, considering the subject matter and any historical significance of the item

Items removed from the collection may be given to church members or visitors, sold, donated elsewhere, or recycled. Any money raised from selling items will be used for library books and materials.

Handling of Challenged Materials

Members objecting to any item in the library should provide a written complaint to the librarian or pastor, stating the reason(s) for the objection as specifically as possible. Challenges to library materials will be considered by the librarian and pastor, with input from church council members as appropriate.