4-21-06 pdf format | Challenged Books Form (Word format)
Statement regarding Censorship/Intellectual Freedom
The WKU University Libraries supports the free exchange of ideas and endeavors to build collections which include all points of view. At the same time, it neither approves nor endorses the views expressed in materials included in the collections. Where there is controversy or disagreement concerning the truth of particular ideas and issues of belief, the University Libraries attempts to provide a wide selection of materials encompassing the major viewpoints.
WKU Libraries subscribes to and complies with the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association and the Code of Ethics of the American Association of Museums.
Titles/materials for the collection are selected on the basis of overall content. No item is excluded on the basis of the author's race, nationality, or political or religious views. That some patrons may find an item objectionable on moral, religious, political or other grounds does not restrict or determine selection.
WKU Libraries does not immediately accede to requests of individuals or groups seeking the removal from the collection of materials which have been chosen according to the WKU Libraries Collection Development and Kentucky Museum Collection policies, nor do they yield to requests to add to the collection materials if their addition would contradict the same collection development policy.
The Coordinator of Collection Services in consultation with the library administration responds to all questions concerning the propriety of specific materials in the WKU Libraries. Persons or groups desiring further dialogue or action are asked to fill out a form for consideration. The form is available from the Dean of Libraries.
Challenged Materials Reconstruction Committee Policies and Procedures
An Ad Hoc Reconsideration Committee shall consist of 4 or 6 members chaired by the Coordinator of Collection Services. The chair shall only vote in the event of a tie. An even number of members is required. Each challenge requires a new committee. University Libraries faculty, staff and students workers and faculty from other WKU departments (when warranted) will serve as a pool from which the committee is selected. Rather than a standing committee, the membership should rotate among a broad selection of people appropriate to the location and content. As an example, the Kentucky Museum might get a faculty member from the Art Dept. involved for a challenge concerning an art exhibit. In the case of University Libraries, a member of the Library Advisory Council or appropriate member of the community may, at the discretion of the Dean of Libraries, be asked to serve.
The committee shall consider not only the concerns of the person making the challenge to the material, but also the material in the context of the libraries’/museum’s collections as a whole and in regard to the policies and mission of the libraries. Within one month from receipt of challenge, the committee shall make its recommendation regarding the disposition of the challenged materials to the Dean of Libraries, who will make the ultimate decision about the materials.
Approved by the Dean of Libraries 5/08/06
Revised by Donna Parker and Jack Montgomery 4/19/06
Reviewed by Donna Parker/Timothy Mullin 4/12/06
Recommended by the CLDH 1/30/06
