Week+9+Book+Challenges

**Week 9 Book challenges – Post Nov. 9, 2011**
Have you had any books challenged in your library? Book challenges are when a person questions why a particular book (or even chapter) is included in your collection.

This week’s work focuses on two issues: 1.) censorship and 2.) the role collection development policies play in supporting selection decisions.

Collection development policies protect librarians in their practice of choosing resources. A primary reason to write a collection development policy is to prevent the library from being driven by events or by individual enthusiasms that may not support the mission of the library.

I believe that a book challenge policy, in a stand-alone format or ideally as part of a collection development policy, provides an important protection for yourself and your library. With a book challenge policy in place, you’ll be able to focus on selecting the appropriate resources for your library based on your knowledge of the community, collection and curriculum without fear of repercussions from constituents who don’t understand your mission.

The wise school librarian has his/her collection development policy approved by the school principal. Depending on the district, approvals by the superintendent and school board may be in order. If you are part of a larger district with a central library organizational team, a policy may be in place. It is important that you know and understand any policies currently in place.

Think it won’t happen to you? On June 22, 2009 the Chicago Tribune reported that parents at Antioch (IL) High School objected to Sherman Alexie’s book, __The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian__ and asked that it be removed from the required reading list for entering freshman. (BTW, this book won a National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.) The objection is to the graphic nature of the language found in the book. While not taking place in a school library, this challenge has elements of many of many book challenges. Here is the original news report from the Chicago Tribune and the follow-up story. []

Also of note are two articles by Lester Asheim. His 1953 article, "Not Censorship, But Selection" and his 1983 article "Selection and Censorship: A Reappraisal" are as relevant today as they were when published. They will provide food for thought for your Philosophy Statement and an interesting topic for discussion on the boards.

Not Censorship, But Selection

Selection and Censorship: A Reappraisal


 * Readings**

Donham, p. 165-169 Kerby, Chapter 7

The Center for Children's Books, "What to Do When a Book is Being Challenged in Your Library" @ [].

In this week's discussion, please identify at least one book that has been challenged, either in a school that you are familiar with or through a story that you find online or through a published article. In the discussion area, name the challenged book and author and tell the class the basis of the challenge. Let me know if you need/want help identifying book challenges.
 * Task and Discussion Posting**

I am hoping that each of us will present a different book that has been challenged, along with the explanatory story about why it was challenged. This discussion will help us see the different types of books challenged and the varying reasons why they are challenged.

In addition, I'm interested in your reactions to Lester Asheim's articles on selection.

Email online discussion self-assessment score for Week 8. Due 11/12/11.
 * Assignments**