Challenged Materials Policy
The resources and materials provided by the University Library are selected to meet the teaching, research, and service needs of the University community and the Library.
Challenged material will not be removed automatically from the collection, but will be reviewed in the light of the objections raised. It is the responsibility of the Library to ensure that different points of view are represented by the materials and resources provided. Appearance of any resource does not mean that the Library advocates or endorses the ideas or statements found in that resource.
The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association (see below). Article 1 of the Library Bill of Rights states that "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin background, or views of those contributing to their creation." And Article 2 says that 'Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." Academic Freedom is also protected by the Central Washington University Faculty Code (see Section 2.25).
When material or resources are challenged, the Library may take one of the following actions: removal of a resource because it is inappropriate, the addition of a resource to balance the collection by providing alternative views, a combination of the above, or no action at all.
Procedure:
Those persons wishing to challenge material or resources in the University Library will be asked to complete a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources form (see below).
The completed form should be submitted to the Dean of Library & Media Services, who will then acknowledge receipt of the form via letter. The Request will then be considered by the Library Department Heads in light of the Library Bill of Rights and the principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in paragraph three above. Their recommendation will be sent to the Dean of Library Services, who will make the final decision. The person making the challenge will be notified in writing, by the Dean of Library & Media Services, of the decision and any action to be taken.
Any appeals to this process will go first to the Central Washington University Library Advisory Committee and then to the President of the University.
Library Bill of rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V.A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948.
Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,
by the ALA Council.
Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources
If you wish to request reconsideration of library material or resources, please return the completed form to: Dean of Library & Media Services, Central Washington University, 400 E. 8th Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 9892607548. (Attach additional pages if needed.)
Name_______________________________________________________________________ Date________________________
City_______________________________________________ State_____ Zip Code_____________ Phone__________________
Are you a CWU student_____ or employee_____ of Central Washington University? Do you represent yourself?________ your organization?_________________________
1. Resource on which you are commenting:
| Title: __________________________________________________________________________ |
| Author/Producer: ___________________________________________________________________________ |
| Book_____ | Textbook_____ | Video_____ |
Other (please specify): ___________________________ |
| Magazine_____ | Library Program_____ | Audio Recording_____ |
Electronic information/network (please specify):_________________ |
| Newspaper_____ | Display_____ |
2. What brought this resource to your attention?
3. Have you examined the entire resource?
4. What concerns you about the resource? Please be specific:
5. What of value is there in this work?
6. Are you aware of the reviews of this work by critics?
7. What do you believe is the theme or purpose of this work?
8. What do you feel might be the result of reading, viewing, or listening to this work?
9. Are there other resources you suggest which might provide additional information and/or other viewpoints on this topic?
10. What action do you request the Library to take?