Intellectual Freedom for Library Workers: Challenges to library collections
Book banning is on the rise!
Book banning is surging. In the 2022-23 school year, 3,363 books were banned from U.S. public school classes and libraries. This is a 33% rise over the previous year. (Source)
See the list of the Top 13 Most Challenged Books s of 2022
See below how PCC Library addresses challenges to library collections.
Image source: pen.org/report/book-bans-pressure-to-censor
Intellectual freedom and challenges to library collections
In a democracy, individuals need access to information to make decisions for themselves. The Library Bill of Rights states that:
Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Libraries' commitment to intellectual freedom means that librarians purchase books and videos for the collection that they disagree with personally or even find offensive. Libraries are not endorsing all of the items of the collection. Rather, the items on the shelves should provide a range of perspectives so readers can educate themselves and create their own informed opinion.
Intellectual freedom also means that libraries resist efforts by groups and individuals who demand that items they find offensive be removed from the library collection. Censorship takes away the right of an individual to decide for themselves about the content of a book or video.
Examples of challenges to college library collections
Nationwide, most challenges to library books and videos take place in school or public libraries, on the grounds that children need to be protected from certain items. College libraries, where all patrons are adults, receive fewer challenges, although they do still occur. (Note: PCC students who are under 18 have the same rights and responsibilities as adults.) Here are some PCC Library items which might offend some library users:
- The Bell Curve byThis controversial book seems to suggest that African Americans have lower intelligence than other racial groups.
- The Whole Lesbian Sex Book byThis book is sexually explicit and affirms homosexuality.
- Fifty Shades of Grey byThis book was formally challenged recently at Northwest Christian University Library in Eugene.
- The Greatest Hoax byThis book by a U.S. senator conflicts with the consensus of the scientific community that global warming is human caused.
- The Hindus: An Alternative History byThis book was initially banned in India for its controversial portrayal of traditional religion.
Recommended reading
If you'd like to learn more about censorship and libraries, check out these books.
- Beyond Banned Books : defending intellectual freedom throughout your library byCall Number: Sylvania Library 025.213 P45b 2019
- Unsuitable Books : young adult fiction and censorship byCall Number: Ebook
Book bans in America are rising. Here's a look at what's lost.
This five minute video from the Washington Post highlights how books with BIPOC and LGBTQIA themes are being targeted.
PCC Library collection policies
- Collection Development StatementThis document explains how PCC librarians decide what materials to select for the library collection, and what criteria are used to withdraw materials from the collection.
- Intellectual Freedom StatementThis document explains the steps that are taken to respond to a challenge to library materials.
Access to diverse information sources
Intellectual freedom is about more than just resisting censorship – it also is about making sure that the library collection actively includes diverse perspectives. The libraries' information sources should reflect the diverse identities and experiences of its student body.
The librarians who select most of the titles for the library collections strive to use the principles of diversity and inclusion to promote access to the most relevant information sources for PCC students. You can help! Feel free to make recommendations of books or videos that would be good additions to the library collection:
What should YOU do when someone complains about a library book or video?
Library materials are challenged for may reasons: sexual content, political positions, religious views, etc. Almost anyone can find something in the PCC Library collection to offend them. What would you do if someone complains to you about something in the library collection?
Formal challenges to library materials are handled by library supervisors and reference librarians. However, often patrons just want to express their views that they are offended by a particular item. Here are some talking points that can be useful in those conversations:
"The library isn't endorsing or agreeing with all of the items in the collection. The goal is for you to see a range of materials and make your own choice about what's best for you."
"To be educated on an issue, it's useful to see all sides of it. Understanding an alternate view helps you make your own position stronger."
"You make some good points about why that book.video is offensive to you. But you know, if the library removed every item that was offensive to someone, the shelves would be pretty bare."
"I can see that you don't like that book/video. Let's find a reference librarian, who can help you find something else that you will like."
Your turn! What would you say to this angry student? Follow the link for this scenario.