The Marshall Democrat-News provided a more extensive summary of the most recent meeting of the library committee tasked to develop a materials selection policy after a citizen complained about the presence of Craig Thompson’s Blankets and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home on the shelves.
Here are some highlights:
On the possibility of labeling graphic novels for content:
“At the committee’s last meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11, the committee decided not to assign a prejudicial label [for graphic novels] or segregate them by a prejudicial system.”
On materials selection in general:
“Materials will be chosen by reviews, public demand, budget factors, recognition on a best-sellers list, and many other aspects of available information.”
On a formal process for reconsidering material that’s been challenged by a library patron:
“The agreement apparently reached by the committee allows a patron to fill out and submit a request for reconsideration of materials. The next step is for the director to review the criteria for why it was chosen and should or should not remain in the library. The director may ask staff or outside resources, such as another library, for additional information on the material or materials in question. When a request is filed, the director will inform the board president immediately and the president will inform the rest of the board.”
Another meeting of the library committee was held last night, so more concrete conclusions will apparently be forthcoming.