When a member of the community removes or destroys library materials, it is a violation of a social contract, and it deprives others of the benefit of this commonly owned resource. Library collections, in part, are developed to preserve ideas for the future. Librarians take seriously their responsibility to collect, preserve and circulate these important materials. The system is unique in society, it is very civilized, and it works as long as the community respects and honors the basic principles of community owned and maintained resources.

Because the Libraries strive to provide collections that represent a diversity of viewpoints, library users may occasionally find materials owned by the Libraries to be controversial or objectionable. Written complaints will be considered within the guidelines outlined in our collection policy that can be found here.

Please send your questions and comments to the Associate Director for Collection Management and Services Meg Manahan at mkmanahan@stthomas.edu.