Policy for the Reconsideration of Library Materials.

The Desert Foothills Library supports and actively promotes the free exchange of ideas. We realize that materials selected to achieve a diverse collection may be offensive to an individual or groups within the community. The Library recognizes and acknowledges the right of party’s to reject materials for personal use, but also recognizes that the desires of an individual or group should not restrict other community patrons from having access to these materials. The Desert Foothills Library welcomes comments and suggestions regarding the appropriateness of materials in the collection

The party making the request for the reconsideration of library materials should be referred to the Library Director or the person in charge in the absence of the Library Director. An explanation should be made to the party that materials are selected in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy, which is approved by the Desert Foothills Library Board of Directors. If the party is not satisfied with the information given and is a current library cardholder, then they may make a request for an official reconsideration of the library material. The procedures for submitting an official request for reconsideration are below.

1). The party seeking reconsideration of library material obtains a copy of the Form for Reconsideration at the Library Circulation Desk.

2). The party must have read the questioned item in its entirety before the item will receive a formal review.

4). The Library Director will discuss the request with the patron, and reconsider the appropriateness of the questioned item using the Materials Selection Policy and reviews from recognized sources.

5). The Library Director will make a decision and communicate the reasons for the decision to the party in writing.

6). If the party is not satisfied with the Director’s decision, a written notice of appeal can be submitted to the Library Director which will then establish Material Reconsideration Team.

7). The Materials Reconsideration team will:

• Read, view or listen to the challenged material in its entirety
• Review the Materials Selection Policy to ascertain whether the materials was appropriately selected
• Determine the treatment that experts and critics have given to the book
• Discuss the challenge and make a recommendation for removal, retention or replacement.

8). The Board of Directors and the party will be notified in writing of the Committee’s decision. The committee’s decision is final.

9). Materials will be subject to review process only once in a 3 year period.