This document discusses censorship in school libraries and resources available for librarians. It addresses how censorship can occur through book selection and restrictions placed by teachers or concerned parents. While censorship is a key issue, there are many resources available for librarians, including guides on developing policies to protect intellectual freedom and defending against censorship challenges. Professional judgement is used to incorporate appropriate materials, and librarians are supported by organizations providing advice, webinars, and funds for those who lose jobs defending against censorship. Parents will need to discuss any concerning content with their children.

1. CENSORSHIP IN SCHOOLS
A personal learning experience
Dyan Gonzales
LS 5833-20

2. What is censorship?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines censorship as:
“the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books,
films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically
unacceptable, or a threat to security”
What is intellectual freedom?
The rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak
freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual
freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic
right in our democratic society.

3. What is the role of the librarian?
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom
and resist all efforts to censor library resources.

4. Does censorship take place in schools?
Yes!
• In the selection process – librarians can choose not to
buy or circulate ‘objectionable books”
• Teachers can choose not to list titles of books or have in
classrooms books that may be controversial or are
against their own thinking/beliefs
• Concerned parents or community members may
challenge current library materials based on sexuality,
race, religion, profanity, etc.
• Online filtering in library and class labs may restrict
access to information

5. M1: Article Analysis
Ethics in Librarianship: A management model
• Decision-making in librarian profession involves sound
ethical-judgment
• Policies and planning should focus on the organization’s
ethical vision
• For libraries that includes an emphasis on protecting intellectual
freedom
• Employees should be instructed on ethical values and those
teachings should be reinforced in continuing professional
development opportunities
• Librarians should not ‘shy away’ from conflict – but should
maintain an ethical stance on library material offerings and
services

6. M2: Collection Development
What resources are available on the
censorship in schools?
1. “Courting Controversy” – Pat Scales
2. “The Limits of Tolerance” – Ann Curry
3. “Intellectual Freedom Manual” – ALA
(Citation on blog)

7. M3: Interview
Censorship in an Academic Library?
• Librarians should follow the by-laws of the library and
policies regarding access and user rights
• Librarians have a responsibility to educate users on
breaches of copyright laws and proper avenues to
access information
• Library access should not be restricted (unless stipulated
by the organization/system, i.e private university)
• Monitoring of student use of resources should be
avoided – case by case evaluation of complaints

8. M4: Useful Webpages
• National Coalition Against Censorship
• American Library Association
• National Council of Teachers of English
• American Society of Journalists & Authors
• Project Censored

9. M6: Research Article
“Libraries and the Ethics of Censorship”
• Various type of censorship – each with its own level of
passion
• Both sides argue it is “best for the student”
• School libraries supplement curriculum instruction BUT
also incorporate literature to satisfy culture and social
needs
• Refer to by-laws and policies laid out for handling
challenges to library materials
• Educate administrators, professors, trustees to get
support for access to information for students

10. M7: Funding / Grants
How can you promote Intellectual
freedom?
Take action at your local library - participate in Banned Book Week!
The Judith Krug Fund accepts applications from libraries for grants of $1,500 -
$2,500 and provides promotional materials!
Is there financial /legal support if I lose my
job or am taken to court over censorship?
The Leroy C Merritt Humanitarian Fund and the Freedom to Read Foundation both
offer financial support for those denied employment rights because of their defense of
intellectual freedom – Freedom to Read also provides legal assistance funding.

11. M7: Film
“The Day They Came to Arrest the Book”
A film on the issue of censorship in
schools
1. Handling student and parent pressure
to remove a book
2. Navigating the ethical responsibility of
librarians to defend against censorship
3. Understanding the school and district
policies on library material challenges
4. Support for ‘denied employment
rights’ based on a defense for
intellectual freedom

12. M8: Workshop Report
ALA Webinar
“History of Intellectual Freedom and Censorship”
Takeaways
• Do not be hesitant to get advice from the Office of
Intellectual Freedom or the Freedom to Read Foundation
• Develop and maintain a written policy on your local
library’s stance on intellectual freedom and dealing with
censorship
• Active Practices of Censorship: Redaction, Removal,
Restriction, Relocation
• Passive Practices of Censorship: Self-Censorship, Bias

13. Summary
Censorship is a key issue in school libraries, but there are many
useful resources for parents, students and the community to
access to learn more :
• Rights of Students – professional judgment is used in schools
when it comes to incorporating material into the curricula and
library collection
• Parental Guidance – libraries do not restrict access to students
based on parental wishes, parents will need to monitor and
discuss with their children the content of materials used
• Support for Librarians – there is a plethora of support in terms
of research, practical guides and advice, webinars to develop
policies that protect intellectual freedom

14. Questions?
Please leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the
material on the blog posts or in this reflection summary.

15. References
• https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/censorship
• http://www.ala.org/advocacy/proethics/codeofethics/code
ethics
• http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom
Please refer to my blog posts for individual references for
each module – below are a list of additional references used
for this presentation: