Our Collection Management Librarian and our Youth Services Librarian choose which items to purchase for our collection. They use various professional tools (book reviews, best seller lists, patron suggestions…) to choose individual items. Their overall decisions are guided by the Collection Management Policy.
Our Collection Management Policy is updated and approved by the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees every three years. The actual selection of materials has been delegated by the Board to the Director and staff acting within the guidelines of the policy and within the limitations imposed by the materials budget.
The Collection Management Policy defines the goals for each area of the collection (fiction, nonfiction, large-print…). A full copy of the policy is available on our website.
YES! If you feel the library should own an item not found in our catalog, you can recommend a purchase. You can recommend a purchase, by speaking to staff, filling out the print form or filling out an electronic request. To fill out an electronic request, open the catalog and click “Requests” on the upper right. All purchases are subject to our Collection Management Policy.
We add over 8,000 new items to our collection each year! Removing items from the collection (weeding) is an essential component of library collection management. We simply do not have unlimited space, and we must continually make room for new materials. Weeding is necessary to remain relevant to our users and true to our mission.
We believe (and much research supports) that patrons are better able to find what they need when shelves are attractively arranged with the most relevant materials. People do not want to sort through old or outdated materials to find what they need.
It is the job of some libraries (like the Library of Congress or other archives) to preserve materials. It is the mission of the Great Falls Public Library to serve as a connection point; we empower the community and enhance the quality of life by providing individuals access to information and social, cultural, and recreational resources. We are not an archive. It is our role to provide the materials to meet the current needs of our community. We do not have the space, the staff or the budget to properly store items that no longer meet the needs of our community.
NOTE: We do have the Montana Room special collection which does serve as a type of archive. It preserves access to specific local materials such as yearbooks and Montana history.
Items are removed from the collection for a variety of reasons. All withdrawn items have a pink “withdrawal” slip attached giving the reason for the item is being removed from the collection. We make every effort to follow best practices in all of our decisions.*
Condition: Items that are too damaged to circulate are removed from the collection. (e.g.the book with large coffee stains, the DVD scratched from dog chewing…) We often replace items which are removed because of damage.
Quality/Age of Information: Items that are outdated or no longer provide accurate information are removed from the collection. (e.g. medical books that are more than 5 years old, science items that are no longer accurate…) We attempt to purchase up-to-date materials on the same topics that are removed.
Duplicate copies: When items are new and popular, we often purchase multiple copies. Over time, these items become less popular and we do not need as many copies. We do have some space in our basement annex to store extra copies. We only keep as many copies as we think will be used by our patrons. We remove excess copies from the collection.
Lack of Interest: When items stop being of interest to our community, we remove them from the collection. We are removing most adult nonfiction items (with the exceptions of some local and collectible materials) that have not checked-out in the past 5 years. We are removing most fiction items that have not checked-out in the past 6 years. We are removing most Young Adult items that have not checked-out in the past 5 years. With Juvenile titles, we are removing items that have not checked-out in the past 3 to 6 years depending on the type of item (picture books, easy readers, chapter books, audiovisuals…).
*http://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/weeding
When an item is removed from the collection because of poor condition (coffee spills, broken spine…), the item is generally recycled or thrown in the garbage. Items removed for other reasons are usually offered for sale on our $1.00 DISCARD sale shelves. If the items do not sell, we offer them to the Friends of the Library or AAUW for their yearly book sales. For the past few years, neither organization has been interested in many of our discarded items. (If they don’t sell on our DISCARD sale shelves, they are usually items that won’t sell well in the book sale.) Most items that are left are processed and recycled. In order to recycle the books, we rip off the covers. The plastic covers are discarded. The cardboard covers are recycled as cardboard. The paper is sent to paper recycling.
YES! If you see an item you believe should remain in the collection, you are welcome to fill out a Materials Withdrawal Reconsideration Form (page 60 of our Collection Management Policy). You can request a form from any Library staff or print one from our website. Once the Library receives the form, the book or material will be set aside for reconsideration by a review committee. The review committee will recommend to the Library Board if the book should be placed back in the collection or remain withdrawn. The Library Board will have the final authority.
PROCESS:
- The Library Director will review the Request for Reconsideration Form and provide a written response within 14 days.
- If the patron is unsatisfied with the Library Director’s response, he/she may submit a written request to appeal to the Great Falls Public Library Board.
- The Library Board shall appoint a review committee consisting of a Great Falls Public Library Board member, a Great Falls Public Library patron and a Great Falls Public Library staff member. The committee shall review the Patron Request for Reconsideration Form and the Library Director’s response, then submit a written recommendation to the full Library Board within 14 days of being appointed.
- The patron appeal will be placed on the agenda of the next scheduled board meeting. After reviewing the pertinent documents (Request for Reconsideration Form, Library Director’s response & recommendation of the review committee) and hearing statements from the patron, Library staff and any public wishing to speak, the Board will make final ruling on the appeal. A written response will be sent to the patron within 14 days of the final Board decision.
The mission of the Montana Shared Catalog is to connect libraries and their users through resource sharing, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. The Montana Shared Catalog is a cooperative project involving more than 200 libraries located across the state. Public, school, academic, medical, and special libraries have pooled their resources together to purchase a robust library automation system. Members also enjoy the benefits of shared expertise and the ability to provide great service to library customers.
The MSC Partners Resource Sharing Group (Partners) is a consortium of libraries within the Montana Shared Catalog. Each Partner library opens its collections to the cardholders of all Partner libraries. Within the consortium, a Partner library cardholder in one community can reserve and check out items from a neighboring community or from a library several hundred miles away. Cardholders have access to many more materials, and to more diverse collections, than any one library could offer.
A patron whose library participates in a sharing group can place holds on items owned by Partner Libraries. Using a combination of mail and courier service, the item is delivered to the patron’s home library. Patrons have easy access to materials from all of the Partner Libraries—essentially tripling the size of the Great Falls Public Library collection.
We have lots of statistical data on Library usage.
- Click here to see a summary of our FY2023 Montana Public Libraries Statistical Report.
- Up-to-date statistics are included in the Library Board of Trustee’s packet each month. [Link to Board of Trustee page]
- You can find additional statistical information (and compare our Library to other libraries in Montana) through the Montana State Library statistical dashboard.
Yes! You may check out digital books, audiobooks and magazines using your Library Card. You can download the LIBBY app or use the online interface at https://libbyapp.com/library/montana Digital checkouts have slightly different rules than other items. You can download the Libby App on both Android / Apple devices.
- You can checkout digital books and audiobooks for 7 or 14 days.
- You may checkout up to 5 digital items at a time.
- You may place holds on up to 10 items. (You can place “tags” on as many items as you wish. You can use tags such as “want to read” to keep track of items that you want to place on hold or checkout in the future.)
Yes! The Montana Shared Catalog app makes it easy to digitally browse the library’s collections, place a hold on items, and even renew items previously checked out. If many people in your house use the library, you can link their accounts together to easily view multiple accounts all from the same device.
If you are interested in downloading Great Falls Public Library’s app, search for “Montana Shared Catalog” in your app store today. The app is available for both iOS and Android and can be downloaded to multiple devices. If you need assistance downloading the app, please contact the Library and a staff member will be able to help you!
Library cards are FREE, FREE, FREE to residents of Cascade County! The Library is publicly funded so we do not charge for our services.
If you live in Cascade County and you are 14 or older, you can get a library card by following these three easy steps
- Come down to the Great Falls Public Library at 301 2nd Avenue North and stop at the first floor checkout desk.
- Fill out the library card application.
NOTE: You will sign that you will be responsible for any fees or lost materials on your card. - Show us a picture id (driver’s license, military id, student id …) and proof of your current address. If your current address isn’t on your id, just bring in a piece of mail or a bill that does show your address.
If you live in Cascade County and are under the age of 18, you can get a library card by following these three easy steps.
- Bring your parent or legal guardian down to the Great Falls Public Library at 301 2nd Avenue North and stop at the first floor checkout desk.
- Have your parent or legal guardian fill out the library card application.
- Have your parent or legal guardian show us a picture id (driver’s license, military id …) and proof of their current address. If their current address isn’t on their id, they can just bring in a piece of mail or a bill that does show their address.
NOTE: Your parent or guardian has to sign that they will be responsible for any fees or lost materials on your card.
Montana residents who reside outside of Cascade County can purchase a library card for $30.00. Non-resident cards are valid for one year.
YES! All active military personnel stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base and their dependents are eligible for library cards. Just bring in your active duty military identification.
Just stop at the 1st floor checkout desk, show us a picture ID and we can issue you a new card. We charge $1.00 for a replacement card.
We set cards to expire after certain lengths of time. A brand-new library card expires after three months when it needs to be renewed to regular patron status. (New patrons are allowed to check out eight items, regular patrons have unlimited checkouts.) Regular patron cards expire every three years. When your card expires, staff can update it by simply confirming your current contact information.
We have cards expire for two reasons. (1) To try to keep current contact information for patrons so that we can contact you about your library-related materials. (2) To try to keep the size of our database manageable so that we only keep cards for people who are actively using the library.
Cards that have been expired for more than two years are removed from the system. If you used to have a card, but it is no longer in the system, you can get a new card.
Items check-out for 28 days. You may renew your items twice as long as no other patron has the item on hold. Renewing items allows you check it out for an additional 28 days. You cannot renew an item if another person has a hold on it.
NOTE: Hot Spots cannot be renewed. To renew an interlibrary loan, please check with staff.
During the first three months that you have your card, you can checkout up to eight items. After the first three months, you can checkout an unlimited number of items.
If you have a picture id, you can checkout materials even if you forgot your card.
A person who is unable to physically come into the library but wishes to register for a library card qualifies for a homebound card. Staff will work with you to get your items delivered. To find out more please contact our Public Services Librarian Sara Linder-Parkinson.
You cannot checkout new items if you have items that are overdue. If you have overdue items you can try to renew them. Renewing items allows you check it out for an additional 28 days. You may only renew items two times. You cannot renew an item if another person has a hold on it.
You can still checkout items if you owe less than $5.00. Once you owe more than $5.00, you cannot checkout. In order to be able to check out again, you must pay all of your fees unless you set up a payment plan with library. If you are making regular payments on a payment plan, you may continue to checkout.
You cannot checkout items if you have items that are overdue (late being returned). We do NOT charge late fees. (If your item is more than 60 days overdue, we assume that you are not returning the item and charge you for its replacement.
If you lose or damage an item, you will be charged for the replacement of the item—generally, the cost of item plus a $5.00 processing fee. If you cannot pay the cost of the item at one time, you may set up a payment plan. If you are making regular payments on a payment plan, you may continue to checkout. Patrons on a payment plan may only checkout four items at a time.
A “hold” is a reservation you place on a specific title. If the item is checked-out (or on-order), it will be “held” when it arrives back at the library. We will contact you and you will be able to come to the library and check it out. If the item is already on the library shelf, the next morning (Monday through Friday) library staff will pull the item off of the shelf and “hold” it for you. We will contact you and you will be able to come to the library and check it out. Great Falls Public Library is a member of the Partners. You may also place holds on items from any of our Partner libraries. They will ship the item to us through our courier system. We receive crates of items 5 days a week.
No. Anyone with a Great Falls Public Library card can place holds for free.
We will keep an item on the hold shelf for you for 8 days. After that time, the item is either passed to the next person who has a hold or returned to the library shelves.
Sometimes holds take longer than we would like. Usually that is for one of three reasons.
- You placed a hold on a book that we had “ON ORDER.” We sometimes order books before they are released. For example, we pre-ordered copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows three months before it was published. We could not fill the holds until the book was actually released by the publisher and sent to us.
- You placed a hold on an extremely popular item and several people have placed holds ahead of you. You will get to check out the book as soon as your turn comes. If a book is popular, we try to buy extra copies. With our limited budgets, we are not always able to buy as many copies as we would like.
- You placed a hold on an item that is lost or damaged by the person who had it checked out. If this happens, we try to order another copy. It takes time for the new copy to arrive and be ready for use. If the item is out of print and we are unable to order another copy, we will contact you and let you know that the hold cannot be filled.
There are several ways to place a hold.
- Call the library at 453-0349. Staff are happy to place items on hold for you.
- Come to the library at 301 2nd North, staff are happy to place items on hold for you.
- Place a hold using our online public access catalog or the Montana Shared Catalog App
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Great Falls Public Library ONLINE CATALOG.
- Look for the item in the catalog.
- Find the item and click on PLACE HOLD
- Enter your library card number (no spaces) and your pin.
The default pin is CHANGEME. Please call the Library 406-453-0349 if you need help with your pin. - Choose your pickup location. (Choose Great Falls Public Library or the Bookmobile depending on where you plan to pick up your item.)
- You will be notified by mail, email or text when your hold is ready. If you chose Bookmobile as your pick-up Library, you may pick it up from the Bookmobile. If you chose Great Falls Public Library, you may pick it up at the first-floor circulation desk or at the pick-up window.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Montana Shared Catalog App and login. Enter your library card number (no spaces) and your pin. The default pin is CHANGEME. Please call the Library 406-453-0349 if you need help with your pin.
- Search for the item in the catalog.
- Find the item and click on PLACE HOLD
- Choose your pickup location. (Choose Great Falls Public Library or the Bookmobile depending on where you plan to pick up your item.)
- You will be notified by mail, email or text when your hold is ready. If you chose Bookmobile as your pick-up Library, you may pick it up from the Bookmobile. If you chose Great Falls Public Library, you may pick it up at the first-floor circulation desk or at the pick-up window.
Library Physical materials donated to the library will be evaluated to fill a need or replacement in the current collection based on the collection development policy. Once accepted and processed, all gifts are subject to the Library’s regulations and procedures. Materials offered to the Library with restrictions which require special handling or which prevent integration of the materials into the general collection will not be accepted. Appraisal and delivery of items are the responsibility of the donor. Donations not used by the library will be used for Neighborhood Little Free Libraries, AAUW/Friends of the Library Book Sale or may be may be donated to various nonprofit organizations, recycled, sold by the library or disposed of as library staff deem appropriate.
AAUW and the Friends of the Library have regular collection days when they take donations of used items for their Book Sales. The Friends of the Library have a book sale each Spring and AAUW has a book sale each Fall.
All library jobs are posted at the City of Great Falls website. https://greatfallsmt.net/recreation/employment-opportunities
The Great Falls Public Library loves our volunteers! Stop by the library and pick up a volunteer application, or CLICK HERE to download our Volunteer application. Please fill it out and return it to Sarah Cawley, Community Engagement Coordinator. If we have any openings we will reach out to you.
