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Subject:
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Library Collection Development Policy
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REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 9, 2025
FROM
MELANIE OROSCO, County Librarian, County Library
SUBJECT
Title
Library Collection Development Policy
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve the San Bernardino County Library Collection Development Policy.
2. Authorize the County Librarian to implement the San Bernardino County Library Collection Development Policy at all 32 branch locations and Library Administration Office.
3. Authorize the County Librarian to submit the San Bernardino County Library Collection Development Policy to the California State Librarian, as required by Section 19802 of the Education Code.
(Presenter: Melanie Orosco, County Librarian, 387-2220)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as the recommended Collection Development Policy is non-financial in nature.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Assembly Bill No. 1825 (AB 1825), California Freedom to Read Act (Act), was approved by the Governor of California on September 29, 2024. AB 1825 added Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 19800) to Part 11 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code. The Act requires that every public library jurisdiction establish, adopt, and maintain a written and publicly accessible collection development policy for its public libraries by January 1, 2026. The collection development policies must comply with the requirements outlined in the Act. Pursuant to the Act, the adopted policy will need to be submitted to the California State Librarian by January 1, 2026.
The San Bernardino County Library (Library) Collection Development Policy is to serve as a guide for the Library professionals in regard to collection development, management, and material selection. It defines what comprises the Library material collection, specifies the types of materials that are included, and explains the basis for making collection management decisions. The policy will also serve as a way to inform the public about the Library's collection and the principles that govern the selection process. The Library works continuously to curate a collection representing a wide array of people, cultures, ideas, and experiences. The process of curating, maintaining, and providing a diverse and equitable collection is an ongoing process which is considered during all aspects of collection management. The Library Collection Development Policy ensures that San Bernardino County (County) complies with the Act and that the Library's collection will remain on course and reflect the needs of the County's community, which creates unique experiences of meaning and inspiration for the individual customer.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniella Hernandez, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 14, 2025; County Finance and Administration (Celia McDonald, Administrative Analyst, 387-4286) on August 14, 2025.