Know Your Resources: The Canadian Library Challenges Database

I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. 

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The Canadian Library Challenges Database

The Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:

• The specific item challenged.
• The nature of the objection.
• The requested remedy.
• The library’s review process (if available). 
• The official response.

It's an invaluable reference (that is made more useful and comprehensive through our use) to inform and strengthen our responses to challenges, as well as give us an understanding of the challenged landscape in the library world.

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