Our Content Development Policy guides the selection and management of resources collected and created by the Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga-o-Ōtautahi.
One of the core values expressed in this policy relates to the breadth and depth of the content offered (Chapter 3.5 - Comprehensive and relevant resources). In practice this means the library will provide a collection of material that expresses a range of viewpoints, including some which may be controversial.
Relevant sections of the Policy include:
Resources should provide appropriate breadth and depth of coverage, include standard works and recent publications and represent divergent viewpoints on all issues.
The Library will provide information required for customers to participate in the democratic process and will attempt to represent varying points of view on a broad range of subjects so that all members of the community may be informed and make individual judgments.
Other sections of the Policy are of relevance to the breadth of our collection, including Intellectual freedom and access to information:
To uphold the principle of intellectual freedom, the Library attempts to supply a balanced collection containing varying viewpoints on controversial issues. Material will not be
suppressed or removed simply because it gives offence. While recognising the right of the individual to reject material, this should not diminish the overall breadth of the collection for
other customers.Materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of contents.
Items prohibited by the Films, Videos and Publication Classification Act 1993 will not be purchased by the Library and material restricted by provisions of this act will not be issued to customers under the specified age. Apart from these statutory requirements, the Library will have no active censorship role.
If a customer want to express their view on the content of resources or materials, they can speak to Library staff, or contact us.
See also our page Library policy: Intellectual freedom and access to information.
Find out more about censorship law in New Zealand.
