Dear Mr. Credi:

Thank your four your inquiry of March 22, 1993 regarding the gift subscription to the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs. This matter was discussed and tabled at the Board's January and February meetings to allow adequate time for careful examination of the issue and full participation by all Board members. We apologize for the resulting delay.

At the meeting of March 29, 1993 the following statement was unanimously adopted by the Board: "The White Plains Public Library Materials Selection Policy states the basic aim of selection is to acquire materials of current significance and permanent value which support and further the primary goals of the Library. The Library's Gift Policy states that evaluation and disposition of gift materials is the responsibility of Library staff. The Board reaffirms these written policies and supports the professianal decisions of its staff. With respect to the gift subscription in question, it is clear these policies have been applied with diligence and good faith."

Both the Board and the staff understand and accept our responsibility to provide access to information all along the spectrum of human thought and experience. We will therefore continue to seek out and make materials available that meet this and other selection criteria. Enclosed for information are copies of our policies on acquisitions and gifts.

We also recognize that evaluation of potential materials is an ongoing task. Selection criteria not met today could be met at a future time. Thus, while the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs was not selected at this time, that does not mean it could never be chosen for the Library's collection.

We appreciate your sincerity and the depth of your concerns. We thank you for calling our attention to this matter and for your patience in giving us time to consider it with proper care.

Sincerely,

Toni Cox-Burns, President
Board of Trustees