Challenged Materials:
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association declares as a matter of firm principle that it is the responsibility of every library to have a clearly defined materials selection policy in written form that reflects the Library Bill of Rights, and that is approved by the appropriate governing authority.
Challenged materials that meet the criteria for selection in the materials selection policy of the library should not be removed under any legal or extra-legal pressure. The Library Bill of Rights states in Article I that “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation,” and in Article II, that “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution of the United States, but constitutionally protected expression is often separated from unprotected expression only by a dim and uncertain line. The Constitution requires a procedure designed to focus searchingly on challenged expression before it can be suppressed. An adversary hearing is a part of this procedure.
Therefore, any attempt, be it legal or extra-legal, to regulate or suppress materials in libraries must be closely scrutinized to the end that protected expression is not abridged.
Adopted June 25, 1971, by the ALA Council; amended July 1, 1981; January 10, 1990.
[ISBN 8389-6083-9]
See also Reporting a Challenge
See also Conducting a Challenge Hearing
See also Coping with Challenges: Kids and Libraries
See also Coping with Challenges: Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials
See also Dealing with Concerns about Library Resources
See also Workbook for Selection Policy Writing
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