Materials challenge. Request for reconsideration. Whatever term you use, addressing objections to your library’s collection is a difficult subject. It is also one that libraries across the country are facing with more frequency. The Library Development staff at the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) has curated several resource documents to help your library address challenges professionally and with confidence.
We have created a flow chart for school librarians, public library staff, and public library directors and boards. The websites linked in the flow chart are the most vital resources that you need to prepare yourself and your library for a challenge. We have also created an outline for the flowchart, that you may find easier to read.
Our colleagues at the Michigan State Library have created a checklist and informational document to help public library directors and board members dive a little deeper into preparing for and addressing challenges. We have updated their documents with Idaho-specific information. If you are a public library director or board member, check out the Materials Reconsideration, Challenges, and Censorship Checklist and the Book Challenges, Censorship, and Public Libraries info sheet.
If you are a school librarian, the flow chart above is a great place to start. If you are ready to craft a Collection Development Plan or update any part of your plan and the associated policies and procedures, this School Library Collection Development Framework from the South Dakota State Library is an excellent step-by-step guide. Our School Library Consultant, Jeannie Standal, also recently wrote a blog post full of resources. As always, reach out to Jeannie for one-on-one help with your school library.
All Idaho library staff are invited to join one (or both!) of two virtual chats that the ICfL is hosting on the topic of materials challenges. Bring your questions, your stories, and your advice. These chats will be on Thursday, February 10th, at 3:30 p.m. MT/2:30 p.m. PT and Friday, February 11, at 9:00 a.m. MT/8:00 a.m. PT. Check out our Events Calendar for Zoom links and other details.
Finally, if your library would like additional support with this topic, please reach out to Deputy State Librarian Dylan Baker: Dylan.baker@libraries.idaho.gov.
