Hamilton City Libraries Collection Management Policy

1. Purpose

This policy applies to all Hamilton City Libraries collections to:

• guide the acquisition, development, management and growth of the collections

• define the legal requirements and responsibilities for our Libraries

• maximize value with all purchases

• ensure that Hamilton’s unique stories are collected, preserved and shared for future generations

• guide the deselection and disposal of materials.

2. Background

The Libraries provide a service across seven sites located at Chartwell, Dinsdale, Glenview, Hillcrest, St Andrews, Rototuna and the Central Library located in Garden Place.

The Libraries have three collection categories: the Lending collections, the Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho/ Heritage and Research Library collections, and the Whakaputu / Archives and Special Collections. Both these last two collections are housed on Level Three of the Central Library and are available for viewing in the library only.

3. Bicultural Commitment

The Libraries recognise the unique place of Maaori as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. This recognition is reflected in the emphasis given to the collection and management of local and national Maaori content within the Library and the right of mana whenua and tangata whenua to exercise kaitiakitanga over the Maatauranga Maaori and taonga within Libraries.  

4. Legislation and Endorsement

The Libraries are committed to freedom and equity of access to information and endorse the following statements:

• the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto which states that “Collections and services should not be subject to any form of ideological, political or religious censorship, nor commercial pressures.”

• the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) statement on Freedom of Information that states “Libraries should be a vital force for intellectual freedom in their communities. Libraries should be a dynamic part of community life, not telling people what to think but throwing a spotlight on significant issues to stimulate learning and the exchange of information. To this end libraries should:

  • acquire, preserve and make available the widest variety of materials, reflecting the plurality and diversity of their communities

  • ensure that the selection and availability of library materials is governed by professional considerations and not by political, moral and religious views”

• the LIANZA statement on Intellectual Freedom that “No library materials should be censored, restricted, removed from libraries, or have access denied to them because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or pressure”.

The Libraries adhere to the following relevant legislation:

• Copyright Act 1994 and subsequent amendments

• Public Records Act 2005 (ensures the care of Hamilton City Council records) 

• Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993.

Definitions