Library Complaint and Censorship Records (North Adams Public Library)

Chris Peterson filed this request with the North Adams Public Library of North Adams, MA.
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Communications

From: Chris Peterson

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10) for a copy of the following records:

Copies of written and electronic complaints and challenges for removal, reclassification, or other reconsideration of publications including books, magazines, movies, websites (e.g. filtered from library computers), or other media from January 1, 2010, to present, as well as records, petitions, and correspondence related to these challenges.

We seek such records as, for example, are classified by the Massachusetts’ Supervisor of Public Records Municipal Records Retention Manual under Section 17.004: Complaint and Censorship Records, though we do not limit our request to those so classified.

According to 950 CMR 32.06(5), every custodian of records is encouraged to waive fees where disclosure would benefit the public interest, as we believe these will. This request is part of a research project by the Center for Civic Media to better understand how and why library materials are challenged in the State of Massachusetts. We are committed to open access and plan to make our findings broadly available to the public. If fees cannot be waived please inform me in advance.

We ask that, if possible, you please respond via email with text documents or clear, high-quality scanned PDFs. If you cannot reply electronically, please mail us the best quality copies you reasonably can. Your efforts helps us ensure broad accessibility and equity.

The statute requires your response to this request within 10 business days. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us better understand this important aspect of the work that you do. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any further questions.

Best,

- Chris Peterson
Research Assistant
Center for Civic Media
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

From: Rick Moon

Dear Mr. Chris Peterson,

As per your request for information concerning any patron complaints and or censorship of records in connection with the North Adams Public Library; at this time and within the timeframe that you are requesting, the library has not had any complaints and/or challenges for removal, reclassification, or other reconsideration of publications including books, magazines, movies, websites , or any other media from January 1, 2010, to present.

The North Adams Public Library is an open environment in which the community is encouraged to explore all avenues for information and learning. It is the mission of the North Adams Public Library to assemble, preserve and administer a collection of resources in a variety of formats that meet the needs of the community, and to share resources with the larger library community. As a source of knowledge for the community, an encourager of reading for all ages, a leader in cooperation with schools and organizations, and a supporter of life-long learning, a high level of service will be delivered in a welcoming, responsive, and efficient manner.

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