Session Description: In Florida, many schools and public libraries have recently experienced an increase in book challenges. While most academic libraries have not yet experienced these challenges, it is vital that we are prepared to handle potential challenges. A well-crafted reconsideration policy reinforces the values of intellectual freedom, diversity of thought, and responsible collection management in an academic library. It establishes a structured framework for addressing concerns while upholding the core principles that underpin the mission of educational institutions. In light of current events and threats to intellectual freedom, our academic library team developed a formal Reconsideration Process, saw the documentation through to adoption by the larger organization, and provided training for staff and librarians. This Reconsideration Process documents and outlines the procedures and guidelines for reconsideration of library items, ensuring a fair and thorough review process that respects the rights and perspectives of all individuals involved.

In this session, we will outline the approach we used to create our reconsideration process, important possibilities to consider when drafting such a system, and the method we used for obtaining approval from the larger institution. Participants will leave the presentation with a deeper appreciation for the necessity of a reconsideration policy in academic libraries, a clear understanding of the components required for an effective reconsideration process, and practical strategies for creating and gaining approval for such a system within their own institutions.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will gain an understanding of why having a well-defined reconsideration policy is crucial for academic libraries. Participants will gain insights into the steps involved in developing or enhancing their own reconsideration process and training staff on these new procedures within their academic library. Participants will learn how to develop a workflow for receiving and reviewing requests for reconsideration and communicating decisions to stakeholders.

Presenters:

Susan Mythen is the Interim Associate Provost of Curriculum & Instruction at Florida State College at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. She holds a Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration, a Master of Library and Information Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science. Her research has focused on collection management in community college libraries. She enjoys being an empty nester, eating Italian food, and taking her dogs on outdoor adventures. 

Lea Cason started her library career as an Adjunct Librarian at FSCJ and St. Johns River State College. She also worked as a media specialist in a local high school for a short period, during which she established a reconsideration committee. In January 2023, Lea became a faculty librarian at FSCJ's Deerwood Center. Since then, she has participated in ALA training and presentations to expand her knowledge of the reconsideration process.

Amber Arroyo has a Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of South Florida and a B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of North Florida. She currently works at the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) where she serves as a Faculty Librarian. She also works at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) as an Associate Adjunct Instructor. She has over 10 years of experience working in higher education. One of the things she loves most about her jobs is working 1-on-1 with students. On a more personal note, she enjoys playing tabletop games, painting miniatures, listening to audio books while she colors, and hanging out with her husband and three special needs cats, Twila, Nebula, and Aurora.

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