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Conran Memorial Library

Collection Development and Challenge Policy

Policy concerning how the library selects materials and how to request a reconsideration of library materials.

Section 1A

The library has a written, publicly accessible collection development policy addressing how selections are made in considering the appropriateness by age of any minor, as define in 15 CSR 30-200.030.

  1. Publicly Accessible
    1. The policy is publicly accessible. Copies are available at the information desk and provided to new cardholders.
  2. Age Range and Appropriateness
    1. Our juvenile section ranges in ages 0-11. Young Adult ages are 12-18. The Adult range in 18+.
  3. Disclaimer on Age Recommendation
    1. Patrons are not limited by these age recommendations. All patrons are welcome to check out any materials in our collections. Responsibility for a minor’s reading must rest with the parent or the guardian, not with the library, its Board of Trustees, and staff.
  4. List How Choice Are Made: Reviews and Requests
    1. Books are selected by book reviews and books that are requested by patrons.
  5. Responsibility of Selection 
    1. The Library Director is responsible for making book selections.
  6. Parent Responsibility
    1. Materials selected for the Adult and Young Adult collection are intended for mature reader. Checkouts to minor from these collections are allowed with the signed parental permissions on a minor’s library card form. Minors will be allowed checkouts from each library collection that has been approved with signed parental permission. Separate collections are available for children and young people. It is not the responsibility of the Library, its Board of Trustees, or Staff to determine which collection they should use or what item in the approved collections is suitable for an individual.
  7. Reconsideration Process
    1. Any patron can challenge library materials.
    2. Challenges should be sent to the Library Director at 302 Main St., Hayti, MO 63851. The Board of Trustees will conduct the review process. The challenger will be contacted through a written letter stating the Board’s findings. Board members will meet after reading the challenged book before making a decision.
    3. A challenge form will be available for patrons to complete.
    4. A notebook will be kept of titles and results of challenge. This will be public record but not include the name of the challenger.
    5. If the same book has multiple challenges, the full process can be omitted.

Section 1B

No funds received shall be used to purchase or acquire materials that constitutes “child pornography," is “pornographic for minors,” or is “obscene." Those terms are defined in Section 573.010 RSMo.

Section 1C

A parent or guardian will determine what materials and access will be available to a minor child. No person employed by or acting on behalf of the library shall knowingly grant access to a minor to any material in any form not approved by that minor’s parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will complete the Informed Consent Form. A minor will not be permitted to obtain a library card without a parent or guardian signing off on a statement of responsibility. Minors are considered 17 and younger.

Section 1D

No age-inappropriate materials in any form, as defined in the library’s collection development policy, shall be knowingly displayed in the library in areas designated by the library as containing materials predominately for minors.

Section 1E

No event or presentation shall be held at the library without an age-appropriate designation affixed to any publications, website, or advertisement for such event or presentation. An age recommendation for the stated purpose of a meeting. Failure to advertise the age recommendation as required by the 15 CSR 30-200.015 could result in the group being prohibited from using the space in the future.

Section 1F

The library will have a policy by which any parent or guardian of a minor within the library district may dispute or challenge the library’s age-appropriate designation affixed to any presentation, event, material, or display. The results of any such dispute or challenge shall be disclosed to the public.

  1. Challenge
    1. The challenge policy is accessible at the library
    2. Challenge results will be available at the library. Challenge results will be included in the Board of Trustee minutes.
    3. One item per challenge form will be allowed.
    4. Challenge form must be fully completed with personal information on person submitted challenge.
    5. Parents or guardians can challenge children’s material, presentations, events, and displays. The person filing challenge must have a library card.
  2. Challenge Reconsideration
    1. The challenge reconsideration policy is accessible at the library.
    2. If the form is not completed properly, the request will not be considered valid and the request will not be addressed.

Section 2

The library shall submit a copy of its written policies to the state librarian annually by July 31, and shall submit, with thirty (30) days, any revisions to such policies to the state librarian.