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Willington committee introduces new library collection review process; chair asks members to review questionnaire
Summary
The policy subcommittee reviewed a draft library collection development and deselection policy that would formalize how removal requests are handled, require a questionnaire explaining objections (author, title, portion objected to, age appropriateness), and coordinate with the high school’s parallel review and new library director.
The Willington policy subcommittee heard a first look at a proposed library collection development policy designed to standardize selection, review and deselection procedures.
The chair (S1) said the draft, developed with district staff (Amy), combines the model policy language with local notes and proposes a questionnaire for members of the public who request removal: requesters would state the author and title, whether the complaint represents an individual or group, what portion is objected to, the recommended age group, and why the material is deemed inappropriate. "We just pulled through to try and get some more information about why someone wanted something pulled," the chair said.
Committee members noted the high school is conducting a separate, active review and that the new high‑school library director is already weeding materials; members agreed it would be useful to understand the professional guidelines the director is using. The chair said the policy would not necessarily require staff to re‑review every existing title but would set a process when complaints arise and for any potential deselection.
The subcommittee asked staff to circulate the draft as a Google Doc so members can add comments; they agreed to make library collection and student nondiscrimination/harassment policies priorities for the next policy meeting and to allow a "present to speak" slot limited to items on the policy meeting agenda for public input.
Next steps: committee members will review the draft questionnaire and selection criteria, consult with the high‑school library director on professional review lists, and return feedback at the next policy meeting.
