Corpus Christi Public Library

Collection Development Policy

Mission:
The mission of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries (CCPL) is to improve literacy, enhance knowledge,
and create a sense of community by making useful information easily accessible to all in the Corpus
Christi area.

Purpose:
To articulate the principles, policies, and criteria that guide the staff in selecting materials to develop
responsive collections for the library system and to inform the public on these principles and selection
standards used by the Library.

Commitment:
We are committed to providing easy access to books and information for all ages through responsive
professionals, engaging programs, and state-of-the-art technology in a safe and friendly environment.

Corpus Christi Public Library (CCPL) prioritizes a commitment to equity ensuring that all members of
the Corpus Christi community have equitable access to library services and programs. Diversity and
inclusion are about respecting, understanding, honoring, and welcoming all members of the staff and
community into the library. Decisions about hiring, collection development, policies, and programming
are made with a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

CCPL remains committed to providing the entire Corpus Christi community with access to books, ideas,
and knowledge, and to fostering a Library for All.

Principles
The Corpus Christi Public Library Collection Development Policy is based on the following principles:

A. Materials are selected which provide for the interest, information, enlightenment, entertainment,
education, development, and enrichment of all library patrons, within budgetary constraints and
availability of materials.
B. The freedom to read, along with the freedom to hear and to view, is protected by the First
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This freedom, essential to our democracy,
will be upheld, supported, and defended in the selection and accessibility of all library materials.
In this regard, the library upholds the principles of the American Library Association's Library
Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, Statement on Labeling, and Free Access to
Libraries for Minors as well as to the Texas Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Statement.
C. Selection of materials does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content,
viewpoint, implications, or presentation of the materials.

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 D. The library staff does not serve in loco parentis. It is the parent(s), and only the parent(s), who
may restrict their children, and only their own children, from access to library materials.
Responsibility for children's reading rests with their parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). Selection
will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession
of children.
CCPL will use its discretion to exclude pornography and other sexually explicit material of prurient
value from its collections. Given the number of minor patrons CCPL’s interest in protecting its
minor patrons from harmful sexual materials is legitimate. The Library’s Parent Guide provides
helpful instructions on how parents can monitor materials that their minor children check out.
E. The library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other
questionable matters are subject to interpretation by the courts. Consequently, no challenged
material will be removed from the library for complaints of obscenity, pornography,
subversiveness, or any other category covered by law until after receipt of an independent court
order. Conversely, materials previously judged unlawful will not knowingly be selected.

Policy
In accordance with the above principles, the following policies apply in regard to materials selection and
accessibility for the general library collection. While CCPL provides extensive collections for all audiences
including adults, juveniles, and teens, access and use of the entire collection is a right of all residents.
• Materials move from location to location to fulfill community needs and requests.
• With limited exception, the collection is maintained on “open shelves” and is available for
browsing and loan to all patrons using their library card.
• Limiting a minor’s (under 18 years of age) access to or utilization of the collection is entirely
within the purview of and is solely the responsibility of the minor’s parent or guardian.
• Materials missing or withdrawn from the Library’s collection are not automatically
replaced. Formatted: Font: (Default) Georgia
• Through ongoing methods the library branch managers and director can monitor the Formatted: Space After: 0 pt
collection to see that it is serving its public. The Collection Development Policy should be
reviewed as needed to ensure a document that continues to answer the needs of the Library
and its community. Formatted: Font: (Default) Georgia
• The Corpus Christi Public Library’s Children’s Collection is intended to serve children
through 8th grade. The CCPL’s Young Adult Collection is intended to serve teens from 9th Formatted: Superscript
grade to 12th grade. Formatted: Superscript
• It shall be the goal of the CCPL through its collection policies in areas designated for minors, Formatted: Superscript
to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community, especially Formatted: Font: (Default) Georgia
its children. In curating its collection in the children’s and young adult sections for the
benefit of the community, CCPL takes seriously its obligation to not include sex acts or
sexually explicit or graphic materials within the children’s and young adult sections that
would be harmful to minors or impede their development. Formatted: Font: (Default) Georgia

The term “sex act” or “sexual activity” is defined as any of the following: Formatted: Font: (Default) Georgia

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 1. Actual or simulated sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, Formatted: Font: (Default) Segoe UI Symbol
anal-genital or oral-anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex; Formatted: List Paragraph, Numbered + Level: 1 +
Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment:
2. Contact between the finger, hand, or other body part of one person or the
Left + Aligned at: 1.59" + Indent at: 1.84"
genitalia or anus of another person, except in the course of examination or
treatment by a person medically licensed
3. Masturbation, ejaculation or orgasm
4. By use of artificial sex organs or substitutes therefore in contact with genitalia or
anus
5. The touching of another person’s genitals or anus with a finger, hand, or artificial Formatted: List Paragraph, Indent: Left: 1.59", First
line: 0", Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2,
sex organ or other similar device at the direction of another person
3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.59"
6. sexual bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse; + Indent at: 1.84"
7. Depictions or descriptions of sexual attraction or romantic relationships between Formatted: Space After: 0 pt
an adult and a child younger than 18 years of age;
8. Nudity: depictions or descriptions of the genitals, pubic region, the anus or any
portion of the female breast below the top of the areola; designed to promote
prurient interest;
9. Content that would entice, induce, or encourage a child younger than 18 years of
age to engage in sexual conduct.
To improve the experience of our community’s children in the Library, CCPL recognizes that certain Formatted: Font: (Default) Segoe UI Symbol
material, including but not limited to pornography, are not allowable for minors under the law. CCPL will Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering
conform the entirety of the Library’s collections in the children’s and young adult sections to the
standards in reference to TX Penal Code 43.24 and requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act
(CIPA) set forth at 20 U.S.C. §9134 and 47 U.S.C. §254.

(1) The library director shall ensure that in developing the Library’s collections for
minors, no materials added to the children’s and young adult sections of the
library’s collections shall include (a) any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture,
motion picture film, videocassette, or other visual representation of a person or
portion of the human body which depicts sexually suggestive nudity or sexual
conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse,
which exhibits sex acts as previously defined or which is otherwise harmful to
minors as defined by CIPA; or (b) any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter,
or sound recording, however reproduced, which contains explicit or detailed
descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement or sexual conduct which
exhibits sex acts as previously defined or otherwise harmful to minors as defined
by CIPA.

(2) The sole exception to this policy is that the library director may curate
constitutionally protected materials of the type identified in paragraph (1) above
for bona fide research by adults but must ensure that such materials are not

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 accessible to minors. The library director shall ensure that all such materials are
kept in such a way as to prevent access by children.

(3) The library director shall report to the City Council regularly, but no less often
than once every six months, regarding the Library’s compliance with this policy.

• Children under the age of 18 shall receive library cards that are especially designated for minors. Formatted: Left, Indent: Left: 0.09", Hanging: 0.01",
No bullets or numbering
These cards will be accompanied by a Parent Guide with resources listed provided to help
parents/guardians to quickly locate information about some books. This Youth Library Card is intended
to help prevent the checkout of materials with content containing obscenity, sexual conduct, and
sexual intercourse. Age-appropriate materials concerning biology, human anatomy, or religion are
exempt from this rule. Formatted: Font: (Default) Segoe UI Symbol

Selection
Ultimate responsibility for materials selection rests with the library director acting on the authority of Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0"
Corpus Christi City Council and subject to the standards in reference to TX Penal Code 43.24 and
requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) set forth at 20 U.S.C. §9134 and 47 U.S.C.
§254. The selection of any material for the Library’s collection does not constitute an endorsement of its
contents. The Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend
some patrons. Decisions are not made based on any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the
merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of patrons. The
Library strives to provide a balanced view on controversial subjects by selecting sources portraying all
sides of an issue. The primary goal of collection development is to provide materials (i.e. books, audio
recordings, DVD’s, electronic, etc.) that meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the
community.
The selections made follow the aforementioned principles while attempting to maintain diversity, quality, Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.09", Right: 0"
and responsiveness to patron interest patterns. As such, selections are made on the basis of any one,
several, or all of the following considerations:

A. Budgetary constraints limit the purchase of materials.

B. Diversity is pursued by attempting to meet the needs of all ages, backgrounds, and educational
levels, by providing as many subject fields as possible, and by providing alternative perspectives
on unpopular or unorthodox as well as popular materials. The collection represents various
opinions and viewpoints on all issues of general concern and should broadly reflect the various
ethnic and social groups in the City.
C. The collections contain materials that represent people of diverse populations such as ages, races
and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, religions, cultures, gender, and sexual orientation. Some
material presents alternative or minority viewpoints, ideas, issues, and lifestyles, special insight
into human and social conditions, or their experience and contributions.
D. Patrons are free to choose what they want from the collection, and to reject what they don’t like,
but not to restrict the freedom of others to choose. It is our goal that within the collection everyone
can find something that brings them joy but we are aware that it won’t be the same thing for every
one of our users. Decisions about what materials are suitable for particular children should be
made by the people who know them best – their parents or guardians. The selection of materials

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 for adults is not constrained by possible exposure to children or teenagers. Library staff is available
to assist children and parents in finding the materials that are best suited to the individual child.
E. Quality is pursued by applying professional discretion and standards established by the library
profession and through the use of appropriate selection aids, including book reviews, bestseller
lists, etc. and local standards.
F. The Library staff responds to community interests by careful consideration of the following:
patron requests for purchases, use patterns for existing materials, purchase trends of similar
materials from retailers, and any other source of information indicating community interests. The
Library collection serves, to the degree possible, the interests of a diverse community without
exclusion. Responsiveness to the interest of one individual or group is not restricted on the basis
of dislike or objection of another individual or group.
G. Undue duplication of materials is avoided, either in the library itself, or with other institutions in
the community. Esoteric or very technical works, and materials available elsewhere to special
interest groups, are generally excluded from the collection. Materials may also be excluded if the
existing collection already covers the field.
H. Materials with formats that do not conform or lend themselves to library use are usually excluded.
I. Gifts, unsolicited materials, and patron suggestions for purchases are all evaluated under the same
policies, principles, and selection criteria as regularly purchased materials.

Criteria
Library materials, whether purchased or donated, are subject to the criteria listed below. An item need
not meet all of these standards to be included in the Library’s collection:

o Public interest or demand

o Relevance to the community
▪ Contemporary significance
▪ Enduring value
▪ Readability and style
▪ Treatment of subject for the intended audience
▪ Physical durability, and attractiveness
▪ Suitability of the format for library use ▪ Creative, literary, or technical quality
▪ Cost
▪ Availability from our contracted vendors
▪ Reviews in professional journals
▪ Reviews in popular media
▪ Professional or literary reputation of the author, publisher, or producer
▪ Circulation of similar material
▪ Relation to existing collection and other materials on the subject

Materials missing or withdrawn from the Library's collection are not automatically replaced. The
decision to replace items is based on the following criteria:

• Not every subject gap will be filled

• Availability of other copies or editions in the collection

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 • Public interest
• Adequacy of coverage in the subject area
• Circulation of withdrawn or missing item
• Cost
• Availability from our contracted vendors

Formats collected include books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, audio and video recordings, graphic
novels, online eBooks and audiobooks, online databases, and a “library of things” such as MakerSpace
tools, baking pans, crochet hooks, etc. New and/or emerging formats will be considered when
appropriate. The collection does not include pop-up books, coloring books, workbooks, cutout books,
or fragile, multipart items that will not withstand circulation.

Periodicals and newspapers are selected to include current information not available in book format.
Back issues are retained in paper, microform, or electronic formats considering reference usefulness,
customer interest, and space limitations.

CCPL is not responsible for materials available through databases or consortiums.

The Corpus Christi Local History Room at LaRetama Central Library, a special collection of the library,
collects, preserves, and manages information about Corpus Christi and Nueces County. Due to the
nature of the materials collected, the Corpus Christi Local History Room has its own collection
development policy.

Reconsideration
CCPL believes in freedom of information for all and does not restrict a user’s right to read, view, or
listen to Library materials. As such, CCPL collects and makes available a wide variety of information
resources and materials representing the range of human thought and experience. With such a broad
spectrum of ideas and information available, it is inevitable that people will occasionally encounter
resources they believe to be inappropriate or offensive. The materials held in the Library’s collection are
controversial and reflect differing viewpoints. A singular obligation of a public library is to reflect within
its collection differing points of view on controversial or debatable subjects. The Library welcomes
expressions of opinions from our residents concerning materials selected for the collection. If any
customer who is a resident of the City of Corpus Christi and holds a resident borrower’s card from CCPL
questions the content, tone, or placement of an item in the collection, they should first address the
concern with a Library staff member. If the resident’s concern is not satisfied through discussion with
Library staff, the resident may initiate a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material.

Library Staff will listen politely and respectfully to any questions and concerns of Library patrons and
informally explain the policy. Only City Resident who has been an active CCPL cardholder in good
standing for one year or more may request the removal or relocation of items from the collection
through the Request for Reconsideration of Materials form. Prior to submitting the Request, the
requester must have read the work in its entirety.

• The Request for Reconsideration of Materials form must be filled out, Formatted: List Paragraph, Bulleted + Level: 1 +
signed, and dated to be accepted. The material will remain available during Aligned at: 1.84" + Indent at: 2.09"

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 the reconsideration process. No materials will be removed without following
the full reconsideration process.
• The Library Director or designee will assign a committee to review the
Request in a timely, professional manner.
• The committee will evaluate the item to determine if it meets the criteria
established in the Collection Development Policy. The committee may
recommend a number of actions including removal of the material, re-
labeling/classification of the material, providing other restrictions on the
material, or no action at all. The review process by the committee will be
completed and submitted to the Library Director or designee within 30 days
from the date the complete Request for Reconsideration of Materials is
submitted. If additional time is needed, the customer submitting the request
will be notified.
• The Library Director or designee will make a decision based on the
recommendation received from the Reconsideration Committee.shall have
final discretion as to whether to follow or modify the recommendation by
the review committee.
• The Library Director or designee shall inform the customer in writing of his Formatted: List Paragraph, Bulleted + Level: 1 +
or her decision regarding the Request for Reconsideration of Materials no Aligned at: 1.84" + Indent at: 2.09"
later than 10 days after receiving the report from the review committee.
• The requestor has the right to appeal to the Library Director’s decision. The Formatted: Font color: Black
appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 days to the Library Director. If Formatted: Font color: Black
an appeal is requested, the Library Director will forward the request to the
Library Board for review at a Library Board meeting and will notify the
requester of the date, time, and location at which the Board will address the
appeal. If the Board is not in agreement with the staff decision, the Board's
recommendation will be submitted to the City Manager or designee. The City
Manager or designee will make the final decision. Formatted: Font color: Custom Color(RGB(32,33,46))
• After a final decision is made,The Library’s Board’s decision is final. The Formatted: Font color: Black
decision is effective for two years after which time a citizen may again request
Formatted: List Paragraph, Bulleted + Level: 1 +
reconsideration of the book. Corpus Christi Public Libraries will not review
Aligned at: 1.84" + Indent at: 2.09"
subsequent requests for reconsideration of the same material. (Updated
February 2, 2024)

Weeding
CCPL will evaluate its collections on an ongoing basis in response to the changing nature and needs of
the community. CCPL will withdraw materials based on the elimination of outdated materials, materials
no longer of interest or in demand, duplicates, and worn or mutilated items. Professional Librarians use
the Integrated Library System (ILS) to obtain various views of collection performance. These and other
guidelines are from CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries from the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission. Frequency of circulation, community interest, and availability of newer and more
valid materials are considered.

The processes of inventory and maintenance are continuous. CCPL maintains an active practice of
systematic weeding to keep the collection responsive to patron’s needs, to ensure its vitality and
usefulness to the community, and to make room for newer materials. As outlined in our policy,

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which protects children from harmful, sexually explicit material in areas designated for minors,
any materials taken from the area intended for minors, may be reshelved in an adult section that
reflects the intended genre. Local History and Genealogy Room materials are an exception.

Weeding is an integral part of collection development. Weeded materials will be disposed of through
means determined by the Library. The Library retains those materials in good condition that continue to
have enduring or permanent significance to its mission and overall collection goals.

Displays and Programs

Library-initiated programs and displays support the mission of the Library by providing patrons with
additional opportunities for accessing information, education, and recreation. CCPL believes in
promoting the collection through a variety of programs and displays representing the diversity of genres,
formats, ideas, and expressions with a multitude of viewpoints and cultural perspectives that reflect the
diversity in our community. Displays and programs may not include images, illustrations,
representations, or written descriptions of sexual conduct. Library displays increase awareness of
programs, resources, and services. Some programs or displays may incorporate sensitive issues of civic
engagement and explore diverse ideas. CCPL believes in the ability to transform controversy into a
learning moment of the nature of diverse opinions and experiences.

Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the program content, or the
views expressed by the participants or speakers, any more than the purchase of resources for the library
collection or curation of a display constitutes an endorsement of the resources’ content or its creator’s
views. CCPL vigorously defends the First Amendment right of speakers and participants to express
themselves.

CCPL creates programs for an intended age group or audience based on educational suitability and
audience interest; however, restrictions on participation based solely on the gender, chronological age,
or educational level of patrons violate this right and should be enforced only when not doing so would
adversely impact the safety of the participants or interfere with the intended purpose of the program.
Parents and guardians are responsible for their own children during library programs, and may restrict
their own children’s access to library these programs., but no person or organization can interfere in
others’ access and participation.

Concerns, questions, or complaints about library-initiated programs and displays are handled according
to the Request for Reconsideration process.

Reviewed October 1, 2021; August 2023.

Next review: .

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 Request for
Reconsideration

Name Telephone

Address, City, Zip

Email

Library Card Number

Material on which you are commenting:

Title or program or display

Author

Format

1. What brought this title to your attention?

2. Did you read/view the entire item/program?
3. What do you believe to be the purpose of this item/program?
4. To what specifically do you object and why?
5. For what age group do you recommend this item/program?
6. Have you read any reviews of this item?
7. How do you feel this item does not conform to CCPL Collection Policy?
8. What would you like CCPL to do about this item/program?
9. In the place of this item, please recommend other materials/programs which you consider to be
preferable for the purpose intended.

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 Signature and date

Thank you for your interest in the Corpus Christi Public Libraries! Updated: 4/24

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