Collection Development: Appendix A: Reconsideration policy

Reconsideration is defined as any action taken by the E. H. Butler library about material in its circulating collection which has been identified as objectionable by a library patron. Possible actions include removal, relocation to another collection, or no action.

Procedure

Materials in the library are selected to support the instructional and research needs of the Buffalo State College faculty, staff, and students. A patron who wishes to request the reconsideration of library material must file a formal written request for reconsideration using the library-provided form.

The request will be reviewed by the head of Information Management in consultation with the ad hoc Collection Development committee. Together, this group will develop a recommendation that will be submitted to the Library Director. The Library Director is responsible for making the final decision.

The patron will receive a final written response to the submitted request for reconsideration within 30 days of the library receiving the request.

Guiding principles

• The Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association are guiding documents for this policy. Any reconsideration review will use the principles outlined in these documents to inform its decisions.
• Libraries have diverse materials reflecting differing points of view, and the E. H. Butler library’s mission is to provide access to information to all users.
• All library users have a First Amendment right to read, view, and listen to library resources.
• Any person has the right to express concerns about library resources and expect to have the objection taken seriously.
• When library resources are reconsidered, the principles of the freedom to read, listen, and view are defended rather than specific materials.
• A questioned item will be considered in its entirety, not judged solely on portions taken out of context.
• Questioned items will remain in circulation during the reconsideration process.

This policy is derived from the Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries provided by the American Library Association.