Intellectual Freedom:  Meeting the Challenge
What is Intellectual Freedom? 
"Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored."                ~American Library Association
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Guidelines for Meeting the Challenge  
​Proactive guidelines for establishing and maintaining a strong library program and collection. Includes ideas to help the librarian build allies and deflect potential challenges should they arise.

​PROACTIVE Steps to Take BEFORE a Challenge; Does your program have:

Materials Selection Policy, approved by the School Committee
  • including Reconsideration Policy and form
  • including Collection Development Statement 
Collection Development - Recommended practices:
  • Use reviews to make decisions for  purchases; some recommended core review sources:
    • School Library Journal, Booklist, The Horn Book
  • Professional knowledge and experience
  • Examine new materials as they arrive
Library Climate...
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Provide service for Students, Faculty, Administration, School Committee, Parents, Community Members
Outreach
  • Back to School Night
  • Welcome Volunteers to work in your library
  • Library web site and brochures
  • Professional Development for staff
  • PTO presentations
Connections
  • Join professional organizations and listservs: MSLA, AASL, LM_NET
  • Stay informed about Intellectual Freedom groups and issues
    • ALA - Office for Intellectual Freedom
  • Be aware of pro-censorship organizations
IF a challenge comes… Don’t assume that an objection or criticism is the 
beginning of a challenge
  • Try to resolve the concern informally
  • Review the material that is of concern
    • Look at it from the complainant’s perspective, as well as your own
***Keep in mind: the “target” is the material, NOT the librarian***
Steps to follow to respond to a challenge 
It is important to know and follow the formal steps in your district’s Selection Policy. 
If your district does not have a Selection Policy in place, look at one from a similar community, or look at the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom’s 
“Workbook for Selection Policy Writing ”  

After the formal challenge is made
1. Provide the complainant with handouts as specified in the Selection Policy. For ex:
  • the reconsideration form
  • reconsideration procedure
  • Library Bill of Rights)
2. Inform your principal and your library director immediately
  • Respect your district’s chain of command
  • Develop a procedural strategy with your principal
3. Keep detailed written records
4. An objective third party should be present during any discussion of the challenge
5. Notify the MSLA President / Executive Board
6. Consult with other library teachers (locally or electronically)
  • Do not assume confidentiality, especially with e-mail
7. Contact allies
  • Faculty members, Parents, Community members
Further Resources from the American Library Association
  1. Workbook for Selection Policy Writing à Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries
  2. AASL Intellectual Freedom – RESOURCES
  3. Coping With Challenges and Censorship in Schools à Challenge Support and Schools and Minors' Rights​
Page Editor: Ann Perham aperham@maschoolibraries.org