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. …
What IF … Forum
What IF is a question-and-answer forum for teachers, school and public librarians and others in the library and education fields. We all have questions about intellectual freedom and challenges to materials. The What IF forum is a place to turn to ask these questions before a challenge occurs, and to help think through what the principles of intellectual freedom look like in practice.
Ask us a What IF question: ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu
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 …
Where Can I Find Out about Banned Books Week?
Q: I’m a high school librarian. My principal just asked me to talk about Banned Books week at our next high school faculty meeting. Where can I get information on such short notice? The Banned Books …
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. …
Same Books Keep Disappearing
Q: At my small, K-8 school, copies of certain books keep disappearing off of the shelves. It always seems to be the same titles, such as “Go Ask Alice” and “Smack” by Melvin Burgess (books …
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 …