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Form

A library user who requests the reconsideration of materials included in the library’s collection must put the request in writing by completing and signing the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resource or Service form. This form is available at all public service desks or online.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Resource or Service Policy

  1. Collections Manager receives reconsideration form via mail (remember: patron must sign form thus, no emailed or faxed forms)
    • OR Branch Manager receives form and sends to Collections Manager and Regional Services Librarian immediately
  2. Admin Assistant dates form, gives copies of form to the Executive Director, Collection Management Supervisor, Branch Manager and Regional Services Librarian if applicable, then mails an acknowledgement of receipt to patron (see sample letter below)
  3. MLIS degree-holding selector or Collection Development Librarian assumes Lead role in the process and forms a committee
  4. Lead creates packet for review by the local Library Board of Trustees, Book Action Committee (BAC), to include the following documents:
    • Letter from the Executive Director
    • ALA Freedom to Read (or view) Statement
    • Library Bill of Rights
    • Intellectual Freedom Committee Statement
    • Reconsideration of Materials policy from ARLS website
    • Copy of patron Request for Reconsideration form
    • Book, DVD, or audiobook (copy for each BAC member if available)
    • Copy of professional reviews (minimum of 3 reviews, if possible)
    • Written assessment to BAC by Lead and their committee
    • Information on demand/PINES holdings if available
    • Example of letter from the local Board of Trustees with decision results
  5. Branch Manager notifies local Board Chair who notifies BAC and, once packet is received, makes copies available to each BAC member within 2 weeks
  6. Branch Manager collects, via holds, multiple copies of item for review by BAC if available in PINES
  7. If there are a limited number of copies of the item, then keep item at owning library’s front desk for BAC members to check out and review (paper checkout procedure with name, contact information, date checked out)Local BAC makes a recommendation to the local Board and informs the Executive Director
  8. Unless further discussion is required, the local Board notifies patron in writing of the decision
  9. Local Board announces decision at the next local Board meeting

Date: October 20, 2022