Reconsideration Policy
Background
Lavery Library endeavors to uphold St. John 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· University’s mission statement, in which 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· “engages individuals in lives of intellectual inquiry, professional integrity, and civic responsibility, where diversity and service to others are valued and practiced.”
As part of our commitment to this mission and our library’s own vision, we actively support the diverse interests and research needs of our community by curating a variety of physical and online library resources. Specific to this work, we are guided by the policies from the .
Libraries play a critical role in facilitating access to information and ensuring library users have the resources needed for their own inquiry, development, and critical thinking. Therefore, library resources include materials from a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, even if they may be controversial or offensive to some. Materials will not be removed because of the origin, background, or views of their contributors. The 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· Creed and the Basilian motto of “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge” speaks to our deeply held values as a library and institution. The inclusion of controversial or offensive materials does not indicate an endorsement by St. John 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· University.
Requesting a Reconsideration of a Library Resource
In keeping with the institution’s mission to engage in intellectual inquiry, professional integrity, and civic responsibility, the library has developed a process for addressing concerns about specific items within our collections.
If a current student, faculty, or staff member has concerns about library materials, they may fill out a . Appropriate library staff members will acknowledge the request within 2 business days. Depending on the nature of the request and length of the material in question, library staff members will review the request and make a recommendation to the Library Director within 5 business days. The Library Director will notify the individual of the decision within an additional 5 business days.