Proposed new rule from Secretary of State
In October, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft proposed a new rule for Missouri’s public libraries that “would establish a certification requirement for libraries receiving state funds and institute measures to protect minors from non-age-appropriate materials.” The Secretary of State’s office is accepting public comment and feedback on the proposed rule through December 15, 2022. Information on how to comment is provided below.
University City Public Library believes that the freedom to read is essential to the health of our democracy and subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement, both of which have been adopted by the American Library Association. Among the requirements included in the proposed rule are publicly accessible collection development and patron challenge policies, both of which are already available our Strategic Plan & Policies page of our website.
While it is certain the values represented in every item will not reflect those of every library user, it is important that the public library have materials that represent many viewpoints. The Library is committed to being inclusive, providing access to all, and respecting diverse perspectives across all areas of the collection. This step by the Secretary of State threatens to erode that core value by allowing challenges from “any person,” which could include those who do not live in University City, Missouri, or even the U.S., as well as partisan groups.
You can share your thoughts and feedback about the Secretary of State’s proposed rule by mailing or emailing the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State. To be considered, all comments to the proposed rule must be received between November 15 and December 15 and must include “15 CSR 30-200.015” in the subject line.
Mailing Address:
Office of the Missouri Secretary of State
PO Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Email Address:
comments@sos.mo.gov
Subject line must include: 15 CSR 30-200.015
Additionally, the University City Public Library’s Board of Trustees has issued the following resolution in opposition to the proposed rule:
Resolution Opposing 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors submitted by the Missouri Secretary of State
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library believes that the right to read is an important part of the intellectual freedom that is basic to democracy; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library believes that this rule is misguided and will have a chilling effect on intellectual freedom in our communities; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library believes that parents and guardians of the children in our communities are best able to judge what their children should be allowed to read; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library does not support the removal of local control where library administration is concerned.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library:
- Stands steadfast in its commitment to uphold intellectual freedom;
- Defends a patron’s freedom to read and asserts that it is the sole right and responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what library material is appropriate for their children; and
- Affirms that policy and collection development decisions should remain at the local level.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the University City Public Library urges the Secretary of State and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to reject 15 CSR 30-200.015.
ADOPTED this 21st day of November 2022
We welcome feedback and questions at reference@ucitylibrary.org or by calling 314-727-3150.
