Policies: Collection Development
All libraries are subject to censorship. Although this library to date has never encountered censorship, procedures exist for managing such an incident. In January 1988, the library staff established a two-part policy:
- Procedures for handling requests for reconsideration of a work and
- Request for reconsideration of a work.
The procedures statement and the form comply with the guidelines suggested by the National Council of Teachers of English and the American Library Association.
Each department is to be made aware of or reminded of the existence of these two documents at the beginning of each academic year. New administrators (Headmistress, Head of the Middle and Head of the Lower School) should also be made aware of the policy as part of their library orientation.
The Head through faculty announcements should make each faculty member aware of the policy. Mention of the policy and procedures for reconsideration of a work should be made via group e-mail whenever it seems appropriate.
It is essential that every faculty member and administrator understand the procedures and policies for dealing with censorship requests so that their support against proposed censorship can be solicited.
Procedures for Managing Requests for Reconsideration of a Work
- All requests are referred to the Head Librarian.
- Initially the Head Librarian will:
- supply the requesting person with a copy of the library's acquisition policy
- supply the requesting person with the library's form for such requests and ask that the form be completed and returned to and discussed with the Head Librarian
- notify the Headmistress that there has been a request for reconsideration of a work.
- After the completed form is returned and discussed, the Head Librarian (if more action is necessary) will discuss the request with appropriate members of the staff (Head of the Department whose subject most reflects the substance of the work) and ask them to recommend any action to be taken.
- The Head Librarian will notify the person making the request of the action taken.
- If the issue remains unresolved to the satisfaction of all parties, it will be referred to the Headmistress, Head of the Middle School and Dean of Students for a final decision on a recommendation for continuing action.
- If the incident becomes a public issue, the Headmistress will make available accurate and complete information to all local news media.
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