Download Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy

Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy
Each patron who expresses a complaint shall be treated with respect and assured by the
staff person or volunteer who takes the complaint that the patron's concerns will be given
every consideration.
Each complaint shall be referred either to the Library Director or a library board member.
Patron shall be asked if they wish to fill our a patron request form which shall then be given
to the Library Director.
Under no circumstances shall a volunteer or staff member attempt to resolve a serious
complaint on their own. Such issues as challenges to materials, confidentiality issues or any
other complaint with legal implications shall be referred to the Director who, shall in turn,
notify the Chairman of the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library Board of Trustees as soon as
possible.
The Waynesboro-Wayne County Library will support the Library Bill of Rights (see attached
copy) as adopted by the American Library Association. If any patron of the WaynesboroWayne County Library raises a question about any materials provided by the Library being in
any way objectionable, the complainant must file a written complaint with the Library
Director on a form provided for this purpose. The complainant must be properly identified
before the request is considered. No action will be taken before the complaint is brought
before the Board of Trustees. The written complaint will be presented to the Board of
Trustees.
The Waynesboro-Wayne County Library Board of Trustees shall:
1. Read and examine the challenged material.
2. Consider the specific objections to the material voiced by the complainant.
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3. Weigh the values and faults of the material as a whole.
4. The Board will, where appropriate, solicit advice or opinion from the Mississippi
Library Commission and the American Library Association Office for Intellectual
Freedom.
5. The Board shall issue a written report within thirty (30) days to the Director
containing its recommendations concerning any complaint.
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. Read and examine the challenged material 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.
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The Director shall review the report of the Board and notify the complainant. The
Waynesboro - Wayne County Library Board of Trustees has delegated the responsibility for
selection and evaluation of library resources to the Library Director, 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 address below. The library's fax is 601-735-6407.
Library Director
Waynesboro-Wayne County Library
1103 A Mississippi Drive
Waynesboro, MS 39367
Date:
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone:
Do you represent yourself?
Yes
No
If representing an organization, please list the organization's name below.
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Resource on which you are commenting:
Book:
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Audio:
Library Program:
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Video:
Newspaper:
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Magazine:
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Electronic:
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DVD:
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Other:
Author:
Title:
Publisher/Producer:
What brought this resource to your attention?
Is your objection to this material based upon your personal exposure to it, upon reports you
have heard, or both?
Have you examined (read/heard/seen) the material in its entirety?
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What concerns you about the resource? Please cite specific passages, pages, etc. (use
other side or additional pages if necessary) Are there resource(s) you suggest to provide
additional information and/or other viewpoints on this topic?
Thank you for your comments. The Waynesboro-Wayne County Library Board and Library
Director will meet concerning this issue and contact you as soon as possible.
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