The Fight against Book Bans

Perspectives from the Field

Shannon M. Oltmann (University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA)

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English

Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited
24 August 2023

Library, archive & information management; Ethical issues: censorship; Education & the law

Book bans and challenges frequently make the news, but when the reporting ends, how do we put them in context? The Fight against Book Bans captures the views of dozens of librarians and library science professors regarding the recent flood of book challenges across the United States, gathered in a comprehensive analysis of their impact and significance. It also serves as a guide to responding to challenges.

Chapter authors provide first-hand accounts of facing book challenges and describe how they have prepared for challenges, overcome opposition to certain books, and shown the value of specific library materials. Library science faculty with a range of specialties provide relevant background information to bolster these on-the-ground views. Together, the chapters both articulate the importance of intellectual freedom and demonstrate how to convey that significance to others in the community with passion and wisdom. This volume provides a timely and thorough overview of the complex issues surrounding the ongoing spate of book challenges faced by public and school libraries.

Edited by: Shannon M. Oltmann (University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA)
Imprint: Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781440879760
ISBN 10: 1440879761
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 24 August 2023
Recommended Age: From 7 to 17 years
Audience: College/higher education , Primary & secondary/elementary & high school , Primary , Children's (6-12)
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. The Precarious State of Libraries in the 2020s, Shannon M. Oltmann Part One: The Rise in Book Challenges across the Nation 2. It’s Not Just the Quantity: Book Challenges in 2021 and Beyond, Glen J. Benedict 3. Preserving Equity for Young Adult Readers, Andrea Jamison 4. Missouri and Kansas School Librarians Face Unprecedented Community Concern, Rene Burress, Angie Wiegers, and Amanda Harrison 5. Reclaiming the Right to Learn: Combating New Censorship Tactics, Jamie Gregory Part Two: How Challenges and Bans Affect Librarians 6. Riding Shotgun for Intellectual Freedom, Terri L. Lesley 7. A Library without Controversy, Kelly Mayfield 8. A Middle School Challenge: Championing Cabot’s Princess on the Brink, Julie N. Hornick 9. Beyond the Paperwork: The Hidden Impact of a Title Challenge, Joe Schweiss Part Three: External Support for Librarians 10. Supporting Texas Librarians Facing Materials Challenges, Dorcas Hand 11. Building a Grassroots Movement to Support Intellectual #FReadom, Becky Calzada and Carolyn Foote 12. Answering the Call: ALA GNCRT Responds to Surging Challenges to Comics, Matthew Noe, Amie Wright, and Moni Barrette Part Four: How to Face Challenges and Bans 13. Responding to Challenges: In the Moment and Beforehand, Kristin Pekoll and Shannon M. Oltmann 14. When Policy Does Not Stop the Ban: Reflections on Moving Forward, Jenna Kammer and Mernie Maestas 15. Whom Do We Serve? A Youth Librarianship Perspective, Cindy C. Welch 16. Parent Education for Anti-censorship: A School Librarian’s Guide, Rhona Campbell Part Five: Advice from Librarians 17. Challenges That Provide Insight into a Librarian’s Code of Ethics and a Systemic Threat to National Democracy, Dee Ann Venuto 18. Book Banning in the United States? Why, It’s Perfectly Normal!, Kerrie Lattari 19. Hindsight Is 2021: Help from the Book Battle Frontlines, Martha Hickson 20. Saving Library Books for Kids: A Year Combating Censorship, Tonya Ryals About the Editor and Contributors Index

Shannon M. Oltmann is Associate Professor in the School of Information Science at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, USA

Reviews for The Fight against Book Bans: Perspectives from the Field

This book provides helpful tips for dealing with allies/opponents during challenge attempts—including parents, trustees, and politicians—and it stresses the need for well-written, thoughtfully considered collection, selection, and reconsideration policies. All librarians will benefit from reading this book and following the guidance within. * Choice 360 * This timely book will be an excellent resource for library workers on the front lines in the fight to protect access to information. Using a combination of stories from the field and practical advice for responding to threats to intellectual freedom, Oltmann has assembled a valuable resource that captures the concerns of this moment and provides hope for the future. * Dr. Martin Garnar, Director, Amherst College Library, USA; Editor, Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition * The majority of Americans oppose censorship. But those calling for bans are loud, angry, and organized. These voices from the frontlines of America's libraries not only offer sage advice (with the big one being the necessity of having and adhering to policies), they also share their astonishment, anxiety, and deep commitment to service and professionalism. A vital record of our times, this book is recommended for all public, school, and academic libraries. * James LaRue, Executive Director, Garfield County (CO) Public Library District, USA * The stories in this book are by turns infuriating and heartbreaking, and this deeply researched and informative look at the surge of book bans should be a catalyst to encourage us all to fight back. * Karis Rogerson, Writer and Journalist *