Library Complaint and Censorship Records (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library)

Good Morning,

We have not had any 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.

-Leslie

Leslie Skantz-Hodgson
Library Media Specialist/Curriculum/Professional Development
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
80 Locust Street
Northampton, MA 01060
413-587-1414, ext. 3476
skantzl@svahs.net

>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 3/19/2013 11:11 AM >>>

March 19, 2013
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Library
80 Locust Street
Northampton, MA 01060-2052

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 Commonwealth 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

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For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 4686
PO Box 55819
Boston, MA 02205-5819

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requests might be returned by the USPS as undeliverable.