Beyond banned books : defending intellectual freedom throughout your library

Equitable access to information for all, including underserved populations, is a core value of librarianship. The growing awareness of where this inequality persists has led many professionals to take steps to advance social justice within their institutions, from creating book displays about the Black Lives Matter movement or LGBT History Month to hosting programs by potentially controversial speakers. But while libraries are often well-versed in protecting the right to read books, many lack policies and experience in addressing censorship of resources and services. This resource from Pekoll, Assistant Director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), uses specific case studies to offer practical guidance on safeguarding intellectual freedom related to library displays, programming, and other librarian-created content. Essential for library directors, administrators, marketers, and programming staff, Beyond Banned Books

spotlights case studies drawn from public libraries, schools, universities, and government agencies dealing with library displays, artwork, programs, bookmarks and reading lists, social media, and databases; summarizes possible complaints and controversies related to each area; draws connections between the intellectual freedom principles involved and associated legal issues, with relevant court opinions when possible; shares questions to consider when strengthening a library's defenses against censorship; discusses the importance of reporting challenges to OIF, and the professional and institutional support that OIF can provide when challenges arise; and includes key ALA policies on intellectual freedom as appendices.

This guide will ensure that libraries are prepared to protect diverse voices from censorship while fostering more inclusive institutions that represent and welcome all people and ideas.

Reviews (2)

Choice Review

Pekoll (assistant director, ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom) has produced a well-written discussion of contemporary challenges to intellectual freedom encountered in library resources and initiatives. The book comprises seven chapters, the first six of which tackle specific library topics--exhibits and displays, art, programming, reading lists, social media, and eresources--providing a general overview and a few anecdotes of recent challenges at specific libraries. The last chapter acts as a toolkit for librarians who are dealing with challenges to intellectual freedom. In addition to the essays, the volume includes a foreword, a preface, an introduction, and 23 appendixes (the last including, among other interesting material, the Library Bill of Rights). Pekoll's book will be an effective resource for professionals combating censorship challenges outside of traditional print formats, and the case studies make for concrete examples of such challenges. A useful book for any library. [Disclosure: Choice is part of the American Library Association, which published this book.] Summing Up: Recommended. Professional librarians or graduate students in library school. --Eric Jeitner, Stockton University

Library Journal Review

Intellectual freedom, a guiding tenet of librarianship, requires librarians to stand against censorship of ideas and materials. Historically, censorship has been aimed at books, but according to Pekoll (American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom), services such as programs, displays, artwork, reading lists, databases, and social media posts are increasingly subjected to censorship attempts by patrons or special interest groups, and librarians and administrators must be prepared for challenges. Pekoll provides examples of actual obstacles, demonstrating that censorship attempts arise in all areas of the country, and discusses legal and constitutional arguments against these attempts. Most important, the author offers examples of policies libraries have developed to address attacks on these resources. Numerous appendixes interpret the Library Bill of Rights as it pertains to topics such as politics, information literacy, and inclusivity. VERDICT Readers will appreciate Pekoll's authoritative, clear discussion. Invaluable to anyone interested in resisting censorship attempts on all varieties of resources.--Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA

Martin Garnar

Foreword	p. vii
Preface: "You're Going to Hell"	p. ix
Introduction: Pushing the Needle	p. xiii
1 Displays and Exhibits	p. 1
2 Artwork	p. 13
3 Programs and Events	p. 29
4 Bookmarks and Reading Lists	p. 45
5 Social Media	p. 61
6 Databases	p. 77
7 Report and Support	p. 89
Appendix
The Library Bill of Rights	p. 99
Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks	p. 101
Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sexual Orientation	p. 106
Challenged Resources	p. 109
Education and Information Literacy	p. 112
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion	p. 115
Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards	p. 120
Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource	p. 122
Politics in American Libraries	p. 125
The Universal Right to Free Expression	p. 128
Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries	p. 132
Code of Ethics	p. 136
Index	p. 139

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Reviews (2)

Choice Review

Library Journal Review

Table of Contents