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    Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools / Edition 3

    by Henry Reichman


    Paperback

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    VOYA
    With challenges to both public and school library materials on the rise, Reichman's manual provides sound practical advice on how to handle this complex and emotionally charged subject. Updated to include extensive information on Internet filtering, the third edition also highlights challenges to gay and lesbian literature, witchcraft, and the occult—all potentially controversial topics. Citing statistics from several studies that provide theoretical groundwork, Reichman examines the complexion of the censor, both in terms of motivation (family values, political views, religion, and minority rights) and personality. He reviews the wide range of issues in dispute, from so-called dirty words and sex education to violence and secular humanism. The author stresses the importance of establishing sound selection policies that are crafted carefully and are administered consistently. Recommendations for handling complaints and requests for reconsideration are illustrated with school-specific examples. A chapter on law and censorship specific to school and public libraries offers a concise but comprehensive overview of how the legal system views First Amendment rights within the field of public education. Reichman admirably balances disdain for the act of censorship with respect for the right of an individual to have a forum for voicing personal beliefs and concerns. The appendixes are especially helpful and include a school system checklist, a workbook for selection policy writing, a sample policy, and summaries of selected legal cases. Unfortunately, the bibliography is somewhat dated, covering the past decade rather than concentrating on more recent publications. Along with Ann Symons'sProtecting the Right to Read (Neal-Schuman, 1995/VOYA June 1996), Reichman's book should be required reading for all school media specialists and public librarians. Index. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Appendix. 2001, ALA Editions, 232p, $35 pb. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo
    School Library Journal
    This revision of the 1993 edition has been updated to include sections on Internet filtering, gay and lesbian literature, and challenges to books on witchcraft and the occult. Reichman addresses what to do to prevent or prepare for censorship problems, what to do in specific situations, and legal issues and relevant cases. The appendixes offer an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, a workbook for selection-policy writing, a sample selection policy, guidelines for student publications, dealing with questions about library resources, a selected list of concerned national organizations, summaries of related legal cases, and an annotated bibliography on the First Amendment and Intellectual Freedom. The author mentions an evening course for parents taught by an English teacher on "Books Our Children Read" noting: "It is imperative that public schools reach out-before controversy arises." This book, paired with Pat Scales's Teaching Banned Books (ALA, 2001), would certainly satisfy needs on this topic for librarians and media specialists, and is a great resource for teaching First Amendment rights in the classroom. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
    Booknews
    Harry Potter has joined Huck Finn as a target for banishment from US schools. In this update of his 1993 discussion of the contentious issues of school censorship and selection, Reichman (history, California State U., Hayward) includes a school system preparedness checklist, ALA Library Bill of Rights, a workbook for selection policy writing, sample policy, guidelines for student publications, advice for treating concerns about library holdings, national resources, and summaries of legal cases (1969-98). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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