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 …
School Libraries
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 …
Restrictions on Books and Access to Materials in the School Library
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 …
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 …