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 announcement of the mandate for Constitution and Citizenship Day shortly before September, 2005, probably led to groans of dismay. Not another "must-do" for teachers and schools already stressed by federal and state requirements for standardized tests, increasingly rigid curricula, and scrutiny from the public and officials. But the…

Discusses copyright issues of interest to librarians with Lawrence Lessig, a legal scholar on copyright, technology, and the Constitution. Topics include Eldred v. Ashcroft; copyright extensions; balancing interests of copyright owners with future creators and the public; privacy, fair use, and public domain; and the Digital Millennium Copyright…

Reviews the laws governing access to employee records including the U.S. Constitution, especially the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the Bill of Rights; the National Labor Relations Act; the Privacy Act of 1974; state privacy statutes; and common-law privacy protections from court opinions. Recommendations for management actions are included. (EM)

Discusses censorship, the Internet, and school librarians. Topics include the Communications Decency Act; the American Library Association's stand against censorship; the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; free flow of information versus responsible usage; the Internet's lack of government control; and school librarians as protectors of…