Recap of Solidarity in the Face of Censorship

On Thursday, April 3rd the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee held a We Are ALSC Chat titled “Solidarity in the Face of Censorship: Meeting You Where You Are”. A representative from the Office for Intellectual Freedom, Sarah Lamdan, graciously joined the discussion to offer advice and answer questions. The ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee would like to thank all those who attended and share the brilliant notes taken by IFC member Judy Ehrenstein.

Read more: Recap of Solidarity in the Face of Censorship

Question: What is OIF hearing? Is there any good news?

There is good news! When challenges  go to court, IF frequently wins. A judge ruled against the removal of books in the Elizabeth, CO school district, and all removed items had to be returned to shelves. https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/04/judge-orders-elizabeth-school-district-return-banned-books/

Litigation is the last step and is expensive and takes time. Groups such as the ACLU, NAACP, and the Legal Defense Fund have been supportive of libraries in cases of book bans. States are passing Freedom to Read Acts, keeping challenged materials on shelves until a decision is made. Lamdan cautioned against giving in to intimidation and soft censorship and emphasized documenting everything, which can be used in case of litigation.

Question: IMLS funding uncertainties

ALA is working to preserve and deliver funds. https://www.ala.org/faq-executive-order-targeting-imls

Question: What can be done about libraries at military academies and on bases and the removal of books on gender, sexuality, and DEI topics?

As these are federal libraries, it is harder for ALA OIF although statements have been issued stating that is a violation of the 1st Amendment.

Question: What is the best way to prevent challenges from becoming bans?

Preparation is your best defense. Have a collection development policy, a reconsideration of materials process, talking points for staff, and practice using them. Here is a link to a pocket phrases zine created and shared by Eti Berland, who has served on the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table, as well as the GNCRT Guide to Addressing Comic Book Challenges.

Sam Helmick (ALA 2024-25 president) and Community & Access Services Coordinator, Iowa City PL gives great talks about how to diffuse situations, advising just listening and giving time to vent.

A recording of a 2023 webinar on de-escalation techniques can be obtained from CARLI.

Question: What about academic libraries, and those that serve dual-enrolled students (often high school and community college)?

Sarah Lamdan answered that this is a more complicated situation, and a written reconsideration policy may not be the best route. The University of Nevada-Reno Libraries was mentioned as providing a  good example of what an academic library can offer in terms of a Collection Policy and Feedback Form .

Tennessee has very strict legislation about school library collections, which Lamdan cited as ripe for litigation. Nevertheless, libraries need to comply.

Question: Who are making the complaints?

It is largely fueled by about 50 large groups such as Moms for Liberty, who circulate lists of books to challenge. Most complaints are done by individuals who haven’t read the books. Public libraries are advised to require residency to challenge materials.

Question: Are challenges overextending staff and do they affect services to other patrons?

Yes! It is important to make clear what your limits are. If labeling is required to keep materials in a collection, time needs to be allocated and that needs to be made clear to administrators. And what are the ramifications of not complying, if only by mistake or simple lack of time?

This post addresses the core competencies of  V. Outreach and Advocacy and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development

The post Recap of Solidarity in the Face of Censorship appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 On Thursday, April 3rd the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee held a We Are ALSC Chat titled “Solidarity in the Face of Censorship: Meeting You Where You Are”. A representative from the Office for Intellectual Freedom, Sarah Lamdan, graciously joined the discussion to offer advice and answer questions. The ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee would like to thank all those who attended and share the brilliant notes taken by IFC member Judy Ehrenstein. Question: What is OIF hearing? Is there any good news? There is good news! When challenges  go to court, IF frequently wins. A judge ruled against the removal of books in the Elizabeth, CO school district, and all removed items had to be returned to shelves. https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/04/judge-orders-elizabeth-school-district-return-banned-books/ Litigation is the last step and is expensive and takes time. Groups such as the ACLU, NAACP, and the Legal Defense Fund have been supportive of libraries in cases of book bans….
The post Recap of Solidarity in the Face of Censorship appeared first on ALSC Blog.  Read More

ALSC Blog