Q: I’m feeling pressure to “level” the collection at my K-5 school so teachers can easily direct their students to books at their reading level. I feel strongly that this goes against what I believe …
Communication and Advocacy
Am I Required to Prohibit a Child from Checking Out a Book if Parent Requests It?
Q: What if a parent requests that their child not be permitted to check out a particular book and then the child brings that book to the desk to check out? Do I let them …
What Should I Do about Students Upset By a Condom Ad in a Magazine?
Q: I am a librarian in a small, rural school district in a conservative community. We have two school libraries: one is K-5 and the other is 6-12. In the high school library some eighth …
How Much Weight Should I Give Individual Scenes/Elements When Selecting Novels for the Curriculum?
Q: I’m a middle school teacher working as part of a group to select novels for the curriculum. Some of us are struggling with books we love that are strong overall but that have individual scenes …
What If My Administrator Says to Remove Book?
Q: I’m studying to be a school librarian. I’m concerned about what I should do if my administrator tells me to remove a book because it is stirring up controversy and we have a policy …
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 …
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 …
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 …