CENSORSHIP (ALA Definition paraphrased)

A change in the access status of material based on the content of the work and made by a governing authority or its representatives, including changes by:

Exclusion

Restriction

Removal

Age

Grade level

Some questions to consider include :

Do you have a collection development policy manual?

Is it governed by a collection development committee?

Who are the members of your committee?

Who are selectors?

Do you have Library Bill of Rights included in the document?

Do you have policy on disputes? what are some common issues?

here is a partial list and some examples:

• racism
• sexism
• violence
• sexuality
• politics
• "dirty words"
• gay and lesbian literature
• horror
• creationism
• witchcraft
• incest
• mental illness
• slavery
• nudity

Check the best sources on issues such as:

• access
• advocacy & legislation
• banned and challenged materials
• copyright
• diversity
• intellectual freedom & civil liberties

Criteria for selection: a template

1. Materials shall be selected to enhance and facilitate learning as well as the

educational, emotional, and recreational needs of the students, faculty, staff.

2. Materials shall meet high quality standards in:

• physical format
• treatment of subject
• accuracy and currency of information
• arrangement and organization (access)
• literary style

3. Materials shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional

development, ability level, learning styles, and social development of all students.

4. Materials shall represent differing viewpoints so that learners may be motivated to engage in critical thinking, to explore their own beliefs, attitudes, and behavior, and to make informed judgments in their everyday lives.

Use review sources for recommended material

Judge materials as a whole (books, maps, posters, AV)

Understand the mission statement of your educational organization

Work closely with the faculty, leaders and parents

Be creative

Read the material (you are recommending), not just reviews

Be TRUTHFUL, quesiton

Be flexible

Know your User (students, faculty, staff, district, parents, leaders)

Understand the ALA Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.