Dartmouth Libraries Challenged Materials Policy

Summary of Policy

Dartmouth Libraries' collections contain material by authors, creators, and collectors that reflect the context of their times. Works may contain misstated facts, erroneous conclusions, or content that individuals or groups may object to. The Libraries take an inclusive approach to collection development and management, underpinned by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. This policy outlines the Dartmouth Libraries approach to challenged materials.

Affected Parties

All Groups

Policy Statement

Since 1769, Dartmouth Libraries have built a collection of 3.5 million items that supports research, teaching, and learning. Some of these materials may represent information that has been superseded or is false or misleading, and may contain pejorative or offensive content, reflecting the historical and societal contexts in which they were created.

Dartmouth Libraries provide these various perspectives to reflect our commitment to new knowledge creation and historical accountability and understanding. The presence of materials in the Libraries' collections does not constitute an endorsement by the Libraries of the beliefs espoused in the materials.

It is the position of Dartmouth Libraries that rigorous discourse is the essence of what is protected as academic freedom, which is "fundamental to the life and work of the institution and of all who serve it in the responsible performance of teaching and scholarly pursuits." (see the "Agreement Concerning Academic Freedom…" section of the Organization of the General Faculty on page 10). By making research materials available for review, rebuttal, substantiation, support or further enquiry, and the creation of new knowledge, the Libraries upholds its purpose and vision. 

The policy outlined below, applies to Dartmouth Libraries and aligns with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights: 

  • Materials acquired by the Libraries shall stand as published.
  • The Libraries shall not remove materials from the collections perceived as being offensive or problematic, based on false or misleading information, or because of the backgrounds or beliefs of the content creators.
  • The Libraries will provide access to various perspectives as part of the foundation for creating new knowledge and historical accountability and understanding.
  • Where appropriate, the Libraries may flag content as problematic. 
  • Where appropriate, the Libraries may include errata sheets, issued by the publisher and in the text at the time of acquisition, or sent soon thereafter, whenever possible. 
  • Where appropriate, the Libraries may add updates, corrections, reviews, or letters of caution, whether issued by the author, publisher, or third parties, to the text or referenced in the cataloging record or other links to the item.
     

Exclusions & Exceptions

Guidance and protocols for access and protection of materials created by Indigenous peoples, by others that depict their cultures, and traditional knowledge preserved in materials can be found in Protocols for Indigenous Materials in the Dartmouth Libraries.

Definitions

  • A "challenge" is "an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group…Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others." (American Library Association)
  • "Collections" mean any material stewarded by the Libraries, whether physical or digital, and whether it's readily accessible or housed in Special Collections. 
  • "Dartmouth Libraries" or "Libraries" means a library belonging to, or under the administration of Dartmouth, including the Baker-Berry Library, Dana Biomedical Library, Feldberg Business & Engineering Library, the Library Collections & Services Facility, Matthew-Fullers Health Sciences Library, Rauner Special Collections Library, and Sherman Art Library.

Policy ID

064-0001

Effective Date

October 22, 2024

Division

Office of the Provost

Office of Primary Responsibility

Dartmouth Libraries

Last Reviewed Date

October 22, 2024

Next Review Date

2029

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