Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 12/16/2003
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials PDF
East Greenbush Community Library values your opinion. Individuals may take issue with library materials that do not support their tastes and views. Staff is available to discuss concerns and identify alternate materials that may be available. If a patron’s concern is not satisfied through discussion with staff, a formal, written request for reconsideration of materials may be submitted to the library director.

Those who object to the content of an item in the collection must submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form. The request will be judged according to the Materials Selection Policy (attached) established by the library. All library users are encouraged to read the library’s Materials Selection Policy before submitting their request.

Copies of the Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form are available at the reference desk or from the director’s office. Online form available below.

For a request for reconsideration to be considered, the form must be completed in full. The director will respond in writing, within thirty days of receipt, to the patron’s request for reconsideration. The response will indicate the action to be taken and reasons for or against the request. An item will only be evaluated for reconsideration once in a twelve-month period. Access to challenged material shall not be restricted during the reconsideration process. Neither the Request for Reconsideration form nor its contents will be considered confidential.

The following procedure shall be followed upon receipt of a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form:

  • The director shall examine the challenged material, determine professional acceptance by reading critical reviews of the resource; weigh values and faults and form opinions based on the material as a whole rather than on passages or a section taken out of context; discuss the challenged item with the individual questioner when appropriate; decide whether the material conforms to the principles of selection outlined in the library’s Materials Selection Policy.
  • The director shall prepare a written report. The report shall be discussed with the individual questioner if requested.
  • The questioner shall have the right to appeal any decision of the director to the Board of Trustees as the final review panel.
  • The board’s decision is final, unless instructed by a court to do otherwise.

Request for Reconsideration of Library Material Form

To assure prompt, complete consideration of your request complete this form as clearly as possible explaining the nature of your concern. Neither this document nor its contents will be considered confidential.

Your request will be carefully considered. You will receive a written response concerning the status of the item under reconsideration. You may appeal the decision of the Director to the Library Board of Trustees.

Return to Policies
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders