Suggested Steps to Take
When Materials Are Challenged
When an intellectual freedom issue arises, it
can be difficult to know how to respond. Each situation
a librarian or educator may find themselves in possesses a variety
of factors
that influence the appropriate protocol. Therefore, rather
than assembling a concrete list of dos and don'ts, the suggested
steps below are guidelines for maintaining clarity and control
in a situation
when
materials are challenged. These recommendations come
from the American Library Association (ALA), the Wisconsin Department
of Public
Instruction,
and the CCBC.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Review your institution's selection policy, including the selection criteria and the reconsideration process
- Assess what steps have been taken in the reconsideration process and what steps are to be taken
- Review the complaint
- Discuss the situation with your administrator
- Review your profession's policy statements
- Gather resources (such as copies of reviews, information on awards and best-of-the-year list distinctions for the title. If you are a Wisconsin teacher or librarian, the CCBC Intellectual Freedom Information Services can assist you with this)
- Read or re-read the title in question
Additional Steps to Take
Note: These steps may vary, depending on what your policy says and what has happened so far.- Maintain the material in the collection for the time being
- Be prepared to explain the function of the resource
- Contact the Reconsideration Committee
- Communicate with the Board of Education or Library Board of Trustees
Challenge Support
The following organizations are prepared to provide information and support during a challenge.For Wisconsin Librarians and Teachers:
For Librarians and Teachers nationally:
Helpful Links:
