[Libs-Or] Delayed August Tuesday Topic: Template Policies for Public Libraries

[Emily O'Neal]

>From the Intellectual Freedom Committee:


Now Available: Template Collection Development Policy and Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy for Public Libraries


August 2025


Welcome to Tuesday Topics, a monthly series covering topics with intellectual freedom implications for libraries of all types. Each message is prepared by a member of OLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) or a guest writer. Questions can be directed to the author of the topic or to the IFC Committee.

Updated Template Policies Now Available for Public Libraries
Last November, the Intellectual Freedom Committee was honored to share updated draft policies for instructional materials and reconsideration processes for school libraries, developed by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) in collaboration with members from the IFC and OASL. You can access the full post outlining OSBA's policy updates here<https://www.olaweb.org/assets/IntellectualFreedom/IF_Resources/OLA_IFC_Tue_Topic_2024-11_OSBA%20Instructional_Materials_Policy_Update.pdf>.

Following that partnership, the IFC identified a broader need for model policies tailored to other library types-specifically public libraries.

Using example policies from Deschutes Public Library<https://deschuteslibrary.org/about/adminrules/1.3.1%20Reconsideration%20of%20Library%20Materials.pdf>, the IFC is now pleased to offer template policies designed to assist public libraries in reviewing, creating, or adopting two key policy frameworks:

  *   Collection Development Policy<https://drive.google.com/file/d/15dH7AphzyZOeByjjJKfQOlzDZJhdARNu/view?usp=sharing>
  *   Request for Reconsideration Policy<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WDf5hil1yUi3FyxeFZ7TmyxNo6kovK58/view?usp=drive_link>

These templates are available through the Intellectual Freedom Toolkit<https://slo.oregon.gov/iftoolkit/home>.

How to Use Template Policies
Each template includes color-coded highlights to guide customization:

  *   Yellow highlights indicate areas to be potentially updated by individual libraries-designed to be plug-and-play.
  *   Green highlights provide notations for the section inclusion (recommended vs. suggested):

*         "It is recommended to include this section in this policy."

*         "It is suggested to include this section in this policy."

Recommended Elements for Each Policy
Collection development policies should include:

  *   Intellectual freedom statement
  *   Anti-discrimination statement
  *   Non-endorsement statement
  *   Responsibility statement
  *   Selection criteria
  *   Selection sources / tools
  *   Procedures for handling requests and criticism
  *   Last updated date

Reconsideration policies should include:

  *   Intellectual freedom, non-discrimination, and non-endorsement statements
  *   Definitions of who may submit a reconsideration request
  *   Limits on the number of requests submitted at one time by one individual
  *   Limits on frequency of reviews for the same title
  *   Clear, objective review process
  *   Disclosure that submitted forms may be subject to public records requests
  *   Designation of final decision-maker
  *   Statement that materials are reviewed as a whole
  *   Policy that materials remain in circulation during review
  *   Description of appeal process (focused on adherence to policy, not decision outcome)

Key Considerations When Adapting Policies

  *   Use objective language
  *   Draft clearly-worded statements
  *   Follow systematic processes
  *   Define roles and responsibilities
  *   Specify decision-making authority
  *   Include a clear statement that inclusion is not endorsement of content
  *   Specify how long the reconsideration and appeal processes can take
  *   Ensure legal review and approval
  *   Tie policies back to the organization's mission statement

Additional Resources
The IFC remains committed to supporting Oregon libraries with intellectual freedom guidance and resources. Visit our website for contact information<https://www.olaweb.org/contact-ifc>, review past Tuesday Topics<https://www.olaweb.org/if-resources>, and access sample policies and support documents via the IF Toolkit<https://slo.oregon.gov/iftoolkit/home>.



https://www.olaweb.org/assets/IntellectualFreedom/IF_Resources/OLA_IFC_Tue_Topic_2025-08_Template_Coll_Dev__Reconsideration_Policies_Public_Libraries.docx.pdf


Emily O'Neal, M.L.S.
Technical Services Manager
Deschutes Public Library
601 NW Wall St., Bend OR 97703
(541) 617-7061
emilyo at deschuteslibrary.org<mailto:emilyo at deschuteslibrary.org>
http://www.deschuteslibrary.org<http://www.deschuteslibrary.org/>
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