Public Library Collections in the Balance: Censorship, Inclusivity, and Truth

by Jennifer Downey

Overview

A fascinating and informative read for librarians, library staff, and MLIS students, this book offers practical information and professional guidelines to examine current issues in censorship and libraries while also enabling readers to consider their own opinions about intellectual freedom and censorship.

• Helps librarians and students better understand the intellectual freedom issues and controversies most common to public libraries and put them into the context of real-world situations

• Challenges readers to examine their professional and personal feelings on controversial topics fairly and thoughtfully, with the intent of evolving the library profession

• Offers a big-picture approach covering the many facets of censorship (including the seldom-discussed issue of self-censorship) and presents information on alternative review sources and publishers in order to develop well-balanced collections

• Serves as a continuing education source on a rarely discussed but often-encountered topic

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440849640
Publisher:	Libraries Unlimited
Publication date:	07/31/2017
Pages:	203
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Jennifer Downey, MLIS, is reference librarian at Rancho Cucamonga Public Library.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Chapter 1 History of Censorship in American Public Libraries 1

Chapter 2 What Gets Challenged and Why 19

Chapter 3 Censorship and the Internet: To Filter or Not to Filter? 41

Chapter 4 Media Matters 61

Chapter 5 Preventing and Preparing for Challenges: A Strong Collection Development Policy, Staff Training, and Professional Resources 81

Chapter 6 Getting to Know Your Community: Facts, Figures, and Assumptions 103

Chapter 7 Self-Censorship and the Importance of Inclusiveness 123

Chapter 8 Quality and Demand in Public Libraries: Who Decides? 141

Chapter 9 What to Do When Complaints and Challenges Happen 155

Epilogue: Into the. Future 171

Appendix A Where to Turn: A Source List of LGBT-Friendly Books and Other Materials 185

Appendix B Where, to Turn: A Sampling of Small and Alternative Presses 189

Index 193

Editorial Reviews

"Essential reading for library students, librarians, and library administrators." - Library Journal

From the Publisher

01/01/2018
Downey (Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, CA) explores the roles of public librarians as guardians against suppression and censorship. Starting with an overview of the history of censorship in U.S. public libraries, she points out the ethical and philosophical responsibilities of the library profession and the value placed on inclusivity, open access to all types of information, and a fair and balanced approach to collection development and programming. The author suggests tips on dealing with book challenges and developing staff training. She also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that both the collection and programming for kids, teens, and adults are all-encompassing and provides an appendix of resources listing small and alternative publishers that focus on LGBTQ materials and titles by authors of color. VERDICT This edifying guide, along with the current edition of the American Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Manual, is essential reading for library students, librarians, and library administrators.—Donna Marie Smith, Palm Beach County Library System, FL

School Library Journal

12/01/2017
Downey (Rancho Cucamonga P.L., CA) explores the roles of public librarians as guardians against suppression and censorship. Starting with an overview of the history of censorship in U.S. public libraries, she points out the ethical and philosophical responsibilities of the library profession and the value placed on inclusivity, open access to all types of information, and a fair and balanced approach to collection development and programming. The author suggests tips on dealing with book challenges and developing staff training. She also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that both the collection and programming for kids, teens, and adults are all-encompassing and provides an appendix of resources listing small and alternative publishers that focus on LGBTQ materials and titles by authors of color. VERDICT This edifying guide, along with the current edition of the American Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Manual, is essential reading for library students, librarians, and library administrators.—Donna Marie Smith, Palm Beach Cty. Lib. Syst., FL

Library Journal