Ancestry Library Edition is not accessible today, Tuesday, May 20, due to a technical issue. The estimated time of disruption is unknown at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
On Thursday, May 15, the library reopens with normal hours but with the following service limitations:
- 1st Floor is closed to the public
- Limited browsing collections of Express Adult Fic and Express DVDs are available on the 2nd Floor
- Holds pickup is available on the 2nd Floor
- Reduced number of public computers on 2nd Floor
- Printing and copying available on 2nd Floor
- Seating capacity is reduced
- All 2nd Floor collections (teen, children, and graphic novels) are available
- Parking, washroom and elevator access are not affected
Please refer to hpl.ca/events for up-to-date program listings. Most programs will continue as normal on the 2nd Floor or in the basement.
All HPL Branches are closed on Friday, May 30 for Staff Professional Development Day. Bookmobile is off the road and Extended Access service is not available. Our Virtual Branch is open at hpl.ca. Regular service hours resume Saturday, May 31. Thank you for your understanding.
The Friday May 30 Bookmobile visits to Huntington Park, Winona and Maplewood Avenue are cancelled.
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions are expected to continue until the end of June. Thank you for your patience.
From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Ancaster Rotary Centre, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Collections Policy
Policy Purpose
- To provide a statement of philosophy and identify key objectives that reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library with regard to the collection management, and access to collections.
- To define the delegation of collections responsibilities.
- To establish procedures to address suggestions for purchase, gifts, donations and objections lodge
Key Points Summary
- The library’s collections policy outlines the philosophy and key objectives of the library’s collections development.
- The ultimate accountability for the management of Library collections lies with the Chief Librarian but in practice is delegated to the Director of Collections.
- The collections policy outlines the key criteria for the selection and deselection of materials.
- The collections policy addresses suggestions for purchase, gifts, donations and objections lodged against items in our collection by community residents or organizations.
Definitions
Format is the physical form of material and applies to all literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; sound recordings; and recorded performances. Formats include: print, audiovisual, digital and multimedia.
Interlibrary loans are transactions in which library materials are made available by one library to another; they include the provision of copies and microforms as substitutes for loans of the original materials.
Policy Details
Strong library collections are fundamental to public library service. The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is committed to developing and maintaining diverse, relevant and responsive collections that meet and anticipate the changing needs of our customers.
The ultimate responsibility for the library’s collections lies with the Chief Librarian acting in accordance with the general policies established by the Library Board. In practice, this authority is delegated to the Director of Collections.
The Library Board, in establishing a Collections Policy, was cognizant of the Constitution Act, 1982, Part 1, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 2b, which guarantees everyone the following fundamental freedoms, freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. The Hamilton Public Library endorses the Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries adopted by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations in 2016 and the Statement on the Intellectual Rights of the Individual adopted by the Ontario Library Association in 1998.
The presence of materials in the Library collections does not constitute an endorsement of their content or viewpoints by the Library Board. The Board recognizes that this policy is carried out in compliance and with due regard for all applicable legislation.
Where appropriate, HPL participates in resource sharing initiatives and consortium purchasing to provide the greatest access to library materials.