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The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) and the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) are pleased to work together in supporting all library workers and libraries in Pennsylvania that face material and book challenges. Libraries provide access to and display a variety of materials representing a broad range of perspectives and experiences. PaLA and PSLA believe that libraries in PA must:
We stand opposed to censorship and any effort to coerce belief, suppress opinion, or punish those whose expression does not conform to what is deemed to be orthodox in history, politics, or belief. We are committed to collaboratively supporting libraries and library workers as they uphold the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the freedom to read and learn for all library users. If you find yourself facing a challenge to library materials, here are some steps to help you navigate the reconsideration process. The first step is to determine whether an administrator or teacher is challenging material(s) or if the challenge is coming from a community member or organized group. When dealing with a challenge to materials, remember that libraries serve everyone by providing access to all types of information and giving students the freedom to read. The first thing we suggest you do is take a breath. This process does not have to be rushed. You do not have to do this alone. You can reach out to other school librarians or public librarians for advice. Some other things to consider doing to help with the process: Once ALA knows of a challenge, they will be able to provide you with guidance and resources to help defend your students’ right to read. It is vital that you report a challenge of any type to ALA (this includes administrators removing books from the library before an official challenge is made). You may want to refer to ALA’s Library Bill of Rights. This is a great resource to give you direction and talking points. ALA offers a toolkit for you to reference and use as needed.
Some questions to consider are: Did the challenge come from a community member or parent?; Has the administrator or librarian reached out to explain collection development and opt out options (notes in library management system, technology blocks, etc.)?; If the challenge is from a community member, have they completed the appropriate form?; If the challenge has come from an administrator or other teacher, do they need to be informed/educated on library policies and procedures?; If not, do they want to meet to discuss concerns? If concerns aren’t met at either level after discussion with a librarian and (neutral) administrator, does a formal challenge need to take place?
If your district does not have policies, or similar ones, in place, find out if your school board is a member of PA School Board Association. PSBA offers form templates for ease in creating policies. Sample policies and forms are linked below. If you are creating or suggesting a new policy for your district, it will need to be approved before going into effect. Creation and updates to procedures do not generally need school board approval, but informing and working with administration ensures the execution of such procedures.
ALA also offers webinars on this topic. Here are a few that are archived:
Other resources for you to use as needed:
Reconsideration Forms: ALA Sample reconsideration Committee Form Sample Reconsideration Committee Administrative Regulations
If you have more information to share, please share it with us at [email protected].
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