The resources acquired for the Mt. Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Library are selected to meet the teaching, research, and service missions of the College and the community. The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. It is the responsibility of the Library to ensure that different points of view are represented in the collection.

The Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association states the following: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation" (Article 1); and "Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval" (Article 2). The Library also endorses the Freedom to Read statement, provided by the American Library Association, which promotes access to materials expressing all points of view. Both the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement are available for viewing online (www.ala.org), and in print in the Library , in the library's policy manual. Appearance of any resource does not mean that the Library advocates or endorses the ideas or statements found in that resource.

Challenged Resources:

Students, faculty, staff, and community patrons of the Library may challenge resources in the MWCC Library . A challenge to a resource in the MWCC Library must be based on the failure of that resource to fall within the Library 's selection and collection development policies, including the commitment to intellectual freedom. Challenged material will not be removed automatically from the collection, but will be reviewed in the light of the objections raised. When material or resources are challenged, the Library may take one of the following actions: removal of a resource because it is inappropriate, the addition of a resource to balance the collection by providing alternative views, a combination of the above, or no action at all.

Procedure:

Those persons wishing to challenge a resource in the MWCC Library will be asked to complete a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form, available in the Library and online here. The completed form should be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Library and Information Services, who will acknowledge receipt of the form via letter. The VP of Academic Affairs will then consider the request, with the assistance of the librarian responsible for collection development in the subject area of the resource. The recommendation of the VP will be sent to the Assistant Dean of Library and Information Services, who will make the final decision, and notify the person making the challenge in writing of that decision and any action to be taken. Any appeals shall go to the President of the College.