Materials Selection and Challenge Policy

Balancing Material Selection and Individual Parent Preference

CCSD Board Policy is in place for both selection criteria and request for reconsideration of materials. Adhering to the policy ensures we are following professional guidelines for material selection and parent concerns. When a parent is empowered to make determinations about library materials available to every other child, it calls into question our integrity and adherence to the School Library Philosophy, "An exemplary library media program is an integral part of the total curriculum. It may serve as a facilitator in developing independent thinking, in encouraging reading for pleasure and in enhancing the quest for information." CCSD Regulation 221. 

While we wholly support a parent's right to determine what is or is not appropriate for their own children to check out from the school library, empowering a political group or organization to determine accessibility of materials for every child overrides the CCSD selection policy and is counter to the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement.

In the case of parent concern over library materials, an informal reconsideration process typically resolves the issue. 

Most concerns are alleviated when the parent is reassured that they have the right to submit a list of titles which their own child may not check out. 

If the parent chooses to take it further, a formal process involving a review committee is convened. The complete policies are linked below for reference.

Selection of Media Center Resources Reg 221

Recognizing that some library materials might not be appropriate for an individual student’s needs, parents can submit a list of titles which their own child may not check out. This list will be honored, but the librarian cannot be responsible if the student obtains such materials outside of library circulation procedures.

The materials should be selected under the following circumstances:

1. The selector, in choosing the materials, should place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice to form a balanced collection of materials that is appropriate for the intended users of these materials;

2. The materials selected should reflect support for the principles of freedom of speech which are inherent in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and which are expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement disseminated by the American Library Association;

3. That materials selected should be in harmony with the constitutions and the laws of the United States and this state; and

4. The materials should be selected under the librarians’ professional judgment and, when possible with reference to sources of critical reviews and evaluative tools. Such resources include, but are not limited to, the School Library Journal, Booklist, the H.W. Wilson series of library catalogs, various literary awards and professional book lists.

Selections of materials should be made as follows:

1. The school librarian is ultimately responsible for the selection of all media center resources, subject to the approval of the principal. Gift materials are subject to the same criteria as purchased material. Objectivity, quality, reality and balance are important considerations. Priority will be given to suggestions from the professional staff for the selection of resources to be used in the media center.

2. School administrators, librarians, teachers, parents, pupils and other members of the community must be allowed to:

a. Review the selected materials; and

b. Request reconsideration of the selected materials pursuant to Administrative Regulation #223

Reconsideration of Library Materials Process Policy 223-R

In the case of complaints as to suitability of library materials or supplemental texts, the following process should be followed:

1. Request for informal reconsideration: Challenges, written or verbal, should first be directed to the school principal. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the principal shall:

2. Explain to the complainant the School District’s procedures and criteria for the selection of materials;

3. Attempt to resolve the issue informally; and;

4. Inform the complainant of their right to file with the School District a formal request for reconsideration.

Request for formal reconsideration: In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the initial explanation by the principal, the complainant shall complete and submit a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Supplemental Texts” form. The form shall be signed and dated by the complainant and given to the school principal. The principal will forward a copy of the complaint to the Superintendent of the District. The challenged material may remain in use by the school until a review is completed by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.

1. The review committee must be comprised of at least one teacher, a representative of school administrators, pupil and parent. The members of the committee shall consider the challenged material in its entirety with both the specific objections and the context of the objections in mind.

2. In reviewing the challenged material, the committee shall consider the best interests of the pupils as well as the requirements of the curriculum. The committee shall also consider the criteria for selection outlined in Administrative Regulation #221.

3. The committee shall, within 30 school days after the complainant submits the request for reconsideration, will forward a recommendation to the Principal and the Superintendent of the District. The complainant will be notified of the decision, which will be announced public

If:

a. The complaint is based upon noncompliance by a school district with its written procedures; and

b. All administrative remedies have been exhausted at the school district level, the complainant may appeal directly to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Reconsideration of Library Materials Form Policy 223-F