A national survey reveals increasing attempts to challenge or restrict the books available to students. Schools need to establish a book selection policy, a method for dealing with complaints, and better communication with the public. (Author/JM)

This statement, prepared by the National Council of Teachers of English, addresses the increasing problem of censorship in the public schools in the form of pressure to restrict or deny students access to certain books or periodicals deemed objectionable by individuals or groups on moral, political, religious, ethnic, racial, or philosophical…

Presents a 1992 study which discovered and investigated collection development bias in academic and public libraries in California. The investigation was carried out in five stages: (1) selected a controversial topic; (2) identified representative works; (3) ranked works by qualified judges; (4) measured holdings via library online computer…

Citizens interested in preventing censorship in the public schools will find the readings, tips, and resources in this guide helpful. The text is divided into two sections. The first section, "An Overview of Censorship," provides an introduction to the organizations behind the growing censorship and anti-public education movement. The rise in…

Provides various definitions of censorship; describes a case of censorship in New Brunswick, Canada; explains what happens to materials that have been challenged; and provides a challenged materials policy and a list of books that have been challenged in Canada. (SRT)

Efforts of the Constitutional Heritage Club (CHC) and several supportive groups to censor the book and magazine collections of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County are discussed. (NH)

In "The Strongsville Case" decision school librarians should spot two points to consider very carefully. They are: (1) the necessity of written book selection policies and (2) procedures for handling complaints. (Author)

Describes an author's surprise at finding her children's book in a banned books collection in a bookstore window. Argues against certain types of censorship. (RAE)

Five presentations made at the 1990 American Library Association (ALA) annual conference discuss the role of book reviewers of young adult literature. The question of censorship is addressed from the points of view of editors, librarians, and reviewers, and the influence of reviews on the librarian's selection process is considered. (LRW)

A national survey reveals that, although selection and review procedures can help when school materials are challenged, there is no substitute for good community relations in reducing those challenges in the first place. (Author/JM)

Discusses the possibility of censorship of children's and adolescent's books and offers concrete suggestions for preventing or combatting such censorship. (TO)

The reevaluation syndrome'' currently sweeping children's Librarianship is evaluated. (NH)

Presents an historical overview of the rise of conservative pressure groups after 1980 and their association with an increase in censorship activities in schools. Discusses the influence of the Reagan administration; library materials selection; textbook selection; secular humanism; and trying to affect the curriculum rather than targeting…

It is suggested that, in order to be prepared for efforts at censorship, private school libraries should establish a written selection policy, prepare a request for reconsideration of library materials form, set up a materials review committee, and keep up to date on intellectual freedom issues. (CHC)