Aloha,

One of the perpetually challenging aspects of the information profession is that of dealing with attempts by individuals, citizen groups, or governments to limit access by our patrons to books or other media.

In this class we will start by exploring the ideological and legal foundations of intellectual freedom that led to the creation of the Library Bill of Rights.

We will examine the various reasons for challenges to our materials, discussing a variety of specific cases of book banning—and in some cases burning—that have occurred historically or recently.

We will learn appropriate methods to respond to challenges in a way that protects the rights of our patrons to access information yet respects the rights of those who feel that access to a particular work should be restricted. We will also talk about how to respond to visits from law enforcement agents seeking information about the reading choices of our patrons.

You are welcome to join us in this journey of exploration!

donna


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