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 …
Policies and Procedures
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 …
Most Important Thing in Responding to Materials Concern or Challenge
Q: It seems like I’m hearing about challenges happening in many places right now. I’m trying to make sure we’re prepared in case it happens here. What do you think is the most important thing …
Weeding or Censorship?
Q: Why is it “censorship” if my library board removes a book that is challenged, and “weeding” if a staff member removes a book with problematic content? Even though I know the difference, I’m genuinely …
Books with Racist Images
Q: What does the recent announcement from Seuss Enterprises that six Dr. Seuss books will no longer be published because of racist images mean for my library? We don’t have all of the books but …
Concern about Graphic Novels
Q: I continue to run into resistance from both parents and some colleagues at my school about graphic novels. Just the phrase “graphic novel” makes some adults pale, and that’s before they’ve even cracked a …
Complainant and Review Committee Information and Roles
Q: Do I send school policies and reviews of a book to a complainant, or just to the review committee? And how do I make sure the Review Committee understands its role? Those are great questions. …
Preparing in Advance for a Complaint
Q: Are there some standard practices I should follow in order to be prepared for a book complaint? (April 2024 update: We’ve provided a follow-up response to this question that offers more information, including slide decks …
How Can I Make Sure Selection Decisions Protect Children
Q: I struggle with how to uphold intellectual freedom but still protect the students within specific age-groups at the school where I work. How much is too much when it comes to content? Where do I …