Challenge Defense File

Listed below are the resources the library should have on file in case any patron challenges one of these young adult selections. These are adapted from Professor Beth Wrenn-Estes’ list from San Jose State University (reference below).

• Selection Policy: How the library decides which books to have on our shelves.

• Library Bill of Rights: From the American Library Association (https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill)

• Reviews: Access to reviews both good and bad for each item. This will comfort the patron that others agree with them, however also show them the other side of the story.

• Rationale: The reasoning behind each individual selection.

• Reconsideration form: As a last resort, the patron can fill out a form to have the material reconsidered.

Most of all, all staff will be trained on how to lend a listening ear to concerned patrons. Hopefully through healthy discussion, they can see the reasoning behind the book, and not officially “challenge” it. 

 

Wrenn-Estes, B. (2021). Creating challenge defense files [Supplemental slides]. Canvas@SJSU. https://sjsu.instructure.com/courses/1430867/assignments/5850954