Stone County Library strives to provide materials that appeal to all of our patrons. There may be occasions when a patron is concerned about a particular title in the Library’s collection. If a patron wishes the Library to reconsider the inclusion of a particular title, a Materials Reconsideration Form is available at all locations.
Generally, items are placed in the collection based on a variety of criteria, including (but not limited to) popularity of the author or series, reviews from literary sources, and patron popularity or requests. When assigning an item to a section in the collection, the recommended age from the publisher is often used. There may be times when patrons do not feel that an item is placed in the correct location and we are happy to review that when it is brought to our attention.
This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to a Library staff member, who will forward it to the Director, or it can be emailed to director@scl.lib.mo.us. Members of the collection development staff will review the patron comments, reviews of the title, the criteria used in selecting the item, and reasons for including it in the collection.
A written response to the patron will be sent in a timely manner. If the patron does not feel the decision adequate they may petition the Library Board of Trustees to review the decision.
Program Reconsideration
As with materials, there may be times when a patron is concerned about the appropriateness of a library program. Reconsideration of the event may only be requested by someone who holds a current (active) Stone County Library Card. If a patron wishes the Library to reconsider an event, a Program Reconsideration Form is available at all locations, and on the library website. This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to a Library staff member, who will forward it to the Director. One form must be filled out per event being challenged.
Program planning staff will review the patron comments, review the event plans, and reasons for holding the event. A written response to the patron will be sent in a timely manner. The decision, minus patron information, will be posted on the library website. If another challenge occurs within 6 months of a review (for recurring programs), the initial decision will stand.
If the patron does not feel the decision adequate they may petition the Library Board of Trustees, in writing, to review the decision.
Display Reconsideration
There are certain areas within each library branch that may be used for displays. Space is limited within each library branch and it is not guaranteed that minors will not see displays in other areas of the library. Displays located in areas designated for minors will be “age appropriate” based on the recommended age range of the section (see collection development policy for recommended age ranges).
If a patron does not agree with the display, as a whole, or one element of the display they may submit a reconsideration form. Reconsideration of a display may only be requested by someone who holds a current (active) Stone County Library Card. If a patron wishes the Library to reconsider a display, a Display Reconsideration Form is available at all locations, and on the library website. This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to a Library staff member, who will forward it to the Director. One form must be filled out per event being challenged.
The display will remain in place while the review occurs. A committee of library administrative staff will review the patron comments, review the display, and reasons for the display. A written response to the patron will be sent in a timely manner. The decision, minus patron information, will be posted on the library website. If another challenge occurs while the display is still up, the initial decision will stand.