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Webinar – Minimum Standards for Libraries – Selection and Reconsideration Policies

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Place: Online at https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/16659878

Selection and reconsideration policies are crucial elements in supporting the mission of libraries. This webinar will address:

  • The current climate of high scrutiny of materials and the ethical obligations of library workers to uphold professional ethics 
  • Intellectual freedom, the First Amendment, and ALA’s Library Bill of Rights & Freedom to Read Statement
    • Access to controversial ideas does not mean the library endorses them
    • What does it mean to have a balanced collection?
  • Featured resource: Public Library Collection Management Policy Template and Guide (2022)
  • Materials selection policy
    • Affirm a commitment to intellectual freedom
    • What criteria are used for selecting materials? Who selects? Will the Library accept donated materials?
    • What criteria are used for weeding/deselection? 
    • Acknowledge collections the library doesn’t select (Hoopla, OverDrive/Libby)
    • New: Does the library collect AI-generated materials?
  • Reconsideration policy
    • How must requests be submitted?
    • Who has standing to submit – residents only?
    • Is there a max number of reconsideration requests a single person can make at a time? How will multiple requests to reconsider the same item be handled?
    • What other information must a submission include?
    • Who will organize and complete the review process?
    • Is there an appeals process?

Since 2019, Caroline Ashby has served as Director of the Nassau Library System, which coordinates resource sharing for the 54 public libraries in Nassau County. She frequently presents to library trustees and administrators about their roles and responsibilities, including several presentations with NLS Assistant Director Nicole Scherer on intellectual freedom and collection development policies. Her previous roles have included Chief Librarian of the NYPL Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, private investigator, and record store clerk.

Nicole Scherer is an Assistant Director at Nassau Library System, where she supports 54 autonomous libraries in their public service and strategic planning endeavors. She has presented regionally and nationally on customer service, advocacy, collection development, and escape room design. Prior to becoming a librarian, she was a trainer for Borders Books & Music. Nicole holds an Advanced Certificate in Library Administration from Long Island University.

This public program is offered by the New York State Library and made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.e