It is the policy of the University of Illinois Library that books, journal articles, or other
channels for scholarly communication acquired as part of the Library’s collections will
not be withdrawn from the collections based on allegations of false, misleading,
pejorative, or potentially harmful information. Errata sheets, issued by the publisher and
included with the text at the time of acquisition, or sent soon thereafter, will, whenever
possible, be tipped into the work. Updates, corrections, reviews, or letters of caution–
whether issued by the author, publisher, or third parties-may be added to the text or
referenced in the cataloging record or other links to the item. The Library understands
that scholars may misstate facts, reach erroneous conclusions, or make claims that in
fact or perception can be hurtful to other parties or lead future researchers astray. Such
claims and counterclaims are protected by the values of academic freedom and this
dialog can not be interrupted by Library procedures. Nevertheless, specific challenges
of merit may arise. In such situations, requests to remove an item from circulation will
be sent to the Associate University Librarian for Collections, who may confer with others
about the nature of the request.
Our review will be guided by our commitment to the principles of academic freedom and
the principles contained in the Library Bill of Rights, which says in part:
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information,
and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should
not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to
their creation. - Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on
current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because
of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
The decision will be communicated to the requestor once the review is completed.
ALA Bill of Rights is located at: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
Approved by Collection Development Committee
June 2000
Print version (PDF)
University Libraries, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Library Policy, Requests for Removal of Library Material