Policy on Challenges to Library Resources

Updated 3/18/2025

Policy

For the purposes of this policy, “Libraries resources” is defined as any material, regardless of format, collected or presented by the library. This definition includes physical materials, intangible works, spaces, and scholarly activities conducted by researchers at this institution.

It is the policy of the Michigan State University Libraries that resources acquired or hosted by MSU Libraries will not be withdrawn, removed, or ceased based solely on allegations of false, misleading, pejorative, or potentially harmful information. Contested or opposing viewpoints are protected by the values of intellectual freedom, and older information retains value for historical research.

The Michigan State University Libraries understand that scholars may, intentionally or inadvertently, misstate facts, reach erroneous conclusions, or make claims that may be hurtful to individuals. Where possible, our collections encompass multiple perspectives by offering a range of works on any topic.

We provide scholarly context to controversial materials in order to minimize harm to our patrons while preserving the historical record. We acknowledge that this work is continuous, and that library users may have objections to resources or find them controversial.

Procedure for Challenges

Specific challenges, inquiries and requests should be directed to the Dean of Libraries who may confer with others about the situation. Our review will be guided by principles of academic freedom and principles contained in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association.

Philosophy

The MSU Libraries believe that intellectual curiosity and innovation flourish in an environment which offers a plurality of ideas. Accordingly, we hold to the principles of intellectual freedom articulated by Michigan State University, along with the ethical foundations of academic librarianship as outlined by professional associations.

One of the purposes of a research library is to support and promote intellectual freedom. The University emphasizes this philosophy in the Faculty Handbook: “Learning, teaching, scholarship, and public service must be characterized by a fundamental commitment to academic freedom and maintained through reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, mutual respect and openness to constructive criticism and change.” Intellectual freedom is essential to the “goal of the unfettered search for knowledge and its free exposition” (Michigan State University Faculty Handbook 54–55). Access to information is vital to student success. The MSU Student Handbook states, “the basic purposes of the University are the advancement, dissemination, and application of knowledge. The most basic condition for the achievement of these purposes is freedom of expression and communication” (Student Rights and Responsibilities 2). To support the efforts of students, staff, and the broader Michigan community, the MSU Libraries offer a wide array of resources to facilitate the diverse educational and research needs of scholars and promote the free exchange of ideas.

The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights is unequivocal in the support of intellectual freedom. Library resources “should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation” and materials and programs “should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval” (“Library Bill of Rights”).

Importantly, this does not mean a well-balanced collection, presentation, or other scholarly resource requires a one-to-one equivalence for each viewpoint “but should strive for equity in content and ideas that takes both structural inequalities and the availability of timely, accurate materials into account” (Intellectual Freedom Manual 150). Library resources are meant to stimulate thought. We recognize that users may have concerns about resources or find them controversial. Whenever possible, we provide scholarly context in order to minimize harm to our patrons while preserving the historical record. Library sponsorship, collection, curation of a resource (s) does not constitute an endorsement of a speaker/author/creator’s ideas or materials.

Definitions

Resources: Any material, regardless of format, collected or presented by the library. This definition includes physical materials, intangible works, spaces, and scholarly activities conducted by researchers at this institution. See “library programming” (ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science 217)

Library programming: “Library-initiated programs include, but are not limited to, lectures, displays, exhibits, community forums, performing and visual arts, participatory workshops, technology programming, creative-learning programming, wellness programs, story times, continuing education, fairs and conventions, book clubs, discussion groups, demonstrations, and presentations for social, cultural, educational, or entertainment purposes” (Intellectual Freedom Manual 180)

Selector: A library employee who is responsible for collecting materials for the MSU Libraries.

Curator: An MSU employee who is responsible for organizing and presenting a library program.