Access to Materials Policy

• All staff members will respect every patron's right to choose his/her own library materials.

• As part of the Reference interview, in recommending material to any patron, reference staff will consider the patron's reading capabilities, reading comprehension, and the specific question or interest at hand.

• When material is not available at a branch library, reference staff will explain and encourage the use of Interlibrary Loan by both adults and children when it is appropriate.

• It is not the responsibility of the circulation desk staff to question patrons about the materials being checked out of the library.

• This policy applies to all formats of materials in the Library's collection and to patrons of all ages.

Endorsed by the Alameda County Library Advisory Commission on June 3, 1998
Approved by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on December 7, 1999