Formal Requests for Reconsideration

A formal reconsideration request is a written document that identifies the specific resource that is of concern and the reasons for reconsidering its inclusion in the library's collection. In order to provide a standard method for receiving patron input, every library should have a written process for handling formal complaints as part of its collection development policy. If the library receives a completed reconsideration form, the person or group designated in library policy to evaluate challenges should take the following steps:
Intellectual Freedom Manual, Eleventh Edition. Erin Jones, Editor. Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association.

A formal request for reconsideration is a written document listing concerns about a resource and the reasons to reconsider its place in the library.1 Each library needs a policy on receiving and handling formal challenges to resources. If your library has a governing board, the policy should be approved by your board.

ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is available to assist you if you receive a reconsideration request. If you require support, do not hesitate to contact OIF by submitting a confidential report. 

If the library receives a completed reconsideration form, the party designated in the library's policy to evaluate challenges should2:

  • Promptly acknowledge receipt of the request and share the steps and timeline for the process with the complainant.
  • Identify:
    • if the request is from an individual or from a representative of a group;
    • if the complainant reviewed the entire resoruce;
    • if action was requested; and
    • the reasons provided by the complainant.
  • Prepare a document for the library director or school administrator that includes:
    • the resource's title;
    • a summary of the plot or content;
    • the selection criteria the resource meets;
    • a list of positive reviews;
    • awards received;
    • how frequently the item was checked out;
    • how many libraries in the area own it; and
    • a summary of the reconsideration process.
  • Meet with your administration to discuss the challenge. If an administrator attempts to remove a library resource without following policy, explain the legal and ethical issues:
    • Going around policy to censor a resource puts a school district or library in jeopardy of a lawsuit.
    • Decisions about which resources are available should be deliberate and objective, not emotional or reactive.
    • Disregarding policy sends the message that bypassing policy is legal and that censoring library resources is easy and appropriate--a precedent that can be quickly repeated.
  • Follow your reconsideration procedure as written. The review process must be transparent, objective, and should include the following steps:
    • reviewing the challenged work in its entirety;
    • determining if the resource meets the selection criteria in the library's collection development policy;
    • deciding if the resource will be kept or if another action will be taken; and
    • sharing the decision with the complainant in a written response (do not use an impersonal form letter)
  • If the library's policy includes an appeals process, also:
    • explain how to appeal the decision;
    • state the deadline for appeal;
    • inform the complainant if their appeal requires public disclosure of the reconsideration request and related documents, such as in a meeting agenda;
    • inform public-facing staff about the reconsideration process; and
    • keep records as required by your library's document retention policy.
  • Once a final decision about the resource is made, communicate the decision to library workers, keep a dated record, and report the result to OIF. OIF uses this information for statistics but keeps the details of the challenge confidential.
  • Reflect on the experience:
    • Was community access to a resource retained?
    • Did you learn something you can apply to the next challenge?
    • Did you gain allies?
    • Do you need to improve relationships with community leaders or with the local media?
    • Can the experience support library advocacy in the community?
  • If the process can be improved, create a list of recommendations. Meet with the administration to discuss if the timing is right to revise the policy.

Additional information on the reconsideration process in libraries is available in the Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries.

 

Jones, Erin, ed. Intellectual Freedom Manual. Eleventh Edition. Chicago: ALA Editions. 2026.

Purchase the Intellectual Freedom Manual, Eleventh Edition from the ALA store.

1 Some libraries are now calling this form "Statement of Concern" instead. This title is clearer for users and avoids library jargon. The process for staff stays the same, no matter what the form is called.

2 Avoid personal opinions in all communications, as paper and electronic documents can be obtained with an open records request. If you have questions, check with your library's legal counsel.

UPDATED 2026