Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries
When an individual expresses an informal or verbal concern about a library resource and is not satisfied with the subsequent discussion with library and/or school staff, she or he may indicate a desire to formally challenge the resource in question. At that time, the form for reconsideration of the work as well as a copy of the selection and reconsideration policy may be given directly to the complainant or sent to the concerned individual after the conversation.
Public Library Sample Letter to Person Requesting Reconsideration
Dear _____:
We appreciate your concern over the use of ______________________ in the library. Selecting materials that serve the needs of our community is a vital part of operating a library. The Board of Trustees takes this responsibility very seriously and has established a materials selection policy for selecting resources as well as a detailed reconsideration procedure for requesting reconsideration of particular items. I have enclosed both for your review. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss them further.
If you are still concerned after you review the material public library policies, please complete the Request for Reconsideration of Material form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt attention to your request. The steps that will be taken are outlined in the Reconsideration procedure. At any point during this process, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
_______________________
Library Director
Date
School Library Sample Letter to Person Requesting Reconsideration
Dear _____:
We appreciate your concern over the use of ______________________ in our school district. The district has a policy for selecting materials, but realizes that not everyone will agree with every selection made.
To help you understand the selection process, we are sending copies of the district’s:
- Instructional goals and objectives
- Materials Selection Policy statement
- Procedure for Handling Formal Complaints
- Request for Reconsideration of Material form
If you are still concerned after you review this material, please complete the enclosed Request for Reconsideration of Material form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt attention to your request. If I have not heard from you within two weeks, we will assume you no longer wish to file a formal complaint.
Sincerely,
_______________________
Principal
Date
Acacemic Library Sample Letter to Person Requesting Reconsideration
Dear _____:
We appreciate your concern about ______________________ in the library. Selecting materials that serve the needs of the university’s curriculum is a vital part of operating a library. The library has established a materials selection policy for selecting resources, as well as a detailed procedure for requesting reconsideration of a resources. have enclosed the selection policy for your review. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss them further.
If you are still concerned after you review the material selection policy, please complete the enclosed Request for Reconsideration of Material form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt attention to your request. The steps that will be taken are outlined in the Reconsideration procedure. At any point during this process, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
_______________________
Dean of Libraries
Date
Home | Introduction
Why Do I Need a Policy? | Politics and Timing of Policy Creation | Selection Policies for Non-Public Institutions
Basic Components of a Selection Policy
Library Mission | Support for Intellectual Freedom | Objectives | Responsibility for Selection | Selection Criteria | Acquisitions Procedures | Special Collections | Selecting Controversial Materials | Gifts and Donations | Collection Maintenance and Weeding | Policy Revision | Reconsideration
Reconsideration Procedure
Guiding Principles | Statement of Policy | Informal Complaints | Request for Formal Reconsideration | Sample Reconsideration Form | Sample Letter to Complainant | Reconsideration Committees
Appendix
Intellectual Freedom Core Documents | Challenge Support and Reporting Censorship | Bibliography of Additional Selection and Reconsideration Policy Resources