Selection Policy:
The resources acquired for the University Libraries are selected to
meet the teaching, research, and service missions of the University.
Appearance of any resource does not mean that the libraries advocate
or endorse the ideas found in that resource. The Libraries adhere to
the principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in the Library Bill
of Rights of the American Library Association. It is the responsibility
of the Libraries to ensure that different points of view are represented
in the collection.
The Library Bill
of Rights of the American Library Association states "Books and
other library resources should be provided for the interest, information,
and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.
Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation" (Article 1); and "Libraries
should provide materials and information presenting all points of view
on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed
or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval" (Article 2
). The Libraries also endorses the Freedom
to Read Statement, provided by the American Library Association.
Academic Freedom is also required and protected by the Clemson University
Faculty Manual. "Because freedom of access to recorded knowledge is
essential to teaching, learning, and research in a democracy, the right
and obligation of the University is to provide a full range of materials
on any subject, however unpopular, controversial, or apparently incorrect,
shall not be infringed. The principles of academic freedom shall apply
to the acquisition and preservation of such materials and also to those
who provide and those who use them." (Part III, Section B - Academic
Freedom and Responsibility, p. 15)
Challenged Resources:
Resources in the University Libraries may be challenged by students,
faculty and staff of Clemson University and those persons who are residents
of the state of South Carolina. A challenge to a resource in the University
Libraries must be based on the failure of that resource to fall within
the Libraries' selection and collection development policies, including
the commitment to intellectual freedom. When challenging an item, the
patron may request the library take one of two actions; (1) removal
of an item because it is inappropriate, or (2) the addition of a source
to balance the collection by providing alternative views. The Libraries
may agree to take either action or no action at all. Challenged items
will remain on the shelf and available to Library Users during the duration
of the challenge.
Procedure:
Those persons wishing to challenge a resource in the University Libraries
will be asked to complete a Request for Reconsideration
of Library Resources form. The completed form should be submitted
to the Dean of Libraries at the address indicated on the form; the Dean
will acknowledge receipt of the form via letter. The Request will then
be considered by the Information Access Committee of the University
Libraries, with the assistance of the librarian responsible for collection
development in the subject area of the resource. The recommendation(s)
of the Committee will be sent to the Dean of Libraries, who will make
the final decision. The person making the challenge will be notified
in writing by the Dean of Libraries of that decision and any action
to be taken. The appeals process goes first to the Clemson University
Libraries Advisory Committee then to the President of the University.
