Collection Decision Review Request Policy

January 2025

To uphold the principle of intellectual freedom, the Library attempts to supply a balanced collection containing varying viewpoints on controversial issues. We try to have an inclusive collection which represents the diversity of our community.

We recognise that there may be contention around certain content. While recognising the right of the individual to reject material, this should not diminish the right of other users to access this material.

Tasman District residents and users of Tasman District Libraries who disagree with a collection decision may request a review.

The request should be made in writing on the Collection Decision Review Form available on Tasman District Libraries’ website or on request at any branch library.

The request should indicate how, in the opinion of the requestor, the collection decision has not followed the principles and criteria set out in the Tasman District Libraries Collection Development Policy.

Questioned titles will be re-assessed as an entire work, not specific portions (e.g. images, pages, sections or chapters). The re-assessment will include consideration of the context of the work within the library collections.

When the Collection Decision Review form has been received the following process will be used:

• The form is acknowledged by Tasman District Libraries.
• The customer’s request is assessed by the Collection Services team, based on the principles and criteria in the Collection Development Policy.
• A decision is made by the Collection Services Librarian and the customer is advised of a decision within thirty days of receipt. The response will include the reasons for the decision.
• If the customer disagrees with the Collections Services Librarian’s decision, they may ask for the issue to be raised to the Tasman District Libraries Manager. The decision of the Tasman District Libraries Manager will be final.