# data[].attributes.body
NISD Library Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://nisd.net/library/collection-development

# data[].attributes.body
The NISD Guidelines for selection, evaluation, and reconsideration of library materials can be improved be adding a statement of all student’s first amendment rights. It would be preferable that the ALA and other associations are addressed, and linked, with statements regarding intellectual freedom. Currently, the links to necessary documents for reconsiderations are not available to the general public. More transparency is necessary for those seeking a formal challenge.

For those seeking to have a book reconsidered it is important to begin with your librarian. Discuss the concern and make sure you have read the book in its entirety. Document pages of concern so your grievance is clear. Only one book will be considered at a time. For example, book 3 in a series may be challenged but not the entire series.

# data[].attributes.body
In all districts it is important to have a clear procedure to address book challenges. Challenges can be made by parents, staff, or even members of the community. All reconsideration requests will be taken seriously and are handled according to the stated steps. When a librarian selects material to bring into the library there is a selection procedure. Materials must meet certain criteria, have literary merit, and be appealing. Age of the student population, the use of profanity or sex in the book are all taken into consideration. Other considerations librarians weigh are the amount of violence, treatment of religion, human development, bias towards particular race, sex, ethnicity, age group, religion, etc. That being said, even carefully selected material may come under scrutiny. In those cases NISD refers to the procedures listed below.

# data[].attributes.body
NISD Library Services
The following documents and forms are mentioned in this articles but are not available to the public. Please contact your school librarian to see a copy of these forms. If you seek a material reconsideration, your school librarian is the first person to contact in the process.

Guidelines for selection, evaluation, and reconsideration of library materials

Guidelines for selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

Library material reconsideration form

# data[].attributes.headline
Library Material Reconsideration Form Example

# data[].attributes.subject
Library Material Reconsideration Form Example

# data[].attributes.body
(Official form can be attained from your school librarian)

# data[].attributes.body
The PTA provided a list of questions they desired clarified and made public. At this time the NISD forms and guidelines can be accessed by employees only, however this is a summary of what they state:

What are the instructions providing the method for reporting the initial complaint?

Initially a meeting will be made with the librarian and the principal to discuss the concern. At this time the material is not removed from the library. If not resolved, the completed form is sent to the Deputy Superintendent.

How will the person filing the reconsideration form know the status of the book or materials during the entire process?
Updates regarding the challenge will only occur when the process is completed. The person filing the form will be notified of the action taken.

Who reviews the challenge?
The Deputy Superintendent will review the challenge and may resolve the issue informally. If that is unsuccessful, than the Superintendent will appoint a Review Committee. The Review Committee includes:

o   Deputy Superintendent

o   Director of Library Services

o   5 parents of appropriate level, but not the same campus as the complaint

o   1 librarian of appropriate level, but not the same campus as the complaint

o   2 teachers of appropriate level, but not the same campus as the complaint

What is my school librarian's role in the process?
Your school’s librarian is only involved in the initial meeting prior to submitting the reconciliation form to the Deputy Superintendent.

Who makes the decision and how?
The NISD Superintendent makes the final decision.

What are the procedures for notifying the complainant after a final decision is made?
The NISD Superintendent is responsible for notifying the parent of the action taken.

What is the appeal process if the complainant wants to appeal the decision?
Any further complaints, or appeals, involving the same material will not be reviewed for 3 years.

Is there a statement in support of intellectual freedom including mention of professional associations that support intellectual freedom?
There is not statement involving intellectual freedom.

Can I see an example of the challenge form? See right side

# data[].attributes.body
The PTA president, Karen Noname, met with the school librarian, Christine Robbins, and requested a summary be provided of the NISD library policies and procedures regarding book challenges.