Reconsideration of materials policy
Despite the care taken to select appropriate and valuable materials and the qualification of the persons involved in the selection, occasional objections occur, principles of freedom of information and the professional responsibility of the staff are defended rather than specific materials.
Persons requesting permission to examine materials may examine such materials in the library media center in a way so as not to disrupt the normal operations of the school.
If a complaint is made, the procedures are as follows:
1. School personnel are courteous to complainant, make no commitment, advise the complainant to arrange a conference with the principal, and notify the principal of the complaint.
2. It is the complainant’s responsibility to arrange a conference with the principal.
3. At this conference, the principal invites the complainant to file his or her objection in writing on the form “Request for Reconsideration of School Library Materials.” (See media specialist for form)
4. A complainant who does not complete and return the form receives no further consideration.
5. Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal requests review of the challenged material by the School Library Media Center Advisory Committee within fifteen working days, and notifies the Media Supervisor and Superintendent that such review is being done.
6. The Committee takes the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
- Reads the entire book, views, or listens to the material in its entirety.
- Checks general acceptance of the material by the reading reviews and consulting recommended lists.
- Determines the extent to which the material supports the curriculum.
- Completed the appropriate “Checklist for Advisory Committee’s Reconsideration of Material” (See media specialist for form), judging the material for its strength and value as a whole and not in part.
7. Upon receipt of the checklist, the principal makes a decision as to the action to be taken and notifies the complainant, the Media Supervisor, and the Superintendent.
8. If there is a need for further review, the principal refers the complainant to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designated representative and forwards all pertinent documentation to the Superintendent’s office.
9. The Superintendent or the designated representative may then convene a District Media Review Committee that is representative of the total school district.
10. The District Media Review Community follows the same procedures as outlined for the school Library Media Center Advisory Committee and report its recommendations directly to the Superintendent.
11. The Superintendent then presents the report of District Review Committee to the school Board and makes recommendations for action.
12. The School Board makes the final decision.