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INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
What is Intellectual Freedom? ~American Library Association
RESOURCES AASL Resource Kit Support from MA Library Assoc (MLA) and MA Library System (MLS)
Other Helpful Links from Unite Against Book Bans frequently challenged books on shelves. |
New England Intellectual Freedom Helpline The IF helpline is a volunteer-driven network that supports librarians and educators in New England who are experiencing attempts to censor materials or services, or are facing other intellectual freedom challenges. We connect people with peer support and resources to successfully defend their community members’ freedom to read, and to stay safe as they do this important work. We do not offer legal advice or opinions, but we will do our best to provide resources and best practices, and to connect you with lawyers who can help. 1/15/2025 ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom Helpline Grant Announcement Late last year, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the launch of its state Intellectual Freedom Helpline (IFH) program. Over the next two years, ten pilot program sites will operate a confidential reporting system that will help connect those experiencing censorship attempts with professional support, in-state peers, and referral to The ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) as appropriate. The initiative will collect data for inclusion in ALA’s database of confidential reports documenting censorship attempts nationwide; develop resources and establish best practices to operate an IFH; and develop the expertise and confidence of both those providing and receiving support. Ten grants were offered, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, which is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities, among others. Contact Jennifer Varney (jvarney@maschoolibraries.org) to find out more and to get involved. |
Book Résumés
Intellectual Freedom: Things to Do Now
(from MSLA President Jen Varney's Forum column, Fall 2022)
- If your school / district does not have a formal Selection/Reconsideration Policy, double your efforts to get one. Many districts express that they do not want to formally adopt this policy at the school committee level because such an action might be seen as an invitation to trouble. In the current political climate, challenges will occur whether there is a policy or not. It is much better to have one and be prepared. Use your policy to have conversations with administration about the issue.
- If you do have a formal policy, refamiliarize yourself with it. Stick to the procedures and ensure stakeholders know they need to be followed. Make sure teachers and administration are aware. Consider looping in your union representatives.
- Being aware of the most challenged books is helpful to be an asset to people who want to discuss them. Keep the conversation on content, level, and curriculum connections, and the school library’s important role in providing access to a wide variety of materials.
- Selection process is selection policy. Be able to articulate why you bought the books you did. Use this as an opportunity to look at what other libraries have.
- Continue to use social media as a promotional and an advocacy tool. Cite other sources and connect them back to the professional resources like the MSLA and other subscriptions you use. However, school librarians in other parts of the country have experienced harassment online alongside the challenges.
- You may consider protecting the privacy of your personal social media accounts. In addition, MA schools are receiving many Freedom of Information Act requests. It may be prudent to limit use of your work email when discussing these matters. You can change which address you use to communicate with MSLA by following these directions.
- Connect with your public library. If you're getting inquiries or challenges, there’s a chance that inquiries have been made in town too. Bridge gaps to your local assets who can be supportive in these matters and keep them in the loop.
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
| IF a challenge comes… Don’t assume that an objection or criticism is the beginning of a challenge
1. Provide the complainant with handouts as specified in the Selection Policy. For ex:
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)
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PO Box 336 | Wayland, MA | 01778 | 508-276-1697 Emily Kristofek, Office Manager/Event Planner ekristofek@maschoolibraries.org Massachusetts School Library Association. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2025. |
