In accordance with its vision statement, Carmichael Library strives to provide equitable access to relevant collections. The library selects materials to purchase in three ways: by disciplinary faculty request, by library faculty request, and by student recommendations. Donated materials are sometimes added to the collection after evaluation based on the library’s mission and collection development policy. Scholarly materials that support undergraduate and graduate curricular needs are given the highest priority in the selection process. Library materials are acquired in pursuit of a well-rounded collection.
Libraries serve every member of their designated communities. This requires that libraries collect material that represents majority beliefs as well as minority beliefs. The library affirms the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement and the AAUP 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, and is committed to the free exchange of ideas. Library materials may reflect a wide variety of viewpoints and modes of expression. Inclusion of a particular resource does not constitute endorsement or advocacy of the ideas or statements found in the resource. The library will not automatically withdraw selected materials in response to a request from an individual or group.
Informal Reconsideration Policy
A patron who wishes to register a complaint with regard to library material will be directed to speak with the Head of Technical Services, who coordinates collection development, or the Library Director. If the patron is not satisfied after speaking with the Head of Technical Services or the Library Director, they may begin the process of filing a formal request for reconsideration.
Formal Reconsideration Policy
A patron who would like to file a complaint regarding a library resource must be a registered library user. They must read or watch the resource in full, then complete and submit a written Request for Reconsideration form.
This written request will be reviewed by the Library Director and the Head of Technical Services. If necessary, the library staff member(s) responsible for selecting materials in the subject area in question and/or faculty in the subject field and/or an outside administrator may be brought in for advice.
In evaluating library materials in response to a Request for Reconsideration, the Library Director and Head of Technical Services will determine how the material relates to the library’s collection development policy and the policies and principles set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement. They will invite the patron initiating the request to meet with them to ensure that the nature of the request is fully understood.
The patron will receive a written response to the submitted Request for Reconsideration within 30 days of the library receiving the request.
The Library Director and the Head of Technical Services may recommend one or more of the following actions:
That the libraries strengthen their holdings in the subject area to ensure a more balanced collection representing a variety of viewpoints.
That the material in question be reclassified and shelved in a more appropriate part of the collection.
That the material in question be removed as not falling within the scope of the library’s collection.
That no action be taken.
If the patron initiating the request is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director and the Head of Technical Services, they may appeal the decision. Any appeals will go to the University Library Committee, then the Provost.
The material under reconsideration will remain in the library collection during the course of the review and any appeal.
Carmichael Library Request for Reconsideration Form
Carmichael Library has a collection development policy that guides the selection of materials to be purchased. If you wish to request reconsideration of a library resource, please return the completed form to either the Head of Technical Services or the Library Director.
Date _______________Name ______________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State/Zip _______________________
Phone __________________________ Email __________________________
Do you represent self? ____ Or an organization? ____
Name of Organization ___________________________
1. Resource on which you are commenting:
___ Print Book or e-Book) ___ Movie ___ Magazine ___ Audio Recording
___ Digital Resource ___ Textbook ___ Newspaper ___ Other
Title ________________________________________________________________________
Author/Producer _______________________________________________________________
2. What brought this resource to your attention?
___________________________________________________________
3. Have you examined the entire resource? If not, what sections did you review?
___________________________________________________________
4. What concerns you about the resource?
___________________________________________________________
5. Are there resource(s) you suggest that would provide additional information and/or other viewpoints on this topic?
___________________________________________________________
6. What action are you requesting that the library consider?
___________________________________________________________
Created 5/2025