Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library

by American Library Association

Overview

A concise summary of what's at stake and how to react, Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library will prepare public library personnel to face the issues at hand.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838935835
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	11/01/2011
Series:	Intellectual Freedom Front Lines
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 6.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Author's Note ix

Preface xi

1 Collection Development 1

2 Access to Library Resources 23

3 Internet Resources 37

4 Not the Collection: Meeting Rooms, Exhibits, and Programs 63

5 Challenges 79

6 Privacy and Confidentiality 91

7 Access to the Library: Library Management 115

Appendix A Amendments to the Constitution of the United States 125

Appendix B The Library Bill of Rights and Interpretations 129

Appendix C Code of Ethics of the American Library Association 135

Appendix D The Freedom to Read Statement 137

Index 143

Editorial Reviews

The latest in ALA's "Front Lines" series is a primer on the many aspects of librarianship influenced by issues of intellectual freedom. Each chapter reads like a complete mini-course; for example, in the section on collection development policy, Pinnell-Stephens (past president, American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska) covers critical elements in writing the policy, specific criteria for materials selection, and guidelines for a specific intellectual-freedom section of the policy. Practical suggestions for developing policies and clear, thorough explanations of legal concerns are included throughout. Complex points are illuminated with the liberal use of case studies. Each chapter's Focus section discusses oddities and common misconceptions such as the legality of movie-rating systems in relation to First Amendment rights. Pinnell-Stephens raises red flags on common practices that could invite legal problems if challenged, such as "censorship by weeding." The Questions to Ask section at the end of each chapter is a handy self-evaluation checklist for library staff. VERDICT Packed with current legal information and practical suggestions, this book is a "must-read" for all levels of library staff.—Deborah Cooper, Ithaca, NY

Library Journal