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 …
Materials Concerns/Challenges
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Concern Library Attempting to “Indoctrinate” Children
Q: A recent concern raised by several people is that our library is attempting to “indoctrinate” children with the materials we provide. What are your thoughts on how to respond? Like accusations that libraries are …
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 …