Alabama’s state education superintendent has directed local school superintendents to establish book reconsideration policies in their school libraries.

Dr. Mackey emphasized the need for every local board of education to have a written policy that guides the selection, deselection, and reconsideration of library resources. He stressed the importance of maintaining age and developmentally appropriate materials in school libraries, given that they cater primarily to juvenile users, and ensuring that parents and guardians understand the role and mission of school libraries.

“Every local board of education should have an approved written policy that guides the selection, deselection, and reconsideration of library resources,” Mackey said. “This policy should be reviewed and revised on a regular basis (and) be familiar to all school administrators and school library staff.”

The move comes amid a growing effort to clamp down controversial books in schools from conservatives. According to the American Library Association, only one school library book was challenged in the state last year.