ACADEMIC LIBRARY MANAGEMENT POLICIES

SB 45 requires New Mexico's public colleges and universities to establish clear policies for managing library resources, including how to handle removal requests. The bill prohibits libraries from removing books, digital materials, or other resources based on the content's author, topic, or audience (e.g., race, gender, or political views), and mandates that only students may request removals. Libraries must follow a uniform process involving written decisions explaining the reasoning, review the resource as a whole, and wait for final approval before removal - preventing snap decisions. The policy also protects library staff from retaliation for refusing to remove materials before a final decision or acting in good faith under the rules. Institutions must adopt these policies by September 1, 2026.