GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH CENSORSHIP ATTEMPTS

 

Adopt a collection development policy
  1. (1) preferably authorized by the school board
(2) if this is not feasible, place it in your policy and procedure manual

Incorporate a request for reconsideration procedure with the collection development policy

Cultivate potential allies for support when the censor comes; e.g., area library group, other

professional group, school personnel, mass media, respected local citizens

Show a calm demeanor to the public when challenged

Keep a written record of complaints, incidents, and visits
  1. also clip newspaper coverage, letters to the editor, etc., pertaining to the situation
  2. you're in a stronger position if you can recall exactly what happened
Use common sense; e.g., if a parent simply wants a child to have an alternate selection for an

assignment, make the change

Maintain a file for potentially controversial titles; e.g., reviews, awards won

Follow a consistent procedure for formal complaints
  1. begin the process by having complainant fill out a Request for Reconsideration form
  2. don't withdraw materials (or place in a restricted area) just because of a passing criticism
If such challenges take place on a frequent basis, have a standing committee charged with hearing

complaints in place at the beginning of the school year