Reconsideration of Collection Materials
RECONSIDERATION OF COLLECTION MATERIAL
Materials representing a diversity of viewpoints are acquired by the Indiana Free Library. They are evaluated as a whole and not on the basis of a particular text, illustrations, or passages.
The choice of library materials by users is a personal matter. While individuals may reject some materials for themselves, they cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to others. Responsibility for the reading of children and adolescents rests with the parent or legal guardian. Library materials will not be identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, nor will they be physically segregated.
Recognizing that the variety of materials available in a medium sized public library may lead to some concerns, a procedure for reconsideration has been established.
A patron who wishes to question a particular item will be asked to speak first with the Director of the Library who will provide him/her with a copy of the library's Collection Development Policy. The material will be checked to determine if it adheres to standards set by the policy.
If the patron from within the service area decides to pursue a complaint, they may complete a copy of the REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS form and turn it over to the library Director. The Director will submit the matter to a Review Committee that may be composed of the Library Director, a Professional Librarian employed by the library, two members of the Governance Committee of the Trustees, and the District Consultant or others as needed for expertise. The library Solicitor may be consulted.
When a decision of the Committee is made, it will be communicated to library patrons, all library staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and in publicly available meeting minutes.
This reconsideration form is not reproduced here. It is available to patrons upon request from the Library Director. The form asks the patron to provide the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone
- Library Card Number
- Organization Represented
- Title of Material
- Author
- Children’s or Adult Department
- How did you learn about this material?
- Did you read or view the entire work?
- Does the material have any positive value?
- Please state your comments, suggestions, or criticism of the material as specifically as possible.
