| Resource Guide |
In addition to the organizational assistance and print sources listed in the VLA Intellectual Freedom Manual ("Other Organizations" and "You Are Not Alone"), this Resource Guide offers a selective bibliography of articles, books, and documents. These are primarily in print but may also be available in electronic form on the the Internet, and therefore supplement the Related Sites section as well. Presently, in the case of print materials the list is generally limited to substantial items published within the most recent two years.
The main focus of this resource list is on practical consideration of activities related to intellectual freedom: censorship actions (where such reports may provide tips that are generally applicable), materials selection and policy formation, library public relations in handling challenges, advocacy issues regarding "information highway" access, etc. Some useful philosophical and survey articles (of a current or historical nature) may be included also from time to time.
For general references to censorship challenges in Virginia and elsewhere, see the section on Current Events and especially the "censorship dateline" feature in issues of ALA's Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom (subscription information).
Bielefield, Arlene, and Lawrence Cheeseman. Library Patrons and the Law. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1995.
Although it contains only one short chapter on censorship, this book considers a wide range of patron and library rights, some of which also impact intellectual freedom issues.Brown, Jean E., ed. Preserving Intellectual Freedom: Fighting Censorship in Our Schools. Urbana: National Council of Teachers of English, 1994.A collection of essays treating both philosophical and specific on-the-job issues related to intellectual freedom and educators. Two sections in particular, "Providing Support for Teachers" and "Taking Action for Intellectual Freedom," offer practical guidance.Bukoff, Ronald N. "Censorship and the American College Library." College & Research Libraries 56 (1995): 395-407.A study of censorship challenges in academic libraries between 1988 and 1994. A group of 110 libraries at small two- and four-year colleges and universities were surveyed. The results, analyzed in detail, indicate the different ways in which complaints were handled.Cain, Charlene C. "Librarians as Censors." LLA Bulletin 58 (1996): 127-33.Discusses ways in which librarians themselves, in their professional functions, have historically contributed to censorship. Labeling, restricted access, expurgation and selection are reviewed.Cordell, Rosanne M., and Nancy A. Wootton. "Institutional Policy Issues for Providing Public Internet Access." RSR: Reference Services Review 24.1 (1996): 7-12+.A review of literature, both in published and Internet form, related to policies on access. Topics covered include budgeting, service and programming, intellectual freedom, copyright and legal issues. Information for accessing sample policies on the Internet is provided also.Fine, Sara. "How the Mind of a Censor Works: the Psychology of Censorship." School Library Journal January 1996: 23-27.An in-dept examination of the psychology involved in censorship behavior, including some tips on dealing with it."Into the Lion's Den--Youth Access to Religious Materials: Building Strategies, Building Coalitions, Building Collections." Journal of Youth Services in Libraries 8 (1994): 37-52.Three speeches, delivered at the ALA Annual Conference in Miami on 6/27/94, by a minister, a school library media specialist, and a youth services librarian. The final contribution, by Pat Klipsch, offers the most substantial practical guidance in terms of public relations strategies.Kranich, Nancy C. "Building Coalitions: Ensuring the Public Right to Access to the Information Highway." Feliciter March 1995: 18-21.Adapted from a speech give at the Canadian Librarian Association's annual conference in 1994, this article provides a succinct overview of the important issues involved in advocating the need for and right of universal public access to the electronic information highway. The pivotal role of libraries is stressed, and the ways in which they must become and remain active if they are to fulfill this role are outlined."The Lake Oswego Public Library: Internet Resources: Public Library Internet Access Policies." Lake Oswego Public Library. http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/poli.htm (1 Oct. 1996)This site is an excellent reference resource making a variety of Internet access policies available for review. Included also is a table indicating the number/percentage of library policies that contain specific policy features (e.g., "limits use of Internet workstations to library card-holder," children may only use wolrkstations with parent's permission," etc.).Libraries for the Future. http://www.inch.com/~lff/lffhome.htm
(1 Oct. 1996)LFF does not deal with intellectual freedom issues directly, but does offer a clearinghouse of resources for library support groups and organizations furthering the health and usefulness of public libraries in many ways. Sections of LFF's homepage offer practical ideas and tools, and examples of campaigns and programs for developing and enhancing library services. Although for the library supporter, this site may be useful to libraries as well in working with their constituencies."Minnesota Coalition Against Censorship Internet Statement." Indiana Media Journal 17.3 (1995): 76-80.Includes the content of two statements, adopted by the Minnesota Coalition on 8/18/94, an "Internet Statement" and a "Minnesota Public School Internet Policy." These may serve as general policy models for affirming the open but responsible use of the Internet in public schools.Simmons, John S., ed. Censorship: A Threat to Reading, Learning, Thinking. Newark, DE: International Reading Association, 1994.A collection of essays dealing comprehensively with censorship challenges and the curriculum. The third section of the book, "Some Plans for Action," offer practical advice, but throughout both practical and philosphical issues are raised by the contributors.Thorsen, Jeanne. "Smile: You're on the Six O'Clock News." ALKI 10.1 (1994): 24-25.This short article reviews three cases where the acquisition of controversial books by public libraries was covered by the local news media. How the libraries handled these events is described, and tips for dealing with the media and the public, are covered.Vroman, Deborah L. "To See or Not to See: A Study of Video Collections Censorship in American Public Libraries." RQ 35 (1995): 37-42.A review of the issues that place the typical treatment of public library video collections in conflict with ALA positions on access to minors.
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Updated 4/20/01