Libraries still stand as a source of knowledge that can guide us to make informed decisions through the use of credible sources. A balanced collection that provides access to all points of view empowers a community to use information responsibly and make decisions independently. Intellectual freedom and equity of access are still important issues…

The American Association of School Librarians and its members have always been champions of intellectual freedom. It is a core value of school librarians and has been--and remains--an integral part of AASL's culture. Intellectual freedom is deeply embedded in AASL's standards, position statements, member-focused publications, conferences, award…

As schools across the country face increasing fiscal restraints, school library professional positions are being eliminated at an alarming rate. As a result, many school librarians are becoming the only certified library professional in a district, serving multiple schools and grade levels. Suddenly, each is a solo librarian. As a solo librarian…

Many school librarians fear a challenge to the resources in their libraries. This article begins a three-part series on challenges to resources in school libraries. It focuses on an overview of the definition of a challenge, what is challenged, and why, as well as what, happens during a challenge. The second part will explore the concept of…

The American Library Association's (ALA) "Library Bill of Rights" is important to school librarians because it provides the philosophical structure for intellectual freedom in school libraries and asserts the rights of minors. It states: "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age,…

Founded in 1982, Banned Books Week is celebrated annually during the last week in September and will be observed from September 26-October 3 in 2009. The event acknowledges Americans' right to read the books of their choice regardless of whether the ideas, language, or images are controversial. This annual observance of banned books is a good…

Understanding what motivates people to challenge books and how community members react to these challenges can help librarians find better ways to work with challengers to come to equitable solutions. This study focused on the motives behind challenges to the acclaimed children's book "And Tango Makes Three" and the reasoning given by…

Reports on the Santa Clara County Library (CA) and its director, Susan Fuller, who was named Librarian of the Year for 1999. Highlights include use statistics; budgets; a new governing and funding plan; first amendment challenges; staff solidarity; and political awareness and skills. (LRW)

Often overlooked in discussions about free speech and the Internet is the fact that children have First Amendment rights. Discusses First Amendment basics, existing state laws covering obscenity, First Amendment limits, free speech and public schools, student rights to challenge school board filtering, Internet filters in public library children's…

Controversies about the choice of books in school libraries raise two perplexing questions: (1) To what extent does the First Amendment allow the government to control what students read in schools? (2) If educational materials are to be selected, who makes these decisions? Several relevant court cases are reviewed. (Author/IS)