Introduction:
Libraries are sometimes targets of pressure from groups and individuals who
wish to use the library as an instrument of their own tastes and views. A public
library has the responsibility, however, to present as wide a spectrum of
materials as its budget will allow.
To combat censorship efforts, every library should establish policies that
support its intellectual freedom principles, including:
What to Do When Library Resources are Challenged:
Adherence to these practices will not preclude confrontations with pressure
groups or individuals, but they should provide a base from which to resist
efforts to place restraints on the library. If a confrontation does occur,
follow the steps listed below:
1. Listen calmly and courteously to the complaint. Advise the complainant of
the library's procedure for reconsideration of library resources. Do not confuse
noise with substance. Handle the complaint according to established rules. Treat
the group or individual who complains with dignity and courtesy. DO NOT ARGUE!
2. Provide the individual or group with the appropriate policy on library
resources (materials, exhibits, programs or meeting rooms.)
3. If the individual or group is still not satisfied, provide a "Request
for Reconsideration of Library Resources" form. Insist that the form
be completed in its entirety. Explain the library's procedure for handling a
"Request for Reconsideration".
4. Take immediate steps to notify the administrator/director and the
governing authority (library board, principal, etc.) of the complaint.
5. Decide who will speak for the library if the complainant "calls the local
newspaper or the mayor," as is frequently threatened. Marshal the facts, prepare
a statement, and distribute copies of the collection development policy and the
review process. Be prepared to meet the press and the politicians.
6. If the complainant(s) does contact the press, release a statement in
writing. Have the library spokesperson call key press officials personally. Be
prepared to provide the background documentation gathered in Step 5.
7. Return all press calls. Be honest and forthright but do not say more than
is necessary. Answer questions and provide facts. Make statements brief and
quotable. The press is usually sympathetic, they also want a "good" story.
8. Be prepared for constant calls and perhaps some harassment. Keep a record
of friendly and unfriendly calls. Take names. Role play with the staff on how to
handle telephone calls.
9. Friends of the library will come to the fore. Record their comments in
your favor and ask if they will be willing to speak at an open meeting or write
a letter to the editor in behalf of the library.
10. Keep staff, trustees and elected officials informed. Tell them about the
community support identified in Steps 8 and 9.
11. Call the
Intellectual Freedom Office at the
American Library Association (ALA) for advice on similar cases at
800-545-2433, ext. 4223. Review the ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual. Consult
with an attorney.
12. Concentrate on the positive role of the library, not on the negative
aspects of the complainant(s). Do not get involved in a verbal or press battle
with the complainant(s).
13. Remember, colleagues will support the library's position. Whatever the
outcome, remember to thank colleagues, the community and those officials who
provided support.
Kansas Obscenity Laws and Libraries:
While the materials of a library may be challenged, Kansas librarians are
protected from obscenity charges under
K.S.A. 21-4301 as amended, which reads, in pertinent part:
"(d) It is a defense to a prosecution for obscenity that:
(2) the defendant is an officer, director, trustee or employee of a public
library and the allegedly obscene material was acquired by such library and was
disseminated in accordance with regular library policies approved by its
governing body; or
(3) the allegedly obscene material or obscene device was purchased, leased or
otherwise acquired by a public, private or parochial school, college or
university, and that such material was either sold, leased, distributed or
disseminated by a teacher, instructor, professor or other faculty member or
administrator of such school as part of or incident to an approved course or
program of instruction at such school."
Sample Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources
(Sample Request for Reconsideration in MSWord Format.)
[This is where you identify who in your own structure, has authorized use of
this form—Director, Board of Trustees, Board of Education, etc.—and to whom to
return the form.]
| Example: The Board of Trustees of Mainstream Public Library has
delegated the responsibility for selection and evaluation of library resources
to the collection development committee, and has established reconsideration
procedures to address concerns about those resources. Completion of this form is
the first step in those procedures. If you wish to request reconsideration of
library resources, please return the completed form to the Director, Mainstream
Public Library, 1 Mainstream Plaza, Anytown, KS. |
Name ___________________________
Date ___________________________
Address ___________________________
City ___________________________
State ___________________________
Zip ___________________________
Phone ___________________________
Do you represent self? ____ Organization? ____
1. Resource on which you are commenting:
____ Book ____ Textbook ____
Video ____ Display
____ Magazine ____ Library Program ____ Audio Recording
____ Newspaper ____ Electronic information/network (please specify)
____
Other ___________________________
Title ___________________________
Author/Producer ___________________________
2. What brought this resource to your attention?
3. Have you examined the entire resource?
4. What concerns you about the resource? (use other side or additional pages
if necessary)
5. Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or
other viewpoints on this topic?
Revised by the American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee June
27, 1995
Available at
Dealing with Concerns about Library Resources
Other Resources:
Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Programs,
Colorado Association of Libraries
Virginia Library
Association
When the Censor Comes, Freedom to Read
Last revised: October 27, 2005
