In support of KCU as an educational institution, it is the goal of Young Library to promote critical thinking. The development of critical reading skill demands that readers be exposed to materials that express views different from their own. For that reason, titles in the library collection will not be excluded on the sole basis of offensive language, violence, differing religious views, or sexual content.
If you find a book that you feel contains objectionable material, you should follow the following steps to address the issue:
- Any definition of “objectionable material” needs to keep our target readers in mind. The library exists to meet the needs of college students. Materials that might be deemed inappropriate for younger readers will not be omitted on that basis.
- If a patron finds objectionable material in the library, he/she should bring the book in question to a librarian or library staff member. The Director of Young Library, or acting Director, will review the book and determine if the offensive material is egregiously and indefensibly objectionable.
- If the material is not found to be egregiously and indefensibly objectionable, the book shall be returned to the collection. If the material is found to be objectionable, the book will be sent on to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for his/her review.
- Any patron that has filed a complaint about offensive material and is dissatisfied with Young Library’s decision is encouraged to appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- The Director of Young Library has the right to refer any complaint to the Vice President of Academic Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
- The Vice President of Academic Affairs has the final authority in retaining or excluding a book from the Young Library collection.
Photo of books on a shelf by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels
