Reconsideration Policy

Background 

Lavery Library endeavors to uphold St. John Fisher University’s mission statement, in which Fisher “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 American Library Association’s Bill of Rights. 

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 Fisher 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 Fisher 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 Reconsideration Request Form. 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.