Manipulatives can be as small and simple
as panels on the ends of book stacks or as
large and involved as custom-built structures
that children can occupy. Library staff can
recommend preferred and vetted vendors.
• Computers. Check with library staff to determine
computer needs specific to the children’s area.
Teen Spaces
• The teen space should be easily identifiable
as its own space so that other patrons do not
occupy the area. This can be achieved through
physical separation (wall and door), clear
signage, and/or different finishes and furniture. It
must be easily visible from the staff service desk.
• The teen space should be physically and
stylistically separate from the children’s space.
The style of the space may be playful and fresh,
but it should not appear childlike and ideally is
not immediately adjacent to the children’s area.
• Furniture in the teen space should be easily
reconfigurable and movable by the teens
themselves. Offer a wider variety of seating
arrangements for various sizes of groups and
activities.
• It is recommended to provide a mix of lounge
seating and tables with chairs.
• When selecting furniture and finishes, assume
that teens will put their feet up on tables and
chairs.
Staff Service Points
• Ensure there is adequate space at public service
desks so two staff can navigate around each
other. It is recommended that the desk have at
least 3 feet, 6 inches of clear space behind it.
In instances where the service point serves as
a full-time workstation, each station should be
a minimum of 4 feet wide. In instances where
the service point is only a touchdown station,
the width can be less. It is recommended that
service points be 2 feet, 6 inches deep to create
a comfortable distance between staff and
patrons. Anything wider than that will create
ergonomic issues for staff.
• The public service desk should be positioned so
that staff will have a wall behind them, with two
ways to exit from behind the desk. Exits can be
swinging gates or open aisles.
1. If a full-height wall behind the service desk
is not feasible, provide a minimum 3-foothigh barrier such as a bookcase behind the desk. The goal is to create a barrier for staff
so they are not approached from behind by
the public.
• All workstations at service desks should have
sit/stand capabilities for ergonomics.
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NOLL & TAM ARCHITECTS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY STANDARDS 08 Group Study Rooms
• Provide glass at the front of group study rooms
so that staff can see inside. Provide a system for
exterior locking of the rooms.
• In instances where group study rooms cannot
be built-in or future flexibility is desired,
consider pre-fabricated study pods.
Large Meeting/Multipurpose Rooms
• Meetings spaces available after library open
hours must also have bathrooms that the public
can use.
• Provide adequate storage for tables and chairs
in a storeroom adjacent to the meeting room.
• Chairs must be lightweight, easily movable and
stackable by staff. Include dollies for ease in
moving chairs.
• Provide tables with wheels that fold and nest for
storage.
Public Computers
• Public computer stations should be located near
the public service desk in open areas within full
view of staff rather than enclosed in a computer
lab. Laptops can be used by patrons in enclosed
rooms.
• It is recommended that each public computer
station have a minimum width of 3 feet, 6
inches. Dividers between stations can be used
to create a sense of privacy. Dividers should be
lower than full height so that staff can easily see
patrons. All surfaces including dividers should
be wipeable
• Desktop computers are needed in each branch
even if laptop checkout is available. Desktop
computers are easier for older adults to use.
• ADA-accessible computer station(s) should be
provided, typically at a motorized sit/stand table
directly adjacent to the other computer stations.
Restrooms
• Provide a separate restroom for staff-only use in
the staff area.
• Consider a single stall public restroom for all
genders.
• Provide waste bins that are separate from the
paper towel dispenser unit. Wall-mounted waste
receptacles are not of adequate size and will
overflow.
• Locate paper towel dispensers adjacent to the
sink rather than on an opposite wall to minimize
water dripping onto the floor.
• Specify a folding stepstool at one lavatory to
allow for children’s handwashing. Provide family
restrooms in the children’s areas of all mid-size
and larger branches.
• Provide a vending machine of free menstrual
products at all public restrooms.
Outdoor Spaces
• Where space allows, it is recommended to
provide outdoor space for patrons that is
controlled, i.e., easily monitored and/or fully
secured (fenced).
• Provide shade in outdoor areas.
• Outdoor furniture
1. Furniture must be attached or heavily
weighted if not in a controlled/lockable
space.
2. Provide a mix of seating most suitable
for the space and its programming. For
example, picnic tables are great for outdoor
art classes whereas lounge seating is good
for adult and senior reading.
3. Provide furniture for children where
appropriate.
4. Provide for ADA accessibility.
5. Consider operations: Will chairs need to be
brought into the library by staff at night?
6. Cushions are not advised on outdoor
furniture.
Image of El Sobrante Library public computers
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NOLL & TAM ARCHITECTS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY STANDARDS 09
3. STAFF SPACES & LIBRARY OPERATIONS
Staff Entry & Shipping/Receiving Area
• All shipping and receiving areas should be easily
accessible by trucks and have an accessible
path for hand trucks. Additionally, a doorbell or
other system should be provided to alert library
staff when deliveries are made.
• The staff entry and shipping/receiving area
should be separate from the public entry.
• Provide dedicated space for receiving deliveries
and preparing outgoing shipments.
• Receiving area must be easily accessible to
trucks.
• Areas should be well lit and placed to provide
safe entry and exit after hours.
• Areas should be able to accommodate a large
number of book bins and carts. Library staff
should provide space needs for this.
Book Return
• Locate the book return to allow books to drop
into the building.
• Provide in-wall exterior returns that are adjacent
or easily accessible to parking.
• Do not use free-standing exterior book returns.
• The Contra Costa County Library does not use
AMH (automatic materials handling) systems.
• Ensure that in-wall returns have adequate
space on the staff side for a large, standardsized bin to be placed below the book chute (an ergonomic issue). Consult with library staff to
ensure that enough space is provided for the
book return area. Ensure that bookdrops are
lockable.
An example of adequate clearance not being provided
for a bin below the book drop. A cushion was placed
on the floor to receive the dropped books, which must
be collected up by staff (an ergonomic issue).
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NOLL & TAM ARCHITECTS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY STANDARDS 10 Book Processing
• Provide adequate space and equipment for
book processing in staff areas. This may entail
space for book carts, a large worktable, chairs,
and shelving.
Staff Workroom
• Provide sit/stand workstations
• Provide bulletin board space for staff at office
areas.
• Storage. Work with library staff to determine
staff storage needs.
• Private Offices. The Library Manager should
have a private office. At minimum, provide sit/
stand workstations, storage, and guest seating.
Consult with library staff about specific needs.
• Private Meeting Spaces. Staff will need a
private, enclosed space to take online meetings.
This space should seat 1-4 people, depending
on space available, and should be equipped with
power, data and adequate ventilation.
Staff Support Spaces
• Staff Lounge
1. Staff kitchenette should include countertops,
cabinetry, refrigerator, microwave, sink,
general storage, bulletin board space, and
adequate space for recycling center.
2. Staff break room should include a table and
chairs as well as comfortable lounge seating
where space allows.
• Provide a private locker for each staff member.
• Staff restroom. See 2. Public Spaces—
Restrooms.
• Provide a wellness/lactation room for staff. This
room should include a lounge chair and ottoman
or a recliner chair, a mini fridge, a side table, and
electrical outlet access.
Friends of the Library
• The Friends of the Library bookstore should not
exceed 3% of the total square footage of the
Library. This percentage includes any associated
storage and work areas.
Janitorial
• Provide designated storage space for janitorial
supplies (supplies cannot be stored in
mechanical/electrical rooms). Janitorial spaces
should include a mop sink and shelving, and
walls should be finished in FRP (fiberglassreinforced paneling). • Public programs that require food service need
to comply with current Health Department
requirements for preparing and cleaning up
food.
Image of Lafayette Library staff breakroom
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NOLL & TAM ARCHITECTS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY STANDARDS 11
4. FURNITURE
Furniture Types
• Provide a mix of furniture types throughout
the library.
• Lounge furniture
1. Avoid furniture that allows patrons to lie down,
such as sofas and long benches.
2. Avoid throw pillows or loose cushions.
3. Provide a mix of styles for a variety of ages,
abilities, and sizes. Provide some lounge
furniture with arms to support an upright
seated position for older patrons. Chairs
should have a minimum weight limit of 300
lbs.
• Tables
1. Reader tables should be mainly 2- and
4-person tables.
2. It is recommended that at least 30 inches of
width be provided for each seat at the table to
maintain comfortable personal space distances
between patrons.
3. Provide sit to stand tables as needed for ADA
access.
• Chairs
1. A mix of armchairs (30%) and armless chairs
(70%) is recommended to support varying
sizes and abilities of patrons. Chairs should be
ergonomically comfortable to accommodate
long periods of work or study. Chairs should be
lightweight and easy for patrons to move.
2. Reader chairs refer to non-lounge chairs that
are generally paired with tables. They are fixed
in height and do not have casters. Generally,
they are wood.
3. Computer chairs refer to non-lounge chairs
that sit at tables with computers. They may
have height adjustability and be on casters.
Minimum Standards for Warranties
• All furniture specified should come with a
minimum 10-year warranty.
Replacement Schedule
• Furniture should be replaced on an as-needed
basis depending on how heavily it is used, how
and where it is used, and cleaning protocol.
• In general, upholstered pieces that have a resilient
textile with a backing, that are cleaned properly,
and that are not exposed to food or drink regularly
should be replaced or assessed for replacement
after 10 years.
• Tables and chairs, especially wooden ones, can
last a lifetime if cared for properly and serviced
when broken. It is important to be diligent about
warranties and non-obsolescence clauses when
selecting furniture pieces, especially those that will
be used for a lifetime.
Furniture Location
• Furniture should be movable by staff
where possible.
Power Access
• It is recommended that every reader table in the
adult and teen areas have an in-surface power
module. It is also recommended that at least 50%
of the lounge seating in these areas have direct
access to power (via wall or floor outlet or mobile
power module).
Fabrics & Finishes
• Cleaning guidelines
1. Specify bleach-cleanable fabrics whenever
possible, even if staff does not clean furniture
with bleach, because patrons may bring and
use bleach wipes. Light colored fabrics should
not be used.
2. Specify a moisture-barrier backing for woven
fabrics whenever possible.
• Non-woven fabrics (e.g., silicone, polyurethane,
vinyl) are recommended for surfaces that patrons
will sit on or touch frequently. Woven fabrics may
be incorporated in less touched areas, such as on
chair backs, or as accents.
• Durability
1. Fabrics that meet a minimum of 100,000
double rubs in the Wyzenbeek abrasion test
are recommended.
2. Non-woven fabrics should meet all current
requirements for hydraulic testing according
to ISO 1419 or ASTM D3690, to avoid
delamination.
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NOLL & TAM ARCHITECTS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY STANDARDS 12
5. SHELVING
Heights
• Shelving heights should coordinate with
accessible reach ranges and eye levels for the
age group they serve.
• Shelving should not interfere with staff visibility
and sightlines.
• Shelving height guidelines:
1. Adult and YA Collections: 5 shelves, 66” high
2. Juvenile Collections: 5 shelves, 54” high
3. Early Literacy Collections: 3 shelves, 42” high
Manufacturers
• Library staff can recommend preferred and
vetted vendors.
Fixed Wall Shelving
• Fixed wall shelving should not exceed 6 shelves
high and should be anchored to the wall to meet
seismic standards.
• The lowest shelf should not be used for books
except in children’s and teen areas. If it is
necessary to place books on lower shelves in
adult areas, use sloped base shelving that is
higher off the floor and angled outward for
easier access.
Mobile Shelving
• Limit the width of each mobile shelving unit to
2 ranges where possible, otherwise shelving may
be too heavy for staff to move.
• Mobile shelving heights must not exceed
59 inches, per code requirements.
• Lower-shelf guidelines for mobile shelving are
the same as for fixed shelving (see Fixed Wall
Shelving in this section).
• Finish guidelines. For metal shelving, choose
from manufacturers’ standard colors (no custom
colors).
Children’s Shelving
• See 2. Public Spaces—Children’s Spaces.
Magazine & Display
• Display shelving should be mobile and allow
for books to face outward. Locate some display
shelving near the library entrance.
• Magazines should be stored and displayed in
clear acrylic boxes that sit on the shelves. Flipup perioidcal storage should be avoided.
Examples of mobile display shelving.
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1 COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT PLAN
August 2025
Subject to Staff Revision
210
2 LIBRARY MISSION STATEMENT AND
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT GOALS 3
PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT PLAN 4
CHAPTER 1: LIBRARY & COLLECTION OVERVIEW 5
CHAPTER 2: COLLECTION ASSESSMENT 10
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS SELECTION 11
CHAPTER 4: COLLECTION FORMATS 17
CHAPTER 5: SUBJECT AREAS 19
Young Adult Collections 23
Children’s Collections 23
Special Collections 25
CHAPTER 6: COLLECTION MAINTENANCE 29
CHAPTER 7: RECONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS 31
APPENDICES 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
211
3 Mission Statement
Bringing people and ideas together.
Collection Goal
Providing access to information that meets the myriad needs of a diverse community.
Collection Objectives
Library Collections are developed and maintained in a manner that supports the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural curiosity of the community. They represent diverse points of view and may include materials that some members of the public consider to be controversial in nature. The Library ensures that resources are accessible and available in a timely manner by providing multiple formats, languages, and ways to access information.
Library Mission Statement and Collection Development Goals 212
4 Purpose of the Collection Development Plan
The purpose of the Collection Development Plan is to provide Library staff and the communities they serve with a document that informs and supports the development of library collections. The plan is a flexible guide to collection development activities, balancing local community library decisions with those of the system as a whole. The plan reinforces the complementary nature of the diverse community library collections in order to best support library users throughout the county. The plan defines the nature and scope of library collections, establishes collection priorities that will correct weaknesses and maintain strengths, and sets standards for the inclusion and exclusion of resources.
The Collection Development Plan is a direct result of the Collection Development Policy approved by the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County on November 16, 1999.
See Appendix A: Board of Supervisors Resolution 99/595—Collection Development Policy for a full copy of the policy. 213
5 The Contra Costa County Library—Past and Present
The Contra Costa County Library has a rich tradition of library service. It was founded in 1913, the first year of a new commitment to countywide library service. By the 1920s, there were over forty community libraries and service to sixty-four public schools as well.
During the years following World War II, the library began to change to reflect the newly developing suburban nature of the county it served. The very first branch librarian started working in the El Cerrito Library in 1949. Service to school libraries stopped in 1953.
The suburban profile of the county led to an ambitious building program that began in the 1950s, which resulted in the construction of most of the library buildings in use today. The passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 put an end to this rapid expansion.
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors serves as the governing board for the Contra Costa County Library. In 1997, the Library was divided into five regions based on geographical location (Central, East, Lamorinda, South, and West). As stated in the Appendix A: Board of Supervisors Resolution 99/595—Collection Development Policy, the legal responsibility for the selection of library resources rests with the County Librarian.
The Collection
Individual community library collections contribute to the total scope of the county library’s holdings. Their primary role is to feature current, high-demand, and high-interest materials in a variety of formats for all ages, in addition to some retrospective titles, periodicals, and reference support.
The scope of the collection changes over time as the needs and makeup of its users change. Financial limitations must be acknowledged with as little deprivation to community needs as possible. A materials budget must respond to the addition of new formats and the evolving needs of underserved populations.
Chapter 1: Library and Collection Overview
214
6 General Collections
The Contra Costa County Library collection is composed predominantly of circulating fiction and non-fiction materials which meet the recreational, educational, and instructional needs of the community. For purposes of selecting library resources for its patrons, the library recognizes three distinct age-levels:
• The Children’s Collection is defined as resources that serve a population from birth through middle school and their adult caregivers
• The Young Adult Collection is defined as resources that serve a population from middle school through high school.
• The Adult Collection is defined as resources that appeal to any reader beyond the Children’s and Young Adult collections.
Every community library has adult, young adult, and children’s materials that comprise a core collection. The core collection consists of those materials and subjects that meet the fundamental information needs of the community. Core collections include circulating and non-circulating materials in all formats, including access to electronic resources. Core collections are designed to appeal to browsers as well as to patrons that enter the library looking for specific material.
This core collection can also be described as demand-based and actively used. Core collections are maintained and reinforced as part of the ongoing collection development process. Statistical analyses of circulation patterns, such as turnover rate, are considered during the annual review of what constitutes a core collection.
Centralized selection ensures that each community library meets its minimum core collection level. It is recognized that maintaining the balance of these collections is an on-going process.
215
7 Floating Collection (“iFloats”)
In a floating collection, materials are not owned by a particular community library but are shared by all the libraries. There are several reasons for maintaining this type of collection:
• To build on countywide collection development planning • To refresh and revitalize the materials at each location • To increase the availability of items by reducing the time spent “in-transit” • To provide faster service for patrons to receive materials • To reduce the library’s carbon footprint by limiting deliveries In a floating collection, items do not have a permanent home. When a patron returns an item, it is shelved at the location where it was returned. Similarly, un-retrieved holds on floating items are re-shelved at the requesting location. In both these cases, the catalog automatically updates the item’s record to reflect its new library location. Every community library thereby plays host to a variety of items in the floating collection at any given time.
At the Contra Costa County Library, items in this collection are designated with the term “iFloat”. The collection includes all audio-visual material and additional popular material purchased centrally.
Reference Resources
Reference materials are part of the Library’s circulating collection. They can be checked out like other library materials. Reference materials that circulate allow the broadest range of use for these often-expensive items.
Electronic Resources Collection
The importance and availability of electronic resources affects all aspects of collection development. Electronic resources transcend the physical boundaries of the community libraries and fulfill the goals of lifelong learning, connectivity, and access articulated in Contra Costa County Library’s Strategic Plan.
Electronic resources appeal to a large segment of the community and satisfy user demand for information. Electronic resources offer unlimited and remote access to simultaneous users, support equal access for all to a countywide reference collection, and provide cost effective means of providing quality information at the point of service. 216
8 eMaterials
Electronic or digital versions of various library formats are useful for meeting reference and entertainment needs and offer several advantages over conventional physical formats.
The advantages include a self-service collections with 24/7 availability that customers can browse, select, check out, stream, download, and/or listen to, on a personal device. The library’s collections include versions of popular and established titles covering a multitude of subjects and target audiences.
Purchases of electronic or digital versions may serve Library users better than the purchase of a single hard copy title. eMaterials expand a collection without needing physical space. eMaterials allow the Library to enhance the collection by providing additional access to titles in high demand and by providing countywide access to titles not represented in all libraries.
Federal Government Publications Collection
The Costa County Library has been designated a Federal Depository Library for the Tenth Congressional District since 1964. As a designated selective federal depository, the Library’s mission is to make government publications freely available for the use of the general public, and to meet the government information needs of the people who live and work in greater Contra Costa County.
In 2008, the Library began to emphasize the online electronic format to maximize both accessibility to government publications by County libraries and cost effectiveness in Library collection development. Government documents, including those in electronic format, are cataloged to promote public access.
The Library’s government collection may include census publications; tax publications; legislative proceedings, statutes, codes, and regulations; Supreme Court opinions, treaties; budgets and financial reports; labor, education, criminal justice, and health statistics; trade data; military histories; geological and environmental publications; topographic maps, flood zone and other hazard maps, county ordinances, Board of Supervisors agendas, and grand jury reports.
See Appendix B: Federal Government Publications Collection Development Policy 217
9 Special Collections
Occasionally, a community library that serves a unique population will maintain a special collection. The determination to build and maintain new special collection areas is carefully considered. Factors include community interest, available and sustainable local funding, physical space available, the existence of accessible specialized resources in other area libraries, and the realities of budget limitations.
Interlibrary Loan through LINK+
LINK+ (Link Plus) is a cooperative project among participating public and academic libraries in California and Nevada. LINK+ provides patrons of Contra Costa County Library with access to books and materials that may be outside of the scope of the Library’s collection or otherwise unavailable for acquisition. The service is free and allows patrons to directly search for and request items with their Contra Costa County Library card.
Budget Allocation
County funds for purchase of library resources are allocated to each community library based upon circulation, service area population, and any other appropriate measurements as determined by Library Administration. The expenditure of these funds is the responsibility of the Collection Development Department. Expenditure of non-County funds, including those from Friends, grants, community groups, and library foundations, is the responsibility of the recipient community library.
218
10 Chapter 2: Collection Assessment
Library collections need continuous evaluation in order to meet the library mission and collection goals. Collection assessment is an organized process for systematically analyzing and describing a library’s collection. Assessments help clarify collection development goals and provide data that can be used to set funding priorities.
Statistical tools such as circulation reports, collection turnover rates, patron surveys and staff suggestions should be used to determine how collections are being utilized and what changes should be made to meet shifting patron needs.
User Surveys
A user survey is another tool to assess library user satisfaction with resources and services.
Every 3 to 5 years, user surveys are scheduled and conducted countywide to assess satisfaction and needs against collections and services.
Non-User Surveys
To be effective, collection development must be responsive to the total community’s needs, not solely to those of the current or most active users. To better realize the library’s mission of bringing people and ideas together, the library assesses the needs of non-users in its community.
Suggestions for Purchase
Patrons and Staff are encouraged to submit a Suggestions for Purchase request to inform Collection Development staff of potential need for specific titles or subject matter. 219
11 Chapter 3: Materials Selection
Materials selection is the heart of the collection development process. Skill, knowledge, and the proper tools are necessary to make decisions that will accurately meet community needs.
The library strives to balance current, high-demand materials with those of proven, longterm interest. The library also must balance entertainment materials with informational, educational, and self-improvement materials.
Anticipated demand, media attention, subject need, and patron requests are utilized in making selection decisions. Selection decisions are based upon patron interests and the need to provide a choice of format, level of difficulty, and diverse points of view on a given topic.
Responsibility for Selection
Administrative and operational oversight is provided by the County Librarian, who delegates the selection process to staff: the Collection Development Manager, the Collection Development Staff, the Collection Development Committee, and collection planners. Additional administrative and operational oversight is provided by the Deputy County Librarian of Support Services.
Collection Development Committee
The Collection Development Committee consists of the Collection Development Manager, the Collection Development Specialist, the Deputy County Librarian for Support Services, and a select group of staff.
The Collection Development Committee provides a team approach to collection development work. Committee membership rotates through the community library based collection planner staff, with members serving at least a two-year term. The committee assists with special projects as needed and provides regular evaluation of the Collection Development Plan.
Deputy County Librarian for Support Services
The Deputy County Librarian sets the Collection Development Committee’s direction, creates goals and objectives, and ensures that Committee decisions support the Strategic Plan.
Collection Development Manager
The Collection Development Manager coordinates the work of the department and committee in order to achieve a centralized collection development approach. The Collection Development Manager also works with vendors on selection and acquisitions issues and projects.
220
12 Collection Development Specialist
The library’s Collection Development Specialist serves as the chair of the Collection Development Committee and oversees the work of the Collection Planners.
Collection Development Staff
The Collection Development staff supports the Collection Development Department in a wide array of duties and special projects, which ensures a strong and accessible collection.
Collection Planners
Collection Planners are assigned responsibility for portions of the collection by genre or subject area. Each Collection Planner is directly responsible for the selecting of materials for their assigned section of the collection.
The Collection Development Manager may offer libraries the option to select materials for special collections or replacement orders. Community Library Managers may delegate the selection responsibility to staff at their libraries. These selectors are responsible for discretionary selection of resources for inclusion in their respective collections, including material that may not be available in other community libraries. Community Libraries are responsible for local input on collection areas that are selected centrally.
Selection Criteria
Librarians apply their professional judgment and experience in selecting resources according to the general criteria listed below. All criteria do not apply to each selection. No single criterion is applicable, although total content and cost are highly considered in all selection decisions. Works that reflect life are not necessarily excluded because of frank language or controversial opinions. The Library has a responsibility to protect intellectual freedom by providing access to materials with diverse points of view. Resources are judged as a whole, rather than on isolated sections. While librarians consult reviews and other evaluative sources, demand takes precedent.
AI Generated Material
The library’s preference is to not collect AI generated or narrated works, where AI is defined as computers performing tasks which are ordinarily undertaken using human intelligence and creativity.
Potential dangers of AI generated material include:
• Threatening of the livelihood of writers and artists
• Violation of copyright by using data without permission • Inaccuracy of data/information
• Failing to acknowledge sources
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13 The Library recognizes that AI, like all technology, is a tool, one that may be utilized by original authors to assist in creating, editing, and narrating their works. Because of this reality, the library will review AI generated or influenced titles on an individual basis to determine if they meet collection development plan criteria. These titles may be added to the collection in the service of public interest.
The library will continue to support and prioritize original works by human authors within the larger goal of protecting creativity and the arts as an essential part of a healthy society.
General Selection Criteria
The general criteria listed below apply to all age-levels and formats. The sequence of these criteria is not an indication of their relative importance. All criteria do not apply to each selection.
• Relevance to diverse populations
• Current and historical significance/document of the times • Critical praise/notice/literary merit
• Usefulness
• Appropriateness of format
• Availability of resource in other libraries
• Space and budgetary considerations
• Reputation/importance of the author/artist
• Objectivity
• Collection balance/minority point of view
• Value of resource in relation to cost
• Local interest (subject, author, publisher)
• Relationship to the existing collection
• Currency of information
• Permanent value as standard work
• Readability/appropriateness for audience
• Reviews from reputable resources
Multiple Copies
The library seeks to offer access to as many copies of desirable titles as possible to meet demand. The recommended ratio of patron reserves to number of copies of an item is 5:1.
However, this ratio cannot always be met due to budget limitations. 222
14 Self-published or Self-submitted materials
Self-published or self-submitted materials are subject to the same guidelines as the general selection criteria outlined in this document. For an item to be considered the following criteria must also be met:
• Handled by a professional publishing and editing firm AND • Reviewed in a library journal, national publication, OR local media (Bay Area newspaper, television or radio station, etc.)
Crowdsourced reviews, such as those found on Amazon or Goodreads will not be considered because there is no objective standard for reviews from these sources. Because self-published materials often require original cataloging, there are additional costs associated with integrating such materials into the collection and these may affect the outcome of staff assessment of self-published materials.
Public Service staff are not responsible for assessing the materials. Items accepted for consideration are not guaranteed placement in the collection. All decisions are handled by the Collection Development Department.
See Appendix C: Local Author Submission Information
Electronic Resources Selection Criteria
Electronic resources must comply with the selection guidelines and meet the goals of the Library’s overall strategic plan. Due to the special nature of electronic resources in comparison to traditional print and audiovisual materials, additional selection criteria are necessary. In some instances, the cost benefits of online versus print access or a combination purchase of the two formats will be evaluated.
The Electronic Resources Specialist maintains and develops the Electronic Resources collection under the guidance of the Collection Development Manager.
The Electronic Resources selection criteria are separated into the following subsections.
The Library may conduct a staff and/or public trial to better evaluate the resource. 223
15 General
• Augment, fill a gap, and/or maintain the currency of the collection • Superior to current subscribing database
• Community demand
• Supplant a print equivalent
• Offer added value and advantages over the print equivalent • Target a new service population
• Reviewed by professional journals
• Contain limited commercial content or requests for additional cost-based access
User Interface
• Site is logically laid out and intuitive for searching • Compliant with current accessibility standards
• Both the novice and expert user can search the resource • Provide the appropriate search tools to locate desired information • Provide clear prompts and messages
• Offer emailing, printing, and downloading capability
• Level of training required for the staff and public to use the resource
Technology
• Remote access and simultaneous users
• User authentication compatible with Library practices in safeguarding patron privacy
• Compatible with the Library’s existing and/or future hardware and software • Support Library branding
• Reliable and stable, especially during peak usage hours • Vendor maintenance should minimally impact database usage • Monthly statistics of remote and in-house usage are available and easy to access
Vendor Considerations
• Reputable and known within the library/information community • Reliable in customer support
• Offer staff and/or public training
• Provide marketing materials that can be branded and distributed 224
16 Continual Evaluation of Existing Electronic Resources Because of the relatively high cost of these resources as well as the desire for the Library to provide the best, most focused electronic collection possible, evaluation of existing subscriptions needs to be ongoing. The Library will monitor the usage of electronic resources through monthly statistical gathering. Existing electronic resources are continuously evaluated and reports of negative changes or lack of use impact the decision regarding retention.
Gifts and Donations
The Contra Costa County Library welcomes monetary gifts to support its collections.
Unless designated to a specific location, all gifts become part of the county’s general collection budget and are used to purchase resources that will be made available to users countywide, at the discretion of the Collection Development Department. The library provides a written acknowledgment of all monetary gifts.
The library does not accept gifts or donations of physical materials. Such donations may be given to a Friends of the Library organization for their book sales or other use as the organization chooses.
See Appendix D: Gifts and Donations for more information. 225
17 Chapter 4: Collection Formats
Library staff continually evaluate new technology and new formats. Formats are chosen based on: ease of use, demand, cost, space requirements, ease of processing, and durability.
New formats are considered for the collection when it is evident from patron surveys, local requests, or industry reports, there is real or anticipated demand for the new format and that the community has the necessary technology to make use of that format. Formats currently collected by the library include:
• Book
• Compact Disc (CD)
• Digital Video Disc (DVD)
• Electronic Resources
• Large Type
• Periodicals
The library may stop collecting formats due to factors such as declining use, obsolescence, or licensing issues.
Books
Books are generally purchased in hardcover editions because of their durability. However, paperback editions are also purchased, and are preferred in cases where the hardcover edition is extremely expensive or no longer available.
Compact Discs (CDs – Music and Spoken Word)
Compact discs are purchased because of their durability and their continued position as a popular format for music and audio books. Music compact discs must be album-length; no compact disc singles or abridged fiction audio books will be added to the collection.
Digital Video Discs (DVDs)
Digital videodiscs are purchased for both the adult and children’s collections. Preference is given to wide screen editions, although full screen editions are also added. The library does not purchase Blu-Ray editions of DVDs.
Electronic Resources
Includes digital resources and materials such as databases, newspapers and magazines, eBooks and eAudiobooks, and government documents.
226
18 Large Type
Materials in this format are published with larger fonts to meet the varied needs of all readers. Large Type materials are purchased in hardcover and paperback.
Periodicals
Print magazine and newspaper subscriptions vary by location. The number of subscriptions at a particular library depend on community needs, space, and budgetary limitations. Total holdings per location are not to exceed 25. Depth of back files is standardized to:
• One year plus current year for monthly and quarterly titles • Six months plus current month for weekly and bi-weekly titles 227
19 Chapter 5: Subject Areas
Library collections are designed to reflect the broad range of community needs in Contra Costa County. Subject Area descriptions provide guidelines for the selection of materials that comprise the various age-level and topical collections that are designed to satisfy those needs.
Subject area refers to a particular section of the collection that contains similar content or format. Subject areas may overlap. These descriptions may be updated as data and information that reflects community needs changes.
The descriptions on the following pages specify the library’s practices for individual subject areas, organized by collection. Information on the weeding of these subject areas is discussed separately in Chapter 6: Collection Maintenance.
Adult Collections
The adult collection of the Contra Costa County Library reaches a broad range of users that comprise the County’s large and diverse population. Primary emphasis is on popular educational, recreational, and informational resources.
Adult Fiction
The chief purpose of the fiction collection is to provide patrons with a range of popular titles for recreational reading. Multiple copies are purchased as demand and budgetary factors allow. The library subdivides Adult Fiction into separate collections: General Fiction, Mysteries, Romance, Science Fiction, Westerns, Short Stories, and Graphic Novels. For the convenience of browsers, three of these collections—Mysteries, Science Fiction, and Graphic Novels—are shelved separate from the rest of the collection.
General Fiction
The library mainly purchases best-selling novels, popular authors, books that receive favorable reviews in professional media, and books selected by national book clubs. Works of historical and literary significance are also purchased in support of local school curricula and self-education. New editions are added as needed. Focus is on providing multiple copies of popular titles within budgetary limitations.
Mysteries
Mysteries are the library’s most frequently circulated fiction genre. Both contemporary and established mystery authors are included.
228
20 Romance
The romance genre encompasses fictional stories of love and relationships set in contemporary or historical periods.
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Science fiction covers stories and themes about the imagined future as well as variations on our own culture and society. Fantasy is a mixture of magic, romance, historical fiction, and fairy tales set in another place and time.
Short Stories
In general, selection of short stories is restricted to major authors, award-winning collections, or highly acclaimed titles. General short story collections are given a separate classification for browsing purposes. Genre story collections such as mystery or science fiction are not shelved in the general fiction collection but rather with their respective collections.
Graphic Novels
The graphic novel is defined as a book-length illustrated narrative. Due to the oftenmature subject matter of graphic novels, every new series is reviewed by staff to determine appropriate placement within the Adult, Young Adult, or Children’s collections.
Compilations of comic strips are shelved in the general nonfiction collections.
Adult Non-Fiction
Generalities 000-099
This collection focuses on technological resources for the home and business user. There is also substantial interest in unexplained/extra-terrestrial material.
In addition, practical and theoretical works in publishing, journalism, and Library Science are collected here.
Philosophy and Psychology 100-199
This section contains popular works of philosophy and psychology. Areas of high interest include philosophy, witchcraft, parapsychology, astrology, and relationships.
229
21 Religion 200-299
General religious and spiritual works and world religions are the core of this section.
Scriptures of different religions, works on atheism, popular works of spiritual interest, books on cults, and works of mythology of different cultures are represented.
Although some titles which are published by a religious institution itself may be part of the collection, proselytizing works will generally be excluded in favor of works that present an unbiased, informative point of view for the general reader.
Social Sciences - 300-399
The social science collection includes a wide variety of topics: education, crime, armed forces, law, civics, sociology, etiquette, race and ethnicity, economics, personal finance, conservation, gender and sexuality, careers, folklore, and customs. Occupational and educational test preparation material is also found in this area. These resources cover topics of general interest and do not include academic/scholarly works or textbooks.
Language 400-499
This collection consists of dictionaries and instructional material on language and grammar. Materials on English for native English speakers as well as for those learning English as a second language are included. Learning materials for major world languages and American Sign Language are represented at a beginning level.
Pure Sciences 500-599
The science and math collection is designed to meet the needs of both students and lifelong learners. Included are both popular technical subjects and some more detailed or specialized treatments. The collection includes a sizeable number of science fair project books, general math books, and material on animal and plant life.
Applied Sciences 600-699
The applied sciences encompass many subjects of popular and high consumer interest, including cooking, health and medical subjects, parenting, gardening, employment, engineering, and home improvement. These materials tend to be aimed at the general public seeking information on a non-professional level.
Arts and Recreation 700-799
This section encompasses a broad variety of arts: fine, visual, performing, decorative, and recreational. These include sports, crafts, interior design, popular culture and entertainment, graphic arts, comics and cartoons, antiques and collectibles, home landscaping and architectural design. The materials in this section are selected for general popular use.
230
22 Literature 800-899
The literature collection includes writing guides and style manuals, literary history and criticism, humor, plays, poetry, speeches, and essays.
Geography, History, and Travel 900 - 999
This collection consists of popular works intended for a general audience, supplemental material to support student learning, and current travel guides for international and national locales. Local history includes resources on Contra Costa County and surrounding communities.
Biography
This collection consists of nonfiction materials about people from all walks of life and spans early history to the present. Autobiographies and biographies are included here. Most works in this collection are popular materials appropriate for a general audience. Memoirs and collected letters are shelved in their corresponding Dewey range.
Large Type
The large type collection is primarily a duplication of titles already in the library in standard type. Popular and genre fiction, biographies, travel memoirs, self-help, medical, humor, and assorted other popular works make up the majority of the collection.
Adult Audiovisual
Film and Television
The collection for adults contains feature films, television programming, and informational videos in DVD format. The collection emphasizes feature films, including current popular interest titles and classic and contemporary cinema from around the world. Informational titles include such subjects as travel, parenting, documentaries, and the arts. TV programming includes cable and network series, and streaming series when available for purchase.
Audio books
The audio book collection consists of both fiction and nonfiction materials. The fiction area includes contemporary and established fiction with an emphasis on contemporary works. Works of fiction are represented in unabridged versions.
The non-fiction collection covers a range of subject areas including best sellers, instructional, and self-improvement topics.
Music
The adult music collection covers all genres of music, including classical, pop, rock, R&B, country, jazz, blues, reggae, world, and soundtracks. 231
23 Periodicals
The collection consists of popular titles in a broad range of subject areas.
Young Adult Collections
The Young Adult Collection strives to meet the diverse needs and interests of the County’s young adult population. The primary focus is on fiction, with some nonfiction titles on popular topics.
Young Adult Fiction
This collection supports age-appropriate materials for teens and young adults that meets the multifaceted educational, recreational, and developmental needs of this dynamic age group.
Young Adult Nonfiction
This collection generally supports recreational reading needs. Preference is given to shelving nonfiction materials within the adult collection.
Children’s Collections
The purpose of the children’s collection is to serve the community in its diverse informational and recreational pursuits. The children’s collection in the Contra Costa County Library serves a population from birth through middle school and their adult caregivers. The library makes efforts to support local academic curricula.
Children’s Fiction
Picture Books
The picture book is a fiction title with the emphasis on the illustrations. Text, vocabulary, and concepts are suitable for preschool age children to early elementary. This is a broad category of books covering many subjects of interest to young children and their families.
Early Reader Fiction
This collection serves the needs of children who are just learning to read. It includes easy to read books with few words on each page and short chapters.
These books have controlled vocabulary, large print, and visual cues for the text.
They are an introduction to independent reading. Early Readers are shelved separately from the children’s picture books and the children’s fiction. 232
24 General Fiction
The children’s fiction collection is comprised of titles meeting the recreational and educational needs of students with elementary through middle school reading levels. Effort is made to include all books that have won children’s literary awards to satisfy the demand of recreational readers and to support class assignments.
Children’s Nonfiction
General Nonfiction
The children’s nonfiction collection includes materials that meet the informational, educational and recreational reading needs of children in elementary through middle school.
The demand for browsing material is continuously balanced against a significant need for homework support materials. Popular topics such as magic, jokes, sports, crafts, comic strips, fairy tales, and folklore comprise a sizeable portion of the collection. The California school curriculum is another important force in shaping the nonfiction collection. Annual assignments such as history, animals, U.S. states, science experiments, and ancient cultures require circulating materials in significant quantities.
Children’s Audiovisual
The children’s collection includes popular movies, animated feature films, as well as nonfiction and instructional DVDs.
Board Books
Children’s board books are made of sturdy material for babies and toddlers. The text is minimal, with few words on a page or none. The purpose of the Board Book collection is to introduce books to babies, toddlers, and their parents, and to encourage families to read together. Board books are shelved separately from the children’s picture books and the children’s fiction.
Periodicals
The children’s periodical collection supports the recreational, informational, and educational needs of children through middle school.
233
25 Special Collections
The Contra Costa County Library maintains special collections that reflect the local community, history, and heritage. Special collections supplement the general collections.
These collections, except for that of Project Second Chance, are accessible to all library users.
A special collection may be a unique, self-contained, one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable resource with no need for further development, requiring appropriate preservation measures, or it may be a collection unique to one or more community libraries that requires continuing maintenance and collection development. Select items in these collections may not circulate.
Guidelines for Implementing a Special Collection
The implementation process is carried out in consultation with Library Administration and Collection Development staff to ensure project sustainability and congruence with the Library’s mission and policy.
The following special collections are currently significant library resources:
• Stories to Go
• Government Documents/Local History
• Genealogy at Walnut Creek Library
• Community Languages
• Jazz at San Ramon Library
• Lite Reads
• Library of Things
• DeLoach and Troy LGBTQ+ at El Cerrito Library
• African American at Hercules Library
Stories To Go
The Stories to Go program provides early literacy kits designed for use with children 2-5 years old. The materials in the Stories to Go program kits are chosen to augment early exposure to literature. Themed kits include stories, activities, and toys, and are designed to encourage interactive storytelling. The focus is on books with multicultural themes, characters, faces, or situations.
234
26 Government Documents and Local History
Federal Government Publications Collection
The Costa County Library has been designated a Federal Depository Library for the Tenth Congressional District since 1964. As a designated selective federal depository, the Library’s mission is to make government publications freely available for the use of the general public, and to meet the government information needs of the people who live and work in greater Contra Costa County.
In 2008, the Library began to subscribe to Marcive’s Documents without Shelves.
The service ensures the library maintains Depository status by providing open access to federal documents through the Library catalog. The online electronic format maximizes both accessibility to government publications and cost effectiveness in Library collection development and replaces the need for an expansive physical collection. The Library is now recognized by the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) as an electronic depository with a small collection of historical government information in print format.
Responsibility for collection development and maintenance of the documents collection officially rests with the County Librarian and is delegated to the Collection Development Manager. Selection policy, criteria, and goals and objectives must meet any requirements necessary to maintain depository status, and they must also be consistent with the library’s overall mission and collection development policy and plan. The collection emphasizes reference, statistical, and popular materials over those for instructional or research purposes.
Community Library Government Document Collection
Most community libraries have a Government Documents section that houses documents from the local municipal government, other governmental agencies, and local industries. The extent and types of material in each library varies depending on local regulatory guidelines.
Local History
Local History collections can be found in most community libraries and are maintained by branch staff.
235
27 Genealogy
The genealogy collection at the Walnut Creek library is a large collection of resources that includes books, pamphlets, newsletters, magazines, and microform. The collection was originally established by members of the Contra Costa County Genealogy Society. The books are of a general genealogical nature and relate directly to the study of or search for lineage or family or individual ancestry. The collection emphasizes American genealogy and includes genealogies for specific geographical regions, family histories, military members, immigration/passenger records, church records, and ethnic genealogies.
Community Languages
Community Language collections offer material for adults and children in various formats and are housed at the community library level depending upon the local demographics and the identified local need for substantial material in a particular non-English language.
Distributed throughout the county are distinct collections of Chinese (simplified and traditional), Russian, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi, and Farsi.
Jazz
The Jazz Collection at San Ramon resulted from the community library’s successful competition for the Smithsonian Institution’s first jazz exhibit. Recording companies and performing artists first contributed over 400 CDs to the library. Funds from the exhibit helped to acquire additional CDs, videos, books, and sheet music to form a special collection of unusual strength and breadth. Collection development and maintenance is the responsibility of the San Ramon Library staff.
Lite Reads
Lite Reads is a collection of titles curated specifically for new adult readers. It features books with simple vocabulary and short chapters while maintaining high interest and relevant storylines for adults. The Lite Reads collection is easily browsable and featured regionally throughout the County.
Library of Things
This collection is comprised of non-traditional items available for patrons to borrow, including ukeleles, stocked backpacks for hiking, energy efficient tool kits for homes, C-pen readers, STEAM kits for kids, Raspberry Pi coding kits, wi-fi hotspots, and California State Park entrance passes.
236
28 DeLoach and Troy LGBTQ+
The DeLoach and Troy collection, established in 2018, is a collection of materials for all ages that includes fiction and nonfiction materials relating to gender identity and sexual orientation. The collection was created from a donation from El Cerrito community members Eugene S. Troy and James S. DeLoach. Collection development and maintenance is the responsibility of the El Cerrito Library staff.
African American
The African American collection was founded at the inception of the Hercules branch in 2006. This collection exists to serve as a resource for the African American community in Hercules and for all residents of Contra Costa County of every background. The purpose is to highlight, reflect, and share the history and culture of the African American community in the United States, and features many of the voices, experiences, and intersections that make up this specific community. Collection development and maintenance is the responsibility of the Hercules Library staff.
Juvenile Hall Outreach
The Contra Costa County Library manages a special collection for incarcerated teens at the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall in Martinez. The Juvenile Hall library has its own collection development plan. However, residents may also request books from the County library system provided they meet Juvenile Hall’s collection development criteria.
Betty Frandsen Library at John A. Davis Juvenile Hall
The John A. Davis Juvenile Hall is a maximum-security facility for juvenile offenders up to age 25. In November of 2006, the Betty Frandsen Library was established at Juvenile Hall with the mission of promoting a love of literature and reading, supporting the school curriculum, and encouraging the development of a lifelong habit of self-directed learning. The library is operated jointly by a Librarian, Probation Department staff, and volunteer staff. The librarian is chiefly responsible for the selection of materials which meet the educational, informational, recreational, career/vocational, and personal needs of its users. Certain materials are prohibited from the collection and may include hate literature; materials that promote or glorify gang activity; violence; drug and alcohol abuse/use; irresponsible sexual behavior; materials that are predominantly sexually graphic; telephone books; newspapers; and movies rated higher than PG-13. This library maintains its own site-specific policy document with specific guidelines for the selection of materials, reconsideration of materials, and circulation and visitation procedures. 237
29 Project Second Chance
Project Second Chance (PSC) is the Library’s adult literacy program. It trains community volunteers to provide one-on-one literacy tutoring to people sixteen years of age or older and out of high school. The program is headquartered from a non-library location in Concord and has offices in the Antioch, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, and San Pablo Libraries.
PSC resources are purchased specifically for the program’s learners and tutors. The PSC collection of instructional materials includes textbooks, workbooks, and teacher’s guides; hands-on manipulatives; online learning programs; audiobooks; and collections of poetry, essays, novels, and works of non-fiction written for adult learners. These items are not listed in the Library’s catalog and may not be borrowed by the general public. 238
30 Chapter 6: Collection Maintenance
Weeding (De-Selection)
Weeding is an essential element of collection development that ensures that Library materials are useful and accessible. Collections evolve over time to meet changes in community needs and to reflect the Library’s goals.
Weeding is an evaluation of resources intended to remove items that are no longer useful from the collection. When libraries do not weed regularly or consistently, customers have trouble finding interesting and relevant materials. Removing outdated or worn-out items makes the collection more accessible. Library staff may withdraw and discard materials when they are obsolete, little used, in unusable condition, or replaced by a new edition or more authoritative title on the subject.
Every library’s collection is limited by the space available to house it. In order to maintain a current and useful collection, systematic evaluation and regular weeding is necessary.
It keeps the collection responsive to patron needs and makes room for the influx of new resources that continuously replenish the collection. The weeding process identifies damaged items, dated resources, and items that are no longer being used. Weeding also aids in the identification of areas where new resources may be needed.
Weeding Schedule and Tools
Librarians are responsible for regular evaluation of collections in their branch following the weeding schedule and guidelines established by Collection Development Staff. The schedule and guidelines incorporate weeding de-selection guidelines and other reports to ensure outdated information and underused or overused materials are removed or replaced. A variety of criteria and assessment procedures are utilized.
Evaluation Criteria:
• Physical condition of materials
• Availability of newer, more comprehensive, or more accessible material • Relevance to collection and scope of collection
• Ease of borrowing materials from another library
• Reflection of community needs
• Date of last circulation and number of circulations
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31 Social Perspectives
Because social perspectives shift over time, what was once an accepted view years ago may be considered inappropriate today. The goal is to offer balanced coverage while preserving intellectual freedom. Items are not weeded based solely on frank or controversial content.
For further review of de-selection guidelines, please refer to Appendix E: Weeding (De-Selection) Guidelines Chart 240
32 Chapter 7: Reconsideration of Materials
The Library has created a formal procedure for review of challenged materials.
The procedure establishes a framework for registering and responding to a complaint while defending the principles of intellectual freedom as set by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
For more details on the procedure, refer to Appendix G: Patron Request for Reconsideration See also: Appendix F: Library Bill of Rights
See also: Appendix H: Freedom to Read Statement
241
33 APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Board of Supervisors Resolution 99/595—Collection Development Policy 242
34 243
35 PURPOSE OF COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
1. Collection development is the process of ensuring that the information needs of the community are met in a timely and economic manner using professional judgment and appropriate resources.
2. The purpose of this Collection Development Policy is to provide the community and the library staff with a document that provides justification for the development of library collections.
3. The Policy is based upon firm principles of professional librarianship and intellectual freedom.
4. The Policy is a document that informs its users of the nature and scope of library collections and sets standards for the inclusion or exclusion of resources.
5. The Policy serves as a guide for day-to-day collection development activities and its flexibility allows staff to exercise its professional judgment as it acts in the best interests of the community.
244
36 Appendix B:
Federal Government Publications Collection Development Policy The Contra Costa County Library was designated as the Federal Depository Library for the Tenth Congressional District in October, 1964. As a designated selective federal depository, the Library’s mission is to make government publications freely available for the use of the general public and to meet the government information needs of the people who live and work in greater Contra Costa County.
Access to Government Publications
The Contra Costa County Library is a selective repository for federal, state and local documents. The Contra Costa County Library was designated as the Federal Depository Library for the Tenth Congressional District in October, 1964. As a designated selective federal repository, the Contra Costa County Library makes government publications freely available for the use of the general public.
Government documents in Electronic Format are obtained from the library’s subscription to Marcive Documents Without Shelves and can be accessed directly from the Library’s online public catalog.
A limited number of State and local government publications in tangible format are cataloged and integrated into the Library’s regular reference and circulating collections.
In addition, The Catalog of U. S. Government Publications makes all depository library selections and online publications available to the public. 245
37 Appendix C: Local Author or Self-published Submissions Welcome Local Authors,
If you are interested in submitting your work, the Library will consider adding materials which are:
• within the general selection criteria guidelines of our Collection Development Plan, AND
• handled by a professional publishing and editing firm, AND • reviewed in a library journal, national publication, AND/OR professional media, including local news or magazine
If your authored work meets the above criteria, please send the review and press release information with Attn: Collection Development Manager to your local library and/or email [email protected]
246
38 Appendix D: Gifts and Donations
Physical Materials
The Library does not accept gifts of materials or subscriptions. Patrons are able to suggest titles for purchase.
Monetary Gifts
1. Gifts from Friends or Foundations
Annual commitments by Friends of the Library or Foundation groups should be made in writing.
Before the beginning of each fiscal year, each Friends of the Library or Foundation group should, to the best of their ability, provide the library with an estimate of the amount of money that will be donated during the upcoming fiscal year. Any additional commitments can be made in similar fashion any time throughout the year.
2. Gifts from Other than Friends or Foundation
Monetary gifts can be made to the library system as a whole or to a specific community library to be spent on resources, equipment, or library programs. 247
39 Appendix E: De-selection (Weeding) Guidelines Chart
De-selection guidelines are used to evaluate library materials based on age and circulation. They help identify materials that need to be withdrawn, whether out of date or underutilized. The fact that an item is circulating may indicate demand for information on that subject, not that the specific item is still accurate/useful.
Key to the De-Selection Guidelines Chart
• The guidelines appear in a two-digit format.
• The first digit is the maximum years since publication date (X=any). • The second digit is the maximum years allowed without circulating (X=any). • Most items in the chart may be weeded regardless of publication date if they haven’t circulated in two years: X/2
• An entry with a specific number of years since publication should not be kept longer: 3/X indicates an item should be withdrawn after 3 years due to time-sensitivity.
248
40 Adult/YA Collection
000
004-006
025.04
100
200
300
330
340
350
400
500
600
610
636
700
800
900
Biography
Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Computers
Internet
Real Estate
Legal Self-help
Test Prep
Medicine
Veterinary Medicine
Travel Guides
X/2
3/X
3/X
X/2
X/2
X/2
3/X
3/X; current edition only
3/X; current edition only
X/2
X/2
X/2
3/X
3/X
X/2
X/2
3/X
X/2
X/2
X/2
Local Government/Industrial Documents 5/X (or as indicated above) Draft versions may be discarded when final versions are received (refer to the introduction to determine if the draft should also be kept). Documents with historical value to the community should be retained. These may include general plans setting out a long-term vision, or reports for projects with a lasting effect on the development of the area (for example, the plans for the former Naval Weapons Station in Concord). Base decisions on what to retain on knowledge of the community. 249
41 State/Federal Repository documents 5/X (or as indicated above) (Please consult with Collection Development before deselecting) J000
J004-006
025.04
J100
J200
J300
J400
J500
J600
J610
J700
J800
J900
J940-J990
JBiography
Fiction
JPB, JE, Board
JFiction
Computers
Internet
Medicine
Countries, States
X/2
3/X
3/X
X/2
X/2
X/2
X/2
X/2
X/2
3/X
X/2
X/2
X/2
5/X
X/2
X/2
X/2
X/2
Adult/YA Collection
250
42 Appendix F: Library Bill of Rights
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961; June 28, 1967; and January 23, 1980, inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council. 251
43 Appendix G: Patron Request for Reconsideration Procedure A patron who has a complaint about library materials should be referred to the Community Library Manager, the appropriate age-level librarian, or the staff member in charge at the time. Community library staff should make every attempt to calmly and courteously resolve the complaint at the local level. It is most important that the patron be listened to and taken seriously. Most of the time, simply hearing the patron out will satisfactorily conclude the matter.
If not satisfied, the patron must be given the opportunity to fill out the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Form (Form 4.17).
Note: If a patron is simply asking whether the library intends to purchase a particular controversial title, the Community Library Manager should consult with the Collection Development Manager, who may speak directly with the patron.
Once Form 4.17, Request for Reconsideration of Library Material, has been filled out, the following steps will be taken:
1. The staff member who receives the completed Request for Reconsideration of Library Material (Form 4.17) signs and dates it.
2. The Request for Reconsideration of Library Material (Form 4.17) is scanned and emailed to Library Leadership and the Collection Development Manager on the same day it is received. The original form should be sent to the Collection Development Manager in the next shipment. The community library should retain a copy of the submitted form for its files.
3. The County Librarian sends a letter of acknowledgement to the patron within 2 business days of receiving the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material (Form 4.17). The letter of acknowledgment will specify the timeframe for the Library’s response.
4. A staff committee will objectively evaluate the specific item under reconsideration to determine if it should remain in the collection. This committee will consist of the Collection Development Manager and two librarians involved in the selection of materials. Within the review period, the review committee will reach a consensus and draft a response to the patron.
The response will address each specific point raised in the request.
5. The draft response will be submitted to the County Librarian, who will make a formal response to the patron within the stated timeframe. The community library where the request originated will receive a copy of the response, as will the members of the review committee.
252
44 Form 4.17 Revised 11-23 1
Library Loca�on_______________
Staff Name_______________
Date received_________
Contra Costa County Library
Request for Reconsidera�on of Library Material
Contra Costa County Library selects materials with great care, using established professional standards and giving full considera�on to the varying educa�onal, recrea�onal, and informa�onal needs of all our patrons, including age of the intended audience. Our selec�on criteria are described in full in the Collec�on Development Policy which is available on the Library’s website. • Patrons seeking reconsidera�on must be Contra Costa County Library cardholders. • A �tle will not be removed from the collec�on while it is being reviewed. • A �tle will only be reviewed once within a five-year period, unless the content has undergone major revisions.
• Please return this form directly to a staff member at any service desk, and we will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days.
• The contents of this form once submited become part of public record, with personally iden�fying informa�on redacted.
Name:_____________________________ Date:____________________ Street Address:_______________________________________
City:_________________ State:__________ Zip Code:___________ Phone Number:_______________ Email Address:____________________ Library Card Number: __________________________________________ I represent (circle one):
Myself An Organiza�on (Include Name):__________________________ Type of Material (Circle One):
Book DVD Magazine Newspaper Database/Electronic Other
Author/Producer:_______________________________
Title:_________________________________________
(Con�nued on other side)
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45 Form 4.17 Revised 11-23 2
Did you read, listen to, or view the en�re work? Yes No Please describe your concerns regarding this material:
What specific pages/sec�ons illustrate your concern?
What would you like the library to do about this item?
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46 Appendix H: Freedom to Read Statement
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety or national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals.
We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.
Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy:
that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression.
These efforts at suppression are related to a larger pattern of pressures being brought against education, the press, art and images, films, broadcast media, and the Internet. The problem is not only one of actual censorship. The shadow of fear cast by these pressures leads, we suspect, to an even larger voluntary curtailment of expression by those who seek to avoid controversy or unwelcome scrutiny by government officials.
Such pressure toward conformity is perhaps natural to a time of accelerated change. And yet suppression is never more dangerous than in such a time of social tension. Freedom has given the United States the elasticity to endure strain. Freedom keeps open the path of novel and creative solutions, and enables change to come by choice. Every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of our society and leaves it the less able to deal with controversy and difference.
Now as always in our history, reading is among our greatest freedoms. The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.
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47 We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. We believe that these pressures toward conformity present the danger of limiting the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend. We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and to circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
We therefore affirm these propositions:
It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority.
Creative thought is by definition new, and what is new is different. The bearer of every new thought is a rebel until that idea is refined and tested. Totalitarian systems attempt to maintain themselves in power by the ruthless suppression of any concept that challenges the established orthodoxy. The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them. To stifle every nonconformist idea at birth would mark the end of the democratic process. Furthermore, only through the constant activity of weighing and selecting can the democratic mind attain the strength demanded by times like these. We need to know not only what we believe but why we believe it.
Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated.
Publishers and librarians serve the educational process by helping to make available knowledge and ideas required for the growth of the mind and the increase of learning.
They do not foster education by imposing as mentors the patterns of their own thought.
The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
It is contrary to the public interest for publishers or librarians to bar access to writings on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author. 256
48 No art or literature can flourish if it is to be measured by the political views or private lives of its creators. No society of free people can flourish that draws up lists of writers to whom it will not listen, whatever they may have to say.
There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.
To some, much of modern expression is shocking. But is not much of life itself shocking? We cut off literature at the source if we prevent writers from dealing with the stuff of life.
Parents and teachers have a responsibility to prepare the young to meet the diversity of experiences in life to which they will be exposed, as they have a responsibility to help them learn to think critically for themselves. These are affirmative responsibilities, not to be discharged simply by preventing them from reading works for which they are not yet prepared. In these matters values differ, and values cannot be legislated; nor can machinery be devised that will suit the demands of one group without limiting the freedom of others.
It is not in the public interest to force a reader to accept the prejudgment of a label characterizing any expression or its author as subversive or dangerous.
The ideal of labeling presupposes the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is good or bad for others. It presupposes that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. But Americans do not need others to do their thinking for them.
It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians, as guardians of the people’s freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom by individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large; and by the government whenever it seeks to reduce or deny public access to public information.
It is inevitable in the give and take of the democratic process that the political, the moral, or the aesthetic concepts of an individual or group will occasionally collide with those of another individual or group. In a free society individuals are free to determine for themselves what they wish to read, and each group is free to determine what it will recommend to its freely associated members. But no group has the right to take the law into its own hands, and to impose its own concept of politics or morality upon other members of a democratic society. Freedom is no freedom if it is accorded only to the accepted and the inoffensive. Further, democratic societies are more safe, free, and creative when the free flow of public information is not restricted by governmental prerogative or self-censorship.
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49 It is the responsibility of publishers and librarians to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought and expression. By the exercise of this affirmative responsibility, they can demonstrate that the answer to a “bad” book is a good one, the answer to a “bad” idea is a good one.
The freedom to read is of little consequence when the reader cannot obtain matter fit for that reader’s purpose. What is needed is not only the absence of restraint, but the positive provision of opportunity for the people to read the best that has been thought and said.
Books are the major channel by which the intellectual inheritance is handed down, and the principal means of its testing and growth. The defense of the freedom to read requires of all publishers and librarians the utmost of their faculties, and deserves of all Americans the fullest of their support.
We state these propositions neither lightly nor as easy generalizations. We here stake out a lofty claim for the value of the written word. We do so because we believe that it is possessed of enormous variety and usefulness, worthy of cherishing and keeping free. We realize that the application of these propositions may mean the dissemination of ideas and manners of expression that are repugnant to many persons. We do not state these propositions in the comfortable belief that what people read is unimportant. We believe rather that what people read is deeply important; that ideas can be dangerous; but that the suppression of ideas is fatal to a democratic society. Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.
A Joint Statement by:
American Library Association
Association of American Publishers
Subsequently endorsed by:
American Booksellers for Free Expression
The Association of American University Presses
The Children’s Book Council
Freedom to Read Foundation
National Association of College Stores
National Coalition Against Censorship
National Council of Teachers of English
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression This statement was originally issued in May of 1953 by the Westchester Conference of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council, which in 1970 consolidated with the American Educational Publishers Institute to become the Association of American Publishers.
Adopted June 25, 1953, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee; amended January 28, 1972; January 16, 1991; July 12, 2000; June 30, 2004. 258
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Acme St.
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Scale: 1" = 60'
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0 30 60 120 ft.
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Acme St.
Main St. - Commercial
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Vintage Parkway
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Library Operations
Library Public Spaces
Shared
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City Spaces
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Current Project
Scope
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A1. Concept Site Plan
Scale: 1" = 60'
Oakley Library & Community Center
Concept Design - 2/2/26
0 30 60 120 ft.
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Acme St.
Main St. - Commercial
Norcross Ln. - Residential
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Vintage Parkway
Site Wall
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Trash City Event
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STAFF REPORT
City of Oakley | 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561
O (925) 625-7000 | F (925) 625-9859 | www.oakleyca.gov
DATE: February 10, 2026
TO: Joshua McMurray, City Manager
FROM: Ken Strelo, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Work Session to Discuss the Feasibility of Permitting Unhosted Stay Short-Term Rentals in the Downtown Specific Plan and an Update on SB 346 (Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025)
Background
SUMMARY
In April of 2025, Staff conducted a Planning and Zoning Work Session with the City Council that included three main topics. One of those topics was on short-term rentals (“STR”), specifically in the downtown. Staff presented information that all STRs in Oakley are subject to the same set of regulations One of those regulations is for all STRs to be operated as a “hosted stay,” which requires the owner to remain on site throughout the guest’s stay (except during daytime and/or work hours). The City Council raised the question of whether unhosted stays could be considered in either the entire downtown or perhaps certain subareas of the downtown. A question was also raised of how many dwelling units such a regulation may affect if put into place. This work session serves to provide additional information for the City Council to continue the discussion. Also, Staff is providing additional information related to a law enacted last year (SB 346 (Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025)) that would allow the City to request reports from Short-Term Rental Facilitators (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO) as often as every three months and require them to list each STRs’ license number and Transient Occupancy Tax certification with its listing.
DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN
The Downtown Specific Plan (“DSP”) was adopted in 2010 and serves as the zoning document for downtown Oakley and the immediate surrounding area. The DSP encompasses approximately 80 acres of land divided into three subareas known as the Downtown Core Area (“DSP-DC”), Downtown Support Area (“DSP-DS”), and Residential Commercial Conversation Area (“DSP-RCCO”).
• The DSP-DC is made up mostly of commercial uses on the north and south of Main Street from Vintage Parkway to Fourth Street.
• The DSP-DS is made up of both commercial and residential uses south of the DSP-DC and along Main Street from Fourth Street to the canal crossing on Main Street. It also includes the area north and south of Main Street west of Approved and
Forwarded to the
City Council
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City of Oakley | 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561
O (925) 625-7000 | F (925) 625-9859 | www.oakleyca.gov
Vintage Parkway, to Gardenia Avenue on the south and to the rear of the homes lining Miguel Drive on the north.
• The DSP-RCCO includes the remaining area north of Home Street, east of Norcross Lane, and west of Del Antico Avenue and consists of residential uses. Figure 1 shows the DSP Subarea Map.
Figure 1. Downtown Specific Plan Subarea Map
Staff conducted a count of the approximate number of residential dwelling units in the DSP using aerial imagery. It is estimated that approximately 200 units exist within the boundaries of the DSP with about half of those units existing in the DSPRCCO. A majority of the remaining units exist in the DSP-DS. There are a limited number of units in the DSP-DC and most are likely part of a mixed-use building.
SB 346 (SHORT-TERM RENTAL FACILITATOR ACT OF 2025)
On October 13, 2025, the Governor of California signed SB 346 into law. The law authorizes California cities to require companies like Airbnb and VRBO (i.e., ShortTerm Rental Facilitators) to report data on rental listings. These reports can assist cities in achieving compliance with STRs obtaining permits through the City and in collecting Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) from the STRs. The current TOT is equal to 10% of the rent charged by the operator. Essentially, SB 346 results in tools to allow cities to better audit permitted STRs operating within their jurisdiction and learn about non-permitted STRs that may have licenses through a facilitator, but no STR permit through the city. SB 346 also allows cities to add language to their ordinance that requires facilitators to provide reports to the city (as often as every three months) and list license numbers and TOT certification numbers directly on the STRs online listings. Failure to timely provide reports or list such information on registered STRs could result in administrative citations being issued to the facilitator. 278
City of Oakley | 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561
O (925) 625-7000 | F (925) 625-9859 | www.oakleyca.gov
HOSTED STAYS, UNHOSTED STAYS AND VACATION RENTALS
During the April 2025 work session, a question was raised for consideration on whether the Council would consider allowing unhosted stays within any of the subareas of the DSP. An unhosted stay “means a short-term rental where the owner remains off site during the guest’s stay.” Unhosted stays differ from hosted stays in that hosted stays “means a short-term rental where the owner remains on site throughout the guest’s stay (except during daytime and/or work hours).” The STR ordinance prohibits unhosted stays citywide.
In context, a hosted stay would require the owner to stay residing at the home during the stay, except when they may be present at work, or during the day. This would mean the owner would stay in the home overnight and before and after work. The code is not meant to require an owner to never leave the home for errands or other daily needs, and there could be rare cases where an owner works a graveyard shift, meaning they may not be present at night and then not be required to be present during the day. The main point of the requirement is that owners don’t leave town or vacation for days at a time while renting the STR. For all intents and purposes, this requires the owner to maintain and use living quarters in the STR even when it is being rented as an STR. An example of this would be an STR is rents out a portion of the home or a room in the home, but likely not the entire home. An unhosted stay would allow an owner that lives in the home as a primary residence not to be present during the stay and potentially rent the entire home and not maintain living quarters in the home during the stay.
In addition to hosted stays and unhosted stays, the STR ordinance also defines vacation rental as “a short-term rental that is not the owner’s primary residence.” The STR ordinance prohibits vacation rentals citywide.
OPERATIONS
The current STR ordinance includes an operational requirement that would remain in place whether the STR were to be operated as a hosted stay, unhosted stay, or vacation rental. The requirement is found in Oakley Municipal Code section
5.15.118 (Operations) part “a” and states the following:
While a short-term rental unit is rented, the owner shall be available twentyfour (24) hours per day, seven days per week for the purpose of responding within sixty (60) minutes to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental unit or their guests.
Discussion
The purpose of this work session is to discuss the two main topics presented herein and provide majority consensus direction back to Staff. The two main topics for discussion are as follows:
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City of Oakley | 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561
O (925) 625-7000 | F (925) 625-9859 | www.oakleyca.gov
• Whether to allow any specific one, two or all three subareas in the DSP to have unhosted stays and possibly vacation rentals; and
• Whether to update the STR ordinance with language to implement SB 346.
A marked-up version of the STR Ordinance (Chapter 5.15 of the Oakley Municipal Code) is included as an attachment to this Staff Report. In that attachment, there are three areas with potential text additions to assist the City Council in its discussions. The additions are included in red and blue text.
RED TEXT ADDITIONS
The additions in red text are those that Staff has added as main options for amendments to the ordinance. These additions would allow STRs in the DSP, or any specific subarea of the DSP, as directed by the City Council, to have unhosted stays. The other part of the red text is to implement SB 346.
BLUE TEXT
The addition in blue text is an additional option that could be considered should the City Council direct Staff to proceed with a text amendment to the code to allow unhosted stays in the DSP or any subarea of the DSP. It would allow for vacation rentals in the same portion of the DSP as the unhosted stays.
Consistency with the Oakley Strategic Plan 27+
Holding a work session on Planning and Zoning-related topics is consistent with applicable Strategic and Thoughtful Growth Objectives in the Community and Economic Goal of the Oakley Strategic Plan 27+.
Fiscal Impact
Staff time and materials to prepare this report are covered by the General Fund.
Requested City Council Feedback
The purpose of this work session is to facilitate discussion with the City Council.
Staff will receive direction, if any, from the City Council and proceed as directed.
Attachments
1. Notice of Work Session
2. Short-Term Rentals Ordinance (OMC chapter 5.15) – with mark ups 280
NOTICE OF WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that on February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, the City Council of the City of Oakley will hold a Work Session at the Council Chambers located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 for the purposes of considering the application described below:
Project Name: Work Session to Discuss the Feasibility of Permitting Unhosted Stay Short-Term Rentals in the Downtown Specific Plan and an Update on SB 346 (Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025).
Project Location: Downtown Specific Plan area of the City of Oakley, Oakley, CA 94561.
Applicant: City-initiated Work Session.
Request: In April of 2025, Staff conducted a Planning and Zoning Work Session with the City Council that included three main topics. One of those topics was on short-term rentals (“STR”), specifically in the downtown. Staff presented information that all STRs in Oakley are subject to the same set of regulations One of those regulations is for all STRs to be operated as a “hosted stay,” which requires the owner to remain on site throughout the guest’s stay (except during daytime and/or work hours). The City Council raised the question of whether unhosted stays could be considered in either the entire downtown or perhaps certain subareas of the downtown.
A question was also raised of how many dwelling units such a regulation may affect if put into place. This work session serves to provide additional information for the City Council to continue the discussion. Also, Staff is providing additional information related to a law enacted last year (SB 346 (Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025)) that would allow the City to request reports from Short-Term Rental Facilitators (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO) as often as every three months and require them to list each STRs’ license number and Transient Occupancy Tax certification with its listing.
How to Review: The Staff Report and its attachments will be available for public review, on February 5, 2026, at City Hall, 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 or online at www.ci.oakley.ca.us/agendas-minutes-videos-archive/ by navigating to the February 10, 2026 City Council agenda and clicking the project title link. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments prior to and may testify at the public hearing. Written comments may be submitted to Ken Strelo, Community Development Director, at the City of Oakley, 3231 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 or by email to [email protected].
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN pursuant to Government Code Section 65009(b) that, if this matter is subsequently challenged in Court by you or others, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else has raised at a Public Hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Oakley City Clerk at, or prior to, the Public Hearing. 281
Chapter 15
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
5.15.102 Title of Chapter.
This chapter shall be referred to as the "Short-Term Rental Ordinance." (Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.104 Purpose.
a. The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the use of privately owned dwelling units as short-term rentals in order to minimize the adverse effects of shortterm rentals on the surrounding residential neighborhoods, ensure that short-term rentals are consistent with the City’s municipal code, and preserve the residential character of the neighborhoods where short-term rentals are located. b. This chapter is not intended to provide any person with the right or privilege to use a dwelling unit as a short-term rental where such use is not otherwise allowed by law, homeowner’s association agreement, rental agreement, or any applicable conditions, covenants, and restrictions to the dwelling unit that may prohibit the use of such dwelling unit as a short-term rental.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.106 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
a. "Applicable laws, rules and regulations" means any laws, rules, regulations and codes (whether local, State or Federal) pertaining to the use and occupancy of a privately owned dwelling unit as a short-term rental.
b. "Applicant" means the owner of the short-term rental unit or the owner’s authorized agent or representative.
c. "City Manager" means that person acting in the capacity of the City Manager of the City of Oakley or his or her designee.
d. "Good neighbor brochure" means a document prepared by the City that summarizes the general rules of conduct, consideration, and respect, including without limitation provisions of the Oakley Municipal Code and other applicable laws, rules, or regulations, pertaining to the use and occupancy of short-term rental units. 282
e. "Hosted stay" means a short-term rental unit where the owner remains on site throughout the guest’s stay (except during daytime and/or work hours). f. "Owner" means the owner of a dwelling unit who rents their primary residence as a short-term rental unit and who is responsible for compliance with this chapter. The owner shall be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for the purpose of: (1) responding within sixty (60) minutes to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental unit; and (2) taking remedial action to resolve any such complaints.
g. "Primary residence" means an owner’s permanent residence as documented by at least two of the following and in the owner’s name: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, voter registration, tax documents showing the dwelling unit as the owner’s residence, or a utility bill. A person may only have one primary residence and must reside there for a minimum of nine months per year.
h. "Property" means a residential legal lot on which the short-term rental unit is located.
i. "Responsible person" means a transient occupant of a short-term rental unit who is at least twenty-five (25) years of age and who is legally responsible for ensuring that all transient occupants of the short-term rental and their guests comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of a short-term rental. j. "Short-term rental permit" means a permit that allows the use of a privately owned residential dwelling as a short-term rental unit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. k. "Short-term rental unit" means an accessory use of a privately owned residential dwelling, such as, but not limited to, a single-family dwelling or multiple-family building, apartment unit, condominium, or duplex, for the purposes of providing temporary lodging, for compensation, for periods of thirty (30) consecutive days or fewer. Any dwelling unit used as a short-term rental unit shall be considered a "hotel" for the purposes of Chapter 3.2 related to uniform transient occupancy tax. l. "Transient" for purposes of this chapter means any person who seeks to rent or who does rent a short-term rental unit for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or fewer. m. "Unhosted stay" means a short-term rental unit where the owner remains off site during the guest’s stay.
n. "Vacation rental" means a short-term rental unit that is not an owner’s primary residence. A vacation rental unit does not include a hotel or motel, as those terms are defined at Section 9.1.202, or other business in which rooms are rented as the principal use of a building devoted to lodging.
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(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.107 Vacation Rentals Prohibited.
Vacation rentals, as defined in this chapter, are a prohibited use and shall not be operated within the City of Oakley, except as set forth below. a. Vacation Rental. The short-term rental may be a vacation rental only if the residence is located within the boundaries of the adopted SP-4 (Downtown Specific Plan) District.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.108 Owner Is Responsible.
The owner shall be personally responsible for compliance with the requirements of this chapter and shall be subject to any applicable remedies for noncompliance, regardless of whether such noncompliance was committed by the owner or the occupants of the short-term rental unit or their guests.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.110 Short-Term Rental Permit Required.
a. It shall be unlawful for an owner to rent any short-term rental unit to any transient without having a valid short-term rental permit issued by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
b. A short-term rental permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance, and shall be renewed on or prior to the anniversary of the original permit issuance to remain valid.
c. A short-term rental permit may not be transferred to another owner, does not run with the land, and is valid only for the original location for which it is issued. (Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.112 Application.
a. The owner must submit the following information on a short-term rental permit application form provided by the City:
1) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the short-term rental unit;
2) The address of the proposed short-term rental unit;
3) The number of bedrooms and the applicable overnight and daytime occupancy limit of the proposed short-term rental unit; 284
4) Acknowledgment that the owner has received and reviewed the good neighbor brochure and will provide the brochure to all transients; 5) A copy of a transient occupancy registration permit issued under Section 3.2.006(d);
6) Such other information as the City Manager deems reasonably necessary to administer this chapter; and
7) Payment of the application fee established separately by resolution of the City Council.
b. A short-term rental permit application may be denied if the applicant has had a prior short-term rental permit for the same unit revoked within the twelve (12) calendar months that preceded the effective date of the application. c. Within fourteen (14) days of a change of property ownership or any other change in material facts pertaining to the information contained in the short-term rental permit application form, the owner shall submit an application and requisite application fee for a new short-term rental permit, which must be obtained prior to continuing to rent the short-term rental unit.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.114 Criteria for Approval and Renewal of a Short-Term Rental Permit. a. The applicant has the burden of proof to demonstrate compliance with each applicable criterion for approval or renewal of the permit. b. To receive permit approval, an applicant must demonstrate the following:
1) The owner shall demonstrate that it will comply with all the obligations and requirements of Sections 5.15.116 and 5.15.118.
2) A completed checklist for fire safety (fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, etc.) shall be required with each annual permit application and renewal. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the shortterm rental unit is and remains in substantial compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations including those regarding fire, building and safety, and health and safety.
3) At the time of application, the owner of a short-term rental shall not have been found to be in noncompliance of any provision of this Code for the subject short-term rental unit. A voluntary assurance of compliance or negotiated compliance agreement will satisfy the requirement that there be no pending actions or violations.
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4) The owner shall have a current business license in accordance with Chapter 3.5.
5) The owner shall have obtained a transient occupancy registration certificate for purpose of its obligation to pay transient occupancy taxes under Chapter 3.2. (Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.116 Operational Requirements and Standard Conditions. a. The owner shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure that the short-term rental unit is used in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term rental unit, including this chapter.
b. The minimum number of days that a short-term rental unit shall be occupied is three days, two nights. Occupancy of a short-term rental unit by any transient for fewer than three days, two nights is prohibited.
c. The maximum number of overnight guests for a short-term rental unit shall not exceed two persons per bedroom, except that children under the age of four shall not be counted for purposes of calculating this limitation so long as the children sleep in the same bedroom as at least one of their parents or legal guardians. Additional daytime guests are allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with the maximum daytime guests not to exceed two persons per bedroom with a maximum of sixteen (16) guests allowed for four bedrooms or more. The following table illustrates the maximum number of occupants:
Number of
Bedrooms
Total of Overnight
Occupants
Total Daytime Occupants (Including
Number of Overnight Occupants)
0 – Studio 2 4
1 2 4
2 4 8
3 6 12
4+ 8 16
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d. A short-term rental unit shall not change the residential character of the outside appearance of the residence, either by the use of colors, materials, lighting, or any advertising mechanism.
e. All parking associated with a short-term rental unit shall be entirely on site, in the garage, carport, and driveway or otherwise off of the public street. f. Occupants of the short-term rental unit shall comply with all standards and regulations stated in Chapter 4.2 concerning noise.
g. The owner shall provide each occupant of the short-term rental unit with the following information prior to occupancy of the unit and shall post such information in a prominent location within the unit:
1) The contact information for the owner with twenty-four (24) hour availability; 2) The maximum number of overnight occupants and the maximum number of daytime occupants as permitted under this chapter;
3) Trash pick-up day and applicable rules and regulations pertaining to leaving or storing trash on the exterior of the property;
4) A copy of Chapter 4.2 concerning noise; and
5) Notification that the occupant or owner may be cited or fined by the City in accordance with this Code.
h. The short-term rental shall be a hosted rental for the duration of any occupancy by a transient, except as set forth below.
1) Unhosted Stay. The short-term rental may be an unhosted (stay) rental only if the residence is located within the boundaries of the adopted SP-4 (Downtown Specific Plan) District.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.118 Operations.
a. While a short-term rental unit is rented, the owner shall be available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week for the purpose of responding within sixty (60) minutes to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental unit or their guests.
b. The owner shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure that the occupants and/or guests of the short-term rental unit do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any applicable law, rule or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental unit. 287
c. Prior to occupancy of a short-term rental unit, the owner shall obtain the name, address, and a copy of a valid government identification of a responsible person and require such responsible person to execute a formal acknowledgment that he or she is legally responsible for compliance by all occupants of the short-term rental unit and their guests with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental unit.
d. Prior to occupancy of a short-term rental unit, the owner shall obtain from the responsible person the make, model and license of all vehicles of overnight occupants’ vehicles to be parked at the property.
e. The owner shall, upon notification that the responsible person and/or any occupant and/or guest of the short-term rental unit has created unreasonable noise or disturbances, engaged in disorderly conduct, or committed violations of any applicable law, rule or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term unit, promptly respond within sixty (60) minutes in an appropriate manner to immediately halt or prevent a recurrence of such conduct by the responsible person and/or any occupants and/or guests. Failure of the owner to respond to calls or complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants and/or guests of the short-term rental unit within sixty (60) minutes in an appropriate manner shall be subject to all administrative, legal, and equitable remedies available to the City. f. The owner shall report to the City Manager the name, violation, date, and time of disturbance of each person involved in three or more disorderly conduct activities, disturbances, or other violations of any applicable law, rule, or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term unit within twenty-four (24) hours of the third violation or disturbance.
g. Trash and refuse shall not be left stored within public view, except in proper containers for the purpose of collection by the City’s authorized waste hauler on scheduled trash collection days. The owner shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure compliance with all the provisions of Chapter 4.20. h. The owner shall post the current short-term rental permit number on or in any advertisement appearing in any newspaper, magazine, brochure, trade paper, website, etc., that promotes the availability or existence of a short-term rental unit. i. The City Manager shall have the authority to impose additional conditions on the use of any short-term rental unit to ensure that any potential secondary effects unique to the subject short-term rental unit are avoided or adequately mitigated. j. The standard conditions set forth herein may be modified by the City Manager, or designee, upon request of the owner based on site-specific circumstances for the purpose of allowing reasonable accommodation of a short-term rental unit. All requests 288
must be in writing and shall identify how the strict application of the standard conditions creates an unreasonable hardship to a property such that, if the requirement is not modified, reasonable use of the property for a short-term rental would not be allowed.
Any hardships identified must relate to physical constraints to the subject site and shall not be self-induced or economic. Any modifications of the standard conditions shall not further exacerbate an already existing problem.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.120 Violations.
a. A violation of any provision of this chapter by any occupant or owner shall constitute grounds for modification, suspension, or revocation of the short-term rental permit. In addition, the failure of the owner to satisfy any of its obligations and requirements in Chapter 3.2 concerning transient occupancy taxes shall be an independent basis for modification, suspension, or revocation of any permit issued under this chapter. b. Whenever any owner fails to comply with any provision of this chapter, the City, after giving the owner ten (10) days’ written notice specifying the time and place of a hearing before the City Council, and requiring him to show cause why the short-term rental permit should not be modified, suspended, or revoked, may modify, suspend, or revoke the permit held by the owner.
c. The City may enforce this chapter, including the terms and conditions of any permit granted under this chapter, by any means provided for in Chapter 1.5 or by any other means authorized by law.
(Sec. 1, Ordinance No. 06-20, adopted May 12, 2020)
5.15.122 Fees.
The City Council may establish and set by resolution all fees and charges as may be necessary to effectuate the purpose of this chapter.
5.15.124 Implementation of SB 346 (Short Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025). a. “Short-Term Rental Facilitator” for the purposes of this Chapter shall have the same meaning as defined in the text for SB 346 (Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025), codified in Chapter 4.6 (commencing with Section 50990) of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Government Code.
b. Upon request by the City, each Short-Term Rental Facilitator shall report, for each short-term rental listed or booked through its platform within the City, the physical address, Assessor Parcel Number, ZIP code, and URL of the listing for each reporting period, as defined by the City.
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c. Each Short-Term Rental Facilitator shall ensure that all listings for short-term rentals located within the City display the property's valid local license number and Transient Occupancy Tax certification.
d. Failure to comply with reporting or listing requirements under this chapter shall subject the Short-Term Rental Facilitator to an administrative citation, pursuant to Chapter 1.5 (Penalties and Remedies) of the Oakley Municipal Code. e. A Short-Term Rental Facilitator shall be found to be out of compliance with this chapter for each short-term rental not listed in compliance with this chapter, and each short-term rental found to be listed out of compliance with this chapter may result in a separate administrative citation.
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