Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries

1. Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries September 30, 2014 Brittany Whyte

2. 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.”

3. Where does Intellectual Freedom Exist? A school library promotes access to a wide variety of resources, including books, periodicals, Internet, and other schools and libraries, that are an integral part of daily instruction. Students’ right to access information gives them the ability to locate and obtain materials and to critically examine and interpret that information. Materials challenged = primarily printed resources and how/if they should be used in instruction. • Most challenges come from parents • Teachers and principals make up 20% Why do they challenge the materials? • Mostly a concern about sexuality • Profanity, morality, obscenity • Also reflect ever changing societal issues (i.e. sexual intimacy/orientation-gay/lesbian)

4. How can we promote intellectual freedom in schools? • Collaborationof selection of materials should involve teachers, administration and students • Discussions about library philosophy and selection criteria • Communication (newsletters, newspapers, other media, parent workshops) both inside and outside of schools

5. What to do with a book challenge? • Discuss the issue with the person bringing the challenge. • Read (or reread) the book. • Consult your reconsideration policy • Get advice • Decide on a course of action

6. Is The Adventures of Captain Underpants by DavPilkey… Why? • Offensive Language – “that old guy”, “mean old Mr. Krupp”, reference to undergarments • Partial Nudity • Violence – Chapter 16 titled “The Extremely Graphic Violence Chapter” • Misbehavior • Blackmail/Threats (Bullying) *Most challenges in 2013 to the OIF*

7. DavPilkey says… “My goal with Captain Underpants is to make kids laugh and to give children (and especially reluctant readers) a positive experience with reading at a crucial time in their development (ages 7 to 10). Children in this age group who hate to read are in great danger of becoming functionally illiterate adults. So when a child connects to a book -- even if it's a book that we as adults might not care for -- it's a BIG DEAL! As grown-ups, we need to respect our children's rights to choose what they want to read. Kids who have fun reading are making a connection in their brains that reading is valuable and rewarding. That very connection is what turns ordinary kids into lifelong readers.” Read Full Article Here

8. Do you want to support Intellectual Freedom? DO NOT: • Immediately remove materials at first sign of complaint or controversy • Dismiss protocol • Pre-censor: not selecting materials because there is a preconceived notion that a controversy may exist • Eliminate materials under guise of evaluation • Limit access to potential controversial material by imposing barriers Always remember: The climate for open access and availability of information directly affects the students served.

9. Why do librarians defend Intellectual Freedom? • It's the law! • To uphold the Library Bill of Rights What can you do to defend intellectual freedom? • Advocate • Talk to local libraries, school boards, media, elevated officials • Educate • Stay up-to-date on legislation • Network, sign up for ALA (American Library Association) newsletter • Be a leader

10. American Library Association (ALA)ALA website What is the American Library Association (ALA)? It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, providing association information, news, events, and advocacy resources for members, librarians and library users. • Provides leadership for the development, promotion, advocacy and improvement of library and library information services. • Enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. • Eight key action areas: Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession, Education and Lifelong Learning, Intellectual Freedom, Organizational Excellence, Diversity, Equitable Access to Information and Library Services, Literacy and Transforming Libraries.

11. ALA: Library Bill of Rights • Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. • Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. • Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. • Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access of ideas. • A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views. • Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

13. ALA: Office for Intellectual FreedomOIF website Mission Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Why is it important? The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries. They are also responsible for many initiatives such as Banned Books week.

14. Banned books week “Books won't stay banned. They won't burn. Ideas won't go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.” - Alfred Whitney Griswold, Essays on Educationwebsite Banned Books weeks was created by ALA (American Library Association) as part of an initiative by The Office of Intellectual Freedom. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. It celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the free and open access to information. Who participates Banned Books week brings together the entire book community from librarians to booksellers, teachers to students and community members alike. It draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Dates September 21 – 27th (annual event)

15. What about the Internet? CIPA, or the Children’s Internet Protection Act, went into effect in 2001. • There are certain requirements on school libraries that receive discounts for Internet access through the E-rate program • Filters • Education and Internet training • Enforcement of policies

16. Class discussion Q/A • Do you think any kind of censorship should exist within school libraries? If so, what kind and why? • How does internet filters hinder educational opportunities? How can this impact research on health topics that a filter may pick up as “obscene”?

17. Works cited • “American Library Association.” Web. 30 Sept. 2014. • “Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read.” Web. 22 Sept. 2014. • “Frequently Challenged Books of the 21st Century.” Web. 30 Sept. 2014. • “Library Bill of Rights.” Web. 23 Sept. 2014. • Linking for Learning. 3rd ed. ISLMA, 2010. 78. Print. • “Office for Intellectual Freedom.” Web. 22 Sept. 2014. • Pilkey, Dav. “My Book Makes Kids Laugh, And It Was Banned Anyway.” Huffington Post. 24 Sept. 2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. • “School Library Media Centers and Intellectual Freedom.” Web. 20 Sept. 2014. • “Why ‘Captain Underpants’ Is The Most Banned Book In America.” Business Insider. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.

18. WHEN SOMEONE TELLS ME A BOOK SHOULD BE BANNED FROM THE LIBRARY