Summary

This policy addresses information related to the reconsideration of materials acquired by the UNT Libraries through its collection development practices and policies.

Background

The UNT Libraries Collection Development Policy states that:

• The UNT Libraries have the goal of becoming a top tier research library. The goal is accomplished through strategic acquisitions of quality collections and resources. The aim is to create physical and virtual collections that support the scholarship and research activities of a top tier research institution.
• The UNT Libraries support instruction, research, and creative production with collections in a variety of formats housed in several locations. The Libraries strive to acquire, preserve, and provide access to all types of information sources necessary to meet the needs of its primary clientele. The Libraries must balance access to and ownership of information resources in accomplishing this goal.

The UNT Libraries also subscribe to the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, which states that:

• The freedom to read and write is almost the only means for making generally available ideas or manners of expression that can initially command only a small audience. The written word is the natural medium for the new idea and the untried voice from which come the original contributions to social growth. It is essential to the extended discussion that serious thought requires, and to the accumulation of knowledge and ideas into organized collections.

Process

Any person requesting reconsideration of any materials must complete and sign a Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

The completed and signed form will be reviewed by the appropriate subject librarian and the Head of Collection Development. The Subject Librarian and the Head of Collection Development will draft a recommendation concerning disposition of the challenged material to the complainant within four weeks of receipt and forward to the Dean of Libraries along with the original Reconsideration of Library Materials Form for review. The Dean of Libraries has the responsibility and liability for the final decision.

The Head of Collection Development has the responsibility of notifying the complainant as to the decision regarding the materials. The complainant shall be notified within three months from the date of receipt of the signed form, except in unusual circumstance (i.e. overlapping annual leave, transition of personnel, etc.)

All decisions are final. Once validated by the process, materials shall not be eligible for further reevaluation as each challenged item has been through a rigorous review. An updated file listing the title, date challenged, date resolved, disposition, will be kept by the Head of Collection Development and provided to anyone who requests the list.

Dates

• Approved: 01/15/13
• Revised: 01/12/17
• Reviewed: 03/05/20, 07/08/24

License Information