Q: WHAT IF… I am having doubts about materials? Is “not purchasing” the same as self-censorship? Consider this scenario: You, a youth services librarian working in a public library, are considering potential new purchases. As you’re …
What IF … Forum
How can I build bridges or find common ground with someone who has a materials concern?
Q: It’s important to me to try to build a bridge when someone comes to me with a concern about library materials. Currently, complaints seem more focused on eliminating certain types of content from libraries …
Is there a way to make sure reconsideration requests are authentic?
Q: Recently, my district received a series of reconsideration requests consisting of information copied from websites featuring book reviews from sources intended to cast the books in a negative light. It seems like these requests …
How can I feel more confident that I’m ready to handle a complaint?
Q: I am graduating with my library degree soon. The many challenges around the country over the past few years have come up in my classes. I feel great about other aspects of librarianship, but …
What can I expect if I reach out to you at the time of a materials concern?
Q: I’m not clear what you provide if I contact you at the time of a materials concern. What will happen if I reach out to you for assistance? The CCBC’s Intellectual Freedom Information Services …
Worried about District Support for Classroom Books
Q: I’m a classroom teacher and I feel like my district administration has become fearful of the potential for complaints from parents about what we’re teaching, especially with all the attempts around the country to …
Preparing for a Complaint
Q: I read your advice on preparing in advance to respond to a concern or complaint. It all makes sense but I feel like I should be doing more, given everything that’s been happening over …
Restrictions on Books and Access to Materials in the School Library
Q: I’ve seen several news stories recently in which districts have “restricted” some titles and students must get permission to check them out, and/or parents have the option of prohibiting their children from checking anything …
Updating the Request for Reconsideration Form
Q: Do you have suggestions for changes we might make to our public library’s reconsideration process to discourage challenges from people who haven’t even looked at the materials they are challenging firsthand? It’s so frustrating …
Requests to Purchase “Propaganda”
Q: My public library has received several requests to purchase books that are outside the scope of what we would typically collect. The request is for a subscription book series designed for the consumer (home) …