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Monitoring:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Descriptor Term:
4.403
Review: Annually, in
November
Library Materials
Rescinds:
Issued:
General
The [insert title of employee] shall be responsible for library collection development. Library
materials shall be reviewed to ensure the content aligns with state law.¹ The library collection shall
adhere to the following criteria:
[Note: The Board can include local standards.]
1. Materials shall be suitable for and consistent with the educational mission of the school;
2. Materials shall be appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access
them. The determining factor will be based on an assessment of any mature themes or content
(i.e., violence, sexual content, vulgar language, substance abuse);
3. Materials shall contain literary, historical, and/or artistic value and merit; and
4. The collection as a whole shall offer a variety of viewpoints.
[Insert title of employee] shall be responsible for periodically reviewing the district's library
collection in line with these established standards.
COMPLAINTS
If a complaint is made by an employee, student, or parent/guardian, this process is to be followed:
1. Inform the complainant of the selection procedures and make no commitments.
2. Request the complainant to submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form.
3. Inform the principal (and other appropriate personnel).
4. Keep challenged materials available for use during the reconsideration process.
5. Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal shall notify the Director of Schools.
6. The principal shall request review of the challenged materials by an ad hoc materials review
committee within [insert number] days. The review committee is appointed by the principal
and includes certified library media personnel, representatives from classroom teachers, one or
Version Date: 6/26/2022
Library Materials
4.403
more parents, and may include one or more students. The principal will inform the Director of
Schools of the review committee's progress.
7. The review committee shall take the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
a. Read, view, or listen to the contested material in its entirety;
b. Check general acceptance of the material by reading recognized and evaluative reviews;
c. Determine the extent to which the material is appropriate for the age and maturity levels
of the students who have access to the materials and whether the material is suitable for,
and consistent with, the educational mission of the school;
d. Complete the appropriate Checklist for Reconsideration of Library Materials, judging
the material for its strength and value; and
e. Present a recommendation to the Director of Schools and the Board.
8. The Board shall review the recommendation presented by the review committee and make the
determination whether the material is appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students
who have access to the materials and whether the material is suitable for, and consistent with,
the educational mission of the school.
9. If it is determined that the material is not appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the
students who have access to them or is not suitable for, and consistent with, the educational
mission of the school, the Board shall require the school to remove the material from the library
collection.
Legal References
Cross References
1. Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free
Textbooks and Instructional Materials 4.400
School District No. 26 V. Pico, 457 U.S. 853,
School and System Websites 4.407
102 S. Ct. 2799 (1982); Public Acts of 2022,
Controversial Materials 4.801
Chapter No. 744
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## Table 1

|  | Click here to choose a school board. |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monitoring: Review: Annually, in | Descriptor Term: | Descriptor Code: 4.403 | Issued Date: |
| November | Library Materials | Rescinds: | Issued: |