1021 Intellectual Freedom & Reconsideration of Library Materials

Policy Number 1021
Effective Date: February 1, 2019
Subject: Intellectual Freedom and Reconsideration of Library Materials

Purpose

To provide an unbiased repository for the recorded expression of thought and to ensure that materials representing all points of view are available to the public while maintaining proper reporting of and response to incidents or complaints about Library materials.

Intellectual Freedom

The Chesapeake Public Library will provide a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users based on the collection development policies.

Items selected for inclusion in the collection do not necessarily represent an endorsement of any theory or point of view. The Library will exercise impartiality, and will select materials that represent a wide range of viewpoints as far as budget, space, and availability of materials will allow.

The CPL subscribes to the American Library Association's positions on American Libraries, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View.

CPL acquires materials of both permanent and current interests in all subjects and genres, based upon the merits of a work in relation to the needs, interests, and demands of the community. The Library will attempt to represent all approaches to public issues of a controversial nature. CPL does not sanction particular beliefs or views, nor is the selection of any given item equivalent to an endorsement of the author's viewpoint. If a scarcity of information in a particular subject area exists, materials in that area may be selected, even though it does not meet the usually applied standards.

Donations and suggestions for purchase are subject to the same evaluative criteria that are applied to purchased materials.

Reconsideration of Library Materials

Though the Library does not sanction any particular beliefs or views, at times, patrons may find Library materials that they deem "inappropriate". When a patron wishes to file a complaint about Library material in the Chesapeake Public Library System collection, they may fill out at "Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Library Material". These forms are available at any public service desk at all Library locations.

The completed form will be submitted to the Library Director who will submit the material for review by a review committee comprised of various Library staff.

Patrons can request a copy of the Library's decision six weeks after a formal request is submitted.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Thank you for your comments. This request will be formally reviewed by Library staff. Upon request, the Library will respond to citizen requests for review in approximately 6 weeks.

Title of Materials:______________________________________________________________________

Author of Material:_____________________________________________________________________

Have you read/viewed the material in its entirety? Yes __No __

Are you aware of critical reviews and other comments concerning the materials? Yes __ No __

What do you find objectionable about the material? Please cite specific passages, scenes and their relationship to the work as a whole. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

What impact do you feel this material will have on the public?
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

What action are you requesting?
___Reclassification to another section of the library
___Removal from the collection
___Other____________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________________________Date:_______________

Please tell us a little about yourself:

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________________________________________________

Email Address:______________________________________________________________________

Are you a Chesapeake Public Library Cardholder? Yes __ No__

Library Card Number:_________________________________________________________________