Challenge Issues Resources

Challenge Issues Resources

• Collection Development Policy

• FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

• Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

• Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

• List of awards and reviews for the materials

• If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

• Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

• Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

• Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) – includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

• Intellectual Freedom Manual – day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

  • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

  • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

  • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

  • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

• Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

• Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

• Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome