Reconsideration Policy

This policy addresses information related to the rationale and processes for requesting reconsideration of materials acquired by Davidson College Library through its collection development policies and processes.

The E.H. Little Library at Davidson College fosters a welcoming and inclusive learning environment through our programs, outreach, collections, and collaborations. Empowered by our Mission and driven by our Values, the library seeks to establish inclusive and well-curated collections that support the diverse interests, research needs, and educational goals of our college community.

As a private liberal arts college, Davidson College relies on its founding principles and ongoing Statement of Purpose to assist students in developing humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds for lives of leadership and service. The E.H. Little Library looks to the college’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion and its Commitment to Freedom of Expression to guide considerations of materials acquired and held by the library. The library is further guided by the Core Values and Code of Ethics statements of the Association of College & Research Libraries and Society of American Archivists. The library endorses the principles documented in the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement. 

Libraries play a vital role in providing access to a wide range of information, ideas, and perspectives to support intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Controversial materials have scholarly/research value, and therefore our collections may contain such material. The inclusion of this material in the collection does not indicate endorsement of the ideas by Davidson College.

Individual library users may occasionally have concerns or objections about specific materials in our collection. In recognition of this, we have developed this Reconsideration Policy to provide a fair and transparent mechanism for addressing such concerns while maintaining our commitment to intellectual freedom and equitable access to information.

We believe that respectful dialogue and careful evaluation are essential in resolving concerns related to library resources. Through this policy, we aim to engage in thoughtful discussions, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions regarding the materials in question.

The reconsideration process is open to currently enrolled students, current faculty, emeriti, and staff of Davidson College. Any member of the college community is encouraged to speak with library staff if they have a question about the library’s collection development policies. 

Expressions of Concern

Individuals concerned about the appropriateness of library resources are encouraged to discuss their concern with the Assistant Director (AD) of Collections & Discovery and/or the Assistant Director (AD) of Archives, Special Collections, and Community depending on the location of and responsibility for the material. If the individual is not satisfied after speaking with the AD, they may file a formal reconsideration request.

Formal Reconsideration Requests

Any person requesting formal reconsideration of materials must complete and sign a Reconsideration of Library Materials Request Form. Forms must be fully completed to be considered. 

Within 10 business days, the completed form will be reviewed by the AD of Collections & Discovery and the AD of Archives, Special Collections, and Community. The ADs will submit a joint recommendation–whether unanimous or split–to the Leland M. Park Director of the Davidson College Library, who will review and decide upon the request within 10 additional business days. 

If the individual is not satisfied with the decision, a written appeal may be submitted within 10 business days to the Library Director. In the event of an appeal, the reconsideration request, along with AD recommendations and the Library Director’s decision, will be forwarded to the Faculty Library Committee for comment and referral to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs. The final decision will be made by the VPAA within 10 business days of the referral by the Faculty Library Committee. The decision of the VPAA is final and cannot be appealed further. 

The complainant will be notified of the final decision within five business days of the decision, Materials will not be removed from the shelves or otherwise restricted while the reconsideration process is ongoing.

This policy may be amended from time to time following the library’s policy revision practices. 

Version 1.0 approved 02/20/2024.