PURPOSE:
This policy sets forth the procedure for OPL cardholders to express their concerns regarding OPL materials, programs, exhibits, or displays, both in person and on the library’s website (hereafter referred to as “library materials and/or resources”), that they may find objectionable. Since public libraries offer differing viewpoints on topics, a diversity of values and viewpoints are included in OPL’s materials and/or resources.
POLICY:
The choice of materials by a library patron is an individual matter. While individuals may reject materials for themselves, they may not restrict access to those materials and resources for other library patrons.
OPL adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom outlined in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association (Appendix 1) and further explained in the Freedom to Read Statement (Appendix 2) and the Freedom to View Statement (Appendix 3).
PROCEDURE:
The following procedures have been adopted for the handling of formal requests for review of OPL materials and/or resources:
- Formal requests for review of library materials and/or resources must be submitted in writing to the Library Executive Director using the Request for Review of OPL Materials and Resources form. This form is available upon request at all library locations.
- The patron seeking review of OPL materials and/or resources must certify that they have read, viewed, or listened to the entirety of the OPL material or resource before requesting a review.
- The Request for Review form must be completed in full by an OPL card holder. Any requests not completed fully or submitted by a non-card holder will be dismissed.
- Receipt of the completed form will be acknowledged in writing within ten (10) business days by the OPL Director or appropriate Manager overseeing the OPL material or resource.
- The OPL material or resource under review will remain available to all OPL patrons during the review.
- The OPL Manager will work with appropriate staff members to address the review request and to determine whether the OPL material or resource complies with OPL’s Collection Development Policy, and the policies and principles set out in the ALA Library Bill of Rights, The Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement.
- The manager will provide the Library Executive Director with a summary of the findings supporting the final decision.
- The OPL patron initiating the review request will be notified in writing from the Library Executive Director or their designee of the decision and subsequent further action to be taken, if any. This notification will be delivered within two (2) months of receipt of the completed request form.
- All decisions made through this review process are final. Once a material or resource has been evaluated through this policy, it is not eligible for further reevaluation by any other individuals for a period of five (5) years from the decision.
- An updated file, without identifying patron information, listing the title, date of request, date resolved, and decision, will be kept by OPL and provided to anyone who requests the list.
- A copy of the Request for Review form, without identifying patron information, will be registered with the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.
IMPLEMENTATION:
OPL staff are responsible for enforcing this policy
Approved by the Board of Trustees
of the Omaha Public Library
August 20, 2025
Download a PDF of this policy