Q. How do you choose which books you want to put into the libraries

The Public Library has selectors for different categories of books (ex. Juvenile Fiction, Audiobooks, etc.) that select books to purchase from lists provided to them by our Collection Development supervisor, who then purchases the books. These selections are made according to and in line with the Library’s Collection Development Policy, which you can read here. The Collection Development Policy, approved by the Library Board, is one of the Library’s fundamental policy documents. It outlines the philosophies that create and shape the Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s unique collection, the practices that maintain it over time and the guidelines that help the collection respond to community needs while protecting the collection from societal and political pressures.

Customer use is the most powerful influence on the Library’s collection. Circulation, customer purchase requests and holds levels are all closely monitored, triggering the purchase of new items and additional copies of high demand items. Inherent in the Collection Development philosophy is an appreciation for each customer of the Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The Library provides materials to support each individual’s journey, and does not place a value on one customer’s needs or preferences over another’s. The Library upholds the right of the individual to access information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others.

The one exception to this is hoopla, which is a subscription service that the Library pays for and is not curated by our Library staff. The collection on hoopla is rotating and is selected by hoopla staff.

If there is a book that the Library does not currently have, you are welcome to suggest that it be purchased by filling out our Suggest a Purchase form here. We will consider purchasing titles suggested through this form, but we can't guarantee that they will be purchased.

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