It is a goal of the Hunterdon County Library (HCL) to maintain a comprehensive collection of materials that offers a wide diversity of views and expressions. These materials may include views which are unorthodox, unpopular, or controversial in nature. The decision to acquire materials does not constitute endorsement of the material’s content. Members of the library community are free to select or reject materials based on personal choice.

Patrons wishing to formally address a concern about the appropriateness of library resources may choose to make a request for the reconsideration of the resource in question.

The following steps will be used when an individual feels that further action is necessary to address concerns about a library resource. For the duration of this process, the material in question will remain available to the public. One should note that the Hunterdon County Library is part of the MAIN Consortium, and the Library and the Library Commission have no ability to remove resources from other member libraries.

A. Submit Completed Reconsideration Form.

1. A concerned patron who would like to start the procedure for reconsideration of resources will be offered a packet of materials that includes the library’s mission statement, the HCL Collection Maintenance Policy, the HCL Reconsideration of Library Materials and Electronic Resources Form, the American Library Association (ALA) Library Bill of Rights and the ALA Freedom to Read Statement.
2. Patrons are required to complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Electronic Resources Form to the attention of the Library Director.

B. Evaluation Process: Professional Review

1. Upon receipt of the completed form, the librarian responsible for collection development of the area where the item in question is located will be assigned to review the reconsideration request.
2. The librarian will read, listen to, or view the item. He/she will also read reviews of the item when available, check the item’s circulation statistics, and compare the item to the selection standards set forth in the HCL Collection Management Policy.
3. In assessing the reconsideration request, the librarian will evaluate the item as a whole. Items will not be removed from the collection based solely on frankness of expression, the expression of controversial viewpoints, or objections to a particular passage considered outside of the context of the entire work.
4. Within 15 business days, the assigned librarian will make a decision and send a written response to the patron who requested the reconsideration, stating reasons for the decision.  A copy of the response will also be sent to the Library Director.

C. Further Action: Appeal to the Director

If the patron is not satisfied with the librarian’s response, a written appeal may be submitted to the Library Director within 10 business days.

1. The concerned patron is required to submit the completed Reconsideration Form, along with a written explanation of why the patron is not satisfied with the decision that was made regarding the material under review.
2. The Library Director, with appropriate professional staff, will review the Reconsideration Form and the resource in question, to evaluate whether its selection follows the standards stated in the HCL Collection Management Policy.
3. Within 15 business days, the Library Director will make a decision, and send a written response to the patron who requested the reconsideration, stating the reasons for the decision.  A copy of the decision and the Reconsideration Form will be supplied to the Hunterdon County Library Commission.

D. Further Action: Appeal to the Library Commission

If the patron is not satisfied with the decision of the Library Director, a written appeal may be submitted within 10 business days to the Hunterdon County Library Commission.

1. The concerned patron is required to submit the completed Reconsideration Form, along with a written explanation of why the patron is not satisfied with the decision that was made regarding the material under review.
2. When the commission plans to address the appeal at their board meeting, the patron will be notified of when and where the meeting will be held.
3. The Hunterdon County Library Commission reserves the right to limit the length of public comments.
4. The decision of the Hunterdon County Library Commission is final.