Intellectual Freedom
HCU Moody Library adheres to and supports the American Library Association’s position on the freedom to read. It is important in modern society that knowledge and a diversity of ideas, regardless of point of view, be readily available in order to promote critical thinking and increase student learning and exploration.
- Until the time that a decision is reached, no action shall be taken by the library to remove the challenged material.
- The principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement of the American Library Association shall be followed in the selection of library materials. HCU Moody does not act as an agent for or against particular issues but seeks to maintain a free flow of information in the selection of books. The disapproval of a book by one group should not be a means for denying that book to all groups if, by library selection standards, it belongs in the collection. The procedure for challenged materials follows: The library receives the complaint; staff members react politely and make no personal comment regarding the challenge of materials.
- The patron is instructed to contact the Library in writing.
- The complaint is taken to the library faculty for discussion and will recommend a solution to the Department.
- ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION - The department activates a Review Committee (consisting of the members of the faculty liaisons) to study the complaint and make a recommendation.
- The librarians places the challenged material on reserve so that members of the committee may read, reread, or study it. The librarians also check reviews of the challenged material to ascertain the general feelings of the reviewers.
- The Review Committee meets. After evaluating the material, the charge, relevant reviews, and the views of professionals in the field, the Review Committee weighs the values and faults of the challenged material very carefully and then makes a recommendation to the librarians. A copy of the recommendation is sent to the Provost.
- The Provost meets with the librarians to verify the recommendation of the Review Committee. They will discuss how and where are results posted. The Provost will determine if other administrative steps will be needed.
- The complainant is notified of the decision.
Works Consulted
Futas, Elizabeth, ed. Library Acquisition Policies and Procedures. Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press, 1977.
Katz, William A. Collection Development: The Selection of Materials for Libraries. New York, Holt Rinehart and Winston, 1980.
