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 …
Collection Development
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) …
Want to Avoid Self-Censorship
Q: With the threat of a challenges feeling constant, I’m finding it hard not to second-guess myself with selection decisions. The fear of a complaint, or of an administrator questioning my choices, is making it …
Request for Additional Selection Criteria
Q: Our selection criteria require we look at professional reviews, recommended lists, and other sources to select materials recommended for the ages/grades we serve in my high school library, with the goal of building a …
Policy and Procedure Best Practices in School Libraries
Q: Our school district recently went through a book challenge in the library and questions came up about ways we might strengthen our policies and procedures to make them clearer. We’re going to be reviewing, …
The Importance of Considering Content in Context
Q: I’m struggling with how to explain why words or a scene or images in a book taken out of context should not be used to discount the book as a whole. Can you offer …
Holding Administrators and School Boards Accountable
Q: I’m feeling disheartened and disturbed by what is happening when it comes to LGBTQ and other materials in schools that some people think of as “controversial.” I’ve heard of administrators deviating from policy, going so …
Questions about Diverse Materials
Q: I am getting questions that aren’t necessarily about specific books, but rather why we have so many diverse books, including books about/addressing race and racism, and LGBTQ materials, in our school library. Our community …
Claims That Reviews Reflect “Liberal” Bias
Q: How can I respond to accusations that the review journals and other professional sources libraries turn to for book evaluations and recommendations are biased toward “liberal” perspectives? First, it’s important to realize we all …
Accusations of Providing Pornography
Q: Someone recently accused the library where I work of providing pornography to youth. While I don’t believe that’s what the books they’re saying this about are, I’m wondering if you can address the difference between …