Challenged Materials Policy
The Beaufort County Library has the responsibility to provide materials and information to meet the needs and interests of the diverse population of the tax-paying public it serves. Collection development is carried out under the guidance of carefully established selection policies based upon the needs of user groups, service objectives, collection specifications, and current selection needs. The Beaufort County Library firmly endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement developed by the American Library Association.
The choice of library materials by users is totally an individual and confidential matter. Responsibility for the reading of children and adolescents rests solely with their parents and legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for him/herself and parents may restrict access to library materials for their children, no individual has the right to exercise censorship or to restrict the freedom to read of others.
Citizens wishing reconsideration of library materials should complete the "Client's Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials" form. This form is available at all service outlets of the Beaufort County Library. Staff members will review the Reconsideration request to ensure that it provides full information about the nature of the complaint and give it to the branch manager, who will keep a copy and forward the original to the Library Director.
The Director will appoint a committee of at least three staff members and/or area specialists to evaluate the material. The committee will examine the material in question using the patron's request, published reviews, and the County Library policies for materials selection and will determine whether the item in question meets the criteria, as specified in the selection policy, for being included in the library's collection. The committee will submit a written report of its findings, with any recommendation for action, to the Director who will make a decision concerning the material.
The Director will notify the patron originating the Reconsideration Request of the decision. In the event the individual is not satisfied with action taken, he/she may appeal to the County Library Board for reconsideration.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees
Beaufort County Library
September 10, 2008
Revision 7/2009