Reconsideration of Materials: a review process for library materials that patrons may use to initiate the review of materials to which they object.
Request for Reconsideration Form: the document that patrons must fill out and return in-person for the reconsideration process to begin.
Challenge: an attempt to remove or restrict library materials, based upon an individual’s objection.
- Re-state the Reconsideration of Materials segment from the APL Collection Management policy.
- Offer clarity for the timeline and the method of response.
- List library materials that have been challenged within the last three years.
Restated from the Collection Management Policy.
Individuals objecting to specific materials in the collection may initiate a request for reconsideration by filling out a Request for Reconsideration form available at all locations and on the Library web site. The Collection Management Services Coordinator will review the request and assign one or more librarians to read, view, or listen to the item being challenged. This group will meet and discuss the item in question and re-evaluate it against the Collection Management Policy with consideration to how the item does or does not suit the Library’s mission.
A request for reconsideration will only be considered if it is from an individual who is a resident of the Municipality of Anchorage or is otherwise eligible to hold an Anchorage Public Library card. Items challenged within the previous three calendar years are not eligible for reconsideration.
A written reply indicating the Library’s position and any action taken will be sent to the individual making the complaint within 15 business days dependent on the Library’s ability to obtain adequate copies of the materials for all members of the reconsideration committee.
A written appeal of the staff decision may be presented to the Library Director within 15 business days. The Library Director has 15 business days to provide a written reply with his/her decision. The written decision of the Library Director will be final.
Timeline & Method of Response Clarity
Once the Collection Management Services Coordinator receives the Reconsideration Form, an email will be sent to the individual who submitted the form. This email will indicate the start of the 15 business-day period of review, unless a different time frame is stated in the email. The written reply will be sent via email unless a physical, mailed replay is requested at the time of form submission.
Included information: year challenged, title, author, call number, decision made after review process.
2025
- Small Favors: The Definitive Girly Porno Collection by Colleen Coover (GN Coover Small-F): RETAIN
- How Do You Make a Baby? by Anna Fiske (J 612.6 FISKE): RETAIN
2024
- Johnny the Walrus by Matt Walsh (EBB WALSH): REMOVED
2023
- Archaeopteryx by Rebecca Sabelko (J 568.22 SABELKO): RETAIN
- Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen & Matthew Nolan (Y 306.7 MOEN): RETAIN
2022
- Jack (not Jackie) by Erica Silverman (E SILVERM): RETAIN
- Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah Hoffman (E HOFFMAN): RETAIN
- Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg (J 613.9071 SILVERB): RETAIN
- Zo Zo Zombie by Yasunari Nagatoshi (J 741.5952 NAGATOS): MOVE TO Y