LIBRARY MATERIALS CHALLENGE AND REVIEW POLICY

 

Despite the care taken to select materials for the library media centers of the District for student and teacher use, and the qualifications of persons who select the materials, it is recognized that occasional objections may be raised by community members, parents, students, or school staff.

 

In the event that an inquiry, complaint, or challenge is made, concerning any material in any library media center of the District, the following procedure will apply:

 

1.         The inquiry shall be heard by the persons selecting the materials in question who shall attempt to resolve the matter, on an informal basis.

 

2.         If the matter is not resolved in Step 1, the Complainant shall be referred to the building Principal, who shall immediately attempt to resolve the matter with the Complainant, on an informal basis.  If this is not successfully accomplished, then the building Principal shall have the complainant fill out a form entitled “Request for Review of Library Materials” (See page following this policy), which shall be forwarded within two (2) school days of his/her receipt of same, to the Superintendent of Schools.

 

3.         The Superintendent, or his/her designated representative if he/she is unavailable, shall appoint a Review Committee, within five (5) school days of receipt of the “Request for Review of Library Materials.” The Review Committee shall be composed of the following persons to review the complaint: one Principal, at the appropriate grade level; one librarian/media specialist; one classroom teacher; the department head, on the subject area of challenged materials; and one community member.

 

4.         The Review Committee shall: read and examine the materials referred to the Committee pursuant to the criteria set forth in the objectives of selection of the Library Materials Selection Policy, as adopted by the Board; extend an invitation to discuss the challenged materials by reading reviews; weigh values and faults against each other and form opinions based upon the material as a whole and not on passages or portions pulled out of context; meet to discuss the materials and prepare a written report on it for submission to the Superintendent of Schools, with such report to be submitted within three (3) weeks of the formation of the Review Committee.  The Report shall contain the Committee’ decision for action to be taken, together with the detailed reasons therefore, which action may include, but is not limited to:

 

a.         Retention of the materials without restriction; or

 

b.         Restriction of the use of the material as to age of the student; or