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Citizen’s Request for Review of Library Resource

Individuals or groups may occasionally question the suitability of particular resources of the library. Review procedures have been established so that members of the community (those who reside or own property in Mercer County) may formally express concerns about library resources. Such concern shall be expressed in writing to the Library Director on the form “Request for Review of Library Resource.” The form is available upon request at the library’s Circulation Desk.

Resources that are under review will remain accessible pending final determination.

Some providers/consortia of electronic collections may offer either no option for review or a process that is different from that defined in Mercer County Public Library policy. The library will act in accordance with the established policies, processes, and procedures of such providers/consortia.

Review Procedure

The completed request and review form and a copy of the resource in question will be reviewed at the Director’s discretion, with the inclusion of any staff members as deemed appropriate. The request and review will be treated objectively and as important matters. General acceptance of the resource will be established by consulting authoritative lists and critical reviews in light of the library’s collection development policies. The resource will be reviewed comprehensively in consideration of:

  • The Mercer County Public Library collection development policies;
  • The ALA Bill of Rights;
  • The ALA Freedom to Read Statement;
  • The ALA Freedom to View Statement;
  • Professional reviews of the item in question; and
  • Inclusion of the resource by other libraries.

Within 30 days following receipt of the Request for Review, the Director will notify the requester of the progress of the review. Such reviews are subject to the library’s resources and other obligations at the time, and no period of review or date of decision can be guaranteed. Based on the results of the review, the Director will make a decision regarding the questioned resource, including any action to be taken, and communicate that decision to the requester.

Appeal Procedure

In the event the requester wishes to appeal the decision of the Director, the Board of Trustees will serve as the final arbiter. The requester must inform the Director in writing of the desire to appeal.

The Board’s responsibility is not to independently review the resource in question, but rather to verify that Library collection development policies and procedures were properly followed. As such, the Board shall consider the following:

  • Submitted request for review form;
  • Communication between the Director and the requester;
  • Mercer County Public Library collection development policies;
  • The ALA Bill of Rights;
  • The ALA Freedom to Read Statement;
  • The ALA Freedom to View Statement.

The Board’s decision is final. The Director will convey the Board’s decision to the requester.