Reconsideration of Library Materials & Form Page 1 of 2 Policy ...

Reconsideration of Library Materials & FormPage 1 of 2Policy #: 400-16 Effective Date: 10/2007Seymour LibraryReconsideration of Library Materials PolicyThe Seymour Library Board of Trustees recognizes the right of individuals to question materials in the library collection. TheSeymour Library also subscribes to the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Ethics Statement for PublicLibrary Trustees.The Library Bill of Rights states in Article I that “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, orviews of those contributing to their creation,” and in Article II, that “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because ofpartisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution of the United States, butconstitutionally protected expression is often separated from unprotected expression only by a dim and uncertain line. TheConstitution requires a procedure designed to focus searchingly on challenged expression before it can be suppressed.Any attempt to regulate or suppress materials in the Seymour Library will be closely scrutinized to the end that protectedexpression is not abridged.Reconsideration of Library Materials ProcedurePatrons wishing to express their opinion on library materials shall be referred to the appropriate age level librarian.If the patron is not satisfied, the above staff member will provide the patron with instructions on how to register aformal complaint and notify the Library Director.To register a formal complaint, the patron must submit a Library Materials Reconsideration form.Upon receipt of this form, the Library Director will appoint two staff members to join him/her in reviewing thequestioned material. The committee will decide to retain the material, move it to a new location or withdraw it fromthe collection.The Director will then notify the patron of the committee's decision and include a summary of the complaint and theaction taken in his/her monthly report to the Library Board of Trustees.If the patron is not satisfied with the committee action taken, a written appeal may be made to the Library Board ofTrustees whose decision shall be final.Until such review takes place and a decision is made, no removal or restriction of the questioned item shall takeplace.Adopted:10/2007 Seymour Library Board MeetingRevised:Reviewed:

Reconsideration of Library Materials & FormPage 2 of 2Seymour LibraryLibrary Materials Reconsideration FormTitle: _____________________________________________________________________________Author: ________________________________________ Publisher: __________________________Type of Material: ____________________________________________________________________Your Name: ________________________________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________Telephone:_______________________E-mail: ____________________________________________Are you speaking for yourself or an organization (name)?____________________________________What concerns do you have about this work?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Are there specific pages/sections to which you object? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Did you read, see or listen to the entire work? a) Yes ... b) NoHave you seen/heard any promotions or read any reviews about this work? If so, please identify.__________________________________________________________________________________Are there any additional comments you would like to make? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Signature_____________________________________________________Date_________________STAFF USE ONLY:This form was received by:__________________________Date/Time:______________________Action taken:________________________________________________________________________________________