Everything we do at the CCBC begins and ends with the books themselves. We examine every one of the hundreds of titles that come into the library each year, and subsequently read a number of them.
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Library Doesn’t Have Policy on Gifts to Collection
Q: I’ve seen the issue of gifts to a library mentioned in a couple of the responses in this forum, and you’ve indicated that it’s important to follow whatever a library’s policy says about accepting gifts …
Could I Lose my Job Because of a Challenge?
Q: I’m studying to become a school librarian. In one of my classes, we’ve been learning about materials selection, challenges, and the Library Bill of Rights. Is it possible that I could lose my job someday …
How Can I Avoid Selecting “Wrong” or Controversial Books?
Q: I’m worried about selecting the “wrong” book for my school library–one that someone might find controversial and result in a challenge. How can I avoid doing this? We know that challenges are scary to contemplate. …
Defusing a Confrontational Situation
Q: Can you provide some tips on how to defuse a confrontational situation with someone who has a concern about materials in a library or classroom? First, take a deep breath. Extend a hand to …
How Can I Avoid Complaints about Books I Teach?
Q: I’m a new teacher. What can I do to avoid complaints about the books I teach? Because we never know what book might be upsetting to someone, it’s all but impossible to avoid complaints …
Am I Censoring if I Return a Book I Ordered after Seeing It?
Q: I ordered a book for my school library and when I received it and saw it firsthand, I determined that the content was too mature for our book collection, so I didn’t add it. …
How Can I Designate Books Appropriate for Older Readers in My K-8 Library?
Q: I’m responsible for a K-8 library. Some of the books are simply too mature for elementary school-age children. I’m labeling these books “Y.A.” I know “labeling” is wrong, but how else can I designate which …
Should I Remove a Book from the Collection While a Challenge Is Pending?
Q: I am a librarian in a K-5 public school. I received notice today from my supervisor, the director of curriculum, that a book in my library has been formally challenged by a parent. When …
Handling Gifts to the Library
Q: If someone gives a video or book or magazine subscription to the public library, should we put a book plate or otherwise label it as a “gift from ___,” especially if it’s something we …