Protecting Intellectual Freedom and Privacy in Your School Library

Written by a well-known intellectual freedom advocate, this book is a one-stop source for school librarians on intellectual freedom and privacy issues that blends principles with best practices. In order to sort out fact from fiction and become effective, critically thinking adults in a global society, children need access to diverse points of view from authoritative sources in their school libraries. This book provides school librarians with easy-to-read guidance on specific aspects of intellectual freedom and privacy, explaining how the core values of the library profession translate into everyday practice. The readings supply current information and targeted, practical advice on a broad range of topics, including privacy and confidentiality in the context of a school library; working with homeless students, English language learners, and other special needs students; challenges to school library materials; filtering issues; and advocacy for intellectual freedom. Each of the nine chapters begins with an introductory essay examining the topic and concludes with a "key ideas" summary; a list of annotated resources to lead the reader to more information on the individual column topics; and discussion questions. The volume's appendices include the text of the ALA Library Bill of Rights and the Code of Ethics as well as an annotated list of pro-First Amendment and privacy protecting organizations with contact information. * Presents practical guidance on important access and privacy issues facing school librarians, such as overdue materials, overcoming restrictive filtering, working with students with special needs, privacy concerns related to students' library records, preparing for challenges to school library materials, and advocating for intellectual freedom * Provides up-to-date information on ALA and AASL statements on intellectual freedom and privacy, relevant state and federal laws, as well as court decisions * Supplies sidebars with additional relevant information and interesting facts and furnish key ideas summaries for each chapter's topics, annotated resources lists, and discussion questions * Offers practical evaluation tools such as a "Challenge-Proofing Your School Library Checklist" and a "Privacy Checklist: Evaluating the Library Media Program"