9/10/1984 BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES Minutes

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-2— a. Listen calmly and courteously to the complaint. Remember the person has a right to express a concern. Use of good communication skills helps many people understand the need for diversity in library collections and the use of library resources. In the event the person is not satis€ir.J, advise the complainant of the library policy and procedures for handling library resource statements of concern. If a person does fill out a form about their concern, make sure a prompt written reply related to the concern is sent. b. It is essential to notify the administration and/or the governing authority (library board, etc.) of the complaint and assure them that the library' s procedures are being followed. Present full , written information giving the nature of the complaint and identifying the source. c. When appropriate, seek the support of the local media. Freedom to read and freedom of the press go hand in hand. d. When appropriate, inform local civic organizations of the facts and enlist their support. Meet negative pressure with positive pressure. e. Assert the principles of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS as a professional responsibility. Laws governing obscenity, ' subversive material and other questionable matter are subject to interpretation by courts. Library materials found to meet the standards set in the materials selection policy should not be removed from public access until after an adversary hearing resulting in a final judicial determination. f. Contact the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and your state intellectual freedom committee to inform them of the complaint .and to enlist their support and the assistance of other agencies. The principles and procedures discussed above apply to all kinds of resource related complaints or attempts to censor and are supported by groups such as the National Education Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the. National Council of Teachers of English, as well as the American Library Association. While the practices provide positive means for preparing for and meeting pressure group complaints, they serve the more general purpose of supporting the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS; particularly Article .3 which states that: "Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide informa- tion and enlightenment. " Office for Intellectual Freedom American Library Association 50 East Huron Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 (312) 944-6780 Revised by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, January 12, 1983 (ISBN 8389-6487-7) Reprinted with the permission of the American Library Association.