Burrillville School Libraries Procedure Manual

• Libraries have diverse materials reflecting differing points of view, and a library’s mission is to provide access to information to all students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• All library users have a First Amendment right to read, view, and listen to library resources.
• The Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association are guiding documents for Burrillville School libraries.
• Any person has the right to express concerns about library resources and expect to have the objection taken seriously.
• When library resources are reconsidered, the principles of the freedom to read, listen, and view are defended rather than specific materials.
• A questioned item will be considered in its entirety, not judged solely on portions taken out of context.
• Parents or guardians have the right to guide the reading, viewing, and listening of their children but must give the same right to other parents/guardians.
• Questioned items will remain in circulation during the reconsideration process.

Library materials are carefully selected by those involved in the selection process.  However, occasionally objections to library resources that are deemed offensive or inappropriate may occur. Members of the Burrillville school district may express an informal concern or formal request for reconsideration of a library resource.

Persons with a complaint about library print or digital resources should state their concerns to the school librarian or principal. The librarian or principal will listen attentively to the concerns and attempt to resolve the issue informally. As part of the discussion, the school employee will explain the library’s selection policy, selection criteria, diversity of the collection with resources from many points of view, and the selection process. Additionally, each parent/guardian has the right to determine the appropriateness of library resources for their children and should accord the same right to other families.

If the complaint is not resolved informally, the librarian or principal will explain the formal reconsideration process and provide the individual with a copy of the school district’s library selection policy with reconsideration procedures and a request for reconsideration of library resources form. If there is concern about multiple items, a separate form must be completed for each item. All complaints to staff members shall be reported to the building principal, whether received by telephone, letter, or in personal conversation. No library resources should be removed or restricted from use as a result of the informal complaint.

If the completed and signed formal request for reconsideration form has not been received by the principal within two weeks, the matter shall be considered closed.

If you have a formal request to reconsider materials used by the school, please use the attached document and submit to the school principal for formal evaluation. A committee of teachers and administration will evaluate the request and material and write back to you within two weeks.

Reconsideration of Materials