Pat Scales, a spokesperson for First Amendment issues, provides school librarians with guidance on: (1) how to handle questions from parents about books that employ offensive language; (2) selecting age-appropriate books for middle school libraries; (3) the difference between banning books and removing reevaluated books; and (4) whether books…

The banning of: Down These Mean Streets'' by Thomas Piri is discussed as a case study of the dangers of school library material censorship. (NH)

Presents both sides of the recent, widely publicized, controversial decision made by the Island Trees School Board to banish certain books from the school library and curriculum. (Author/PF)

Discusses events and trends involving libraries in the 1980s, including: "The Satanic Verses"; censorship of children's literature; educational reform; funding, fees, salaries, programs, and preservation in public libraries; the literacy movement; school libraries; the international library scene; status of the profession; book and…

It is suggested that, in order to be prepared for efforts at censorship, private school libraries should establish a written selection policy, prepare a request for reconsideration of library materials form, set up a materials review committee, and keep up to date on intellectual freedom issues. (CHC)

Examines conflicting perspectives on the use of values clarification as a teaching method or as part of a curriculum for elementary and secondary levels. Implications for school libraries on issues such as materials selection and censorship by a school board are discussed. (BK)

Discusses the need to provide appropriate materials in school libraries that offer support to gay and lesbian teens. Topics addressed include the presentation of role models, in fiction as well as in biographies; religious diversity; confidentiality of circulation records; and censorship issues. (LRW)

Discusses research on censorship attempts that occurred in schools and school libraries over the last decade, including studies that considered types of materials targeted, by whom, and with what results. The increase in school censorship and the problem of the often unclear use of the term censorship are discussed. (EM)

Relates events surrounding decision made by a public school board of education and school administrators to institute the policy of obtaining parental permission for students who want to borrow five Judy Blume books from the middle school library. Actions taken by the librarian and parental involvement are covered. (EJS)

Sixteen leaders in the field of youth librarianship share their perspectives on the last 40 years and predictions for the future. Topics include major issues, changes in public and school library services, censorship, changes in users and the impact on library service, changes in children's books, and the future role of libraries and librarians.…

Discusses a Kansas court case that addressed First Amendment rights of students when a book was banned from a school library. Topics include motivation of school board members, students' rights to information versus denial of access to ideas, viewpoint discrimination, and educational suitability. A sidebar presents viewpoints of the book's author.…

Describes the censure of the Racine Unified School District by the Wisconsin Library Association for its internal censorship of library materials. Highlights include a chronology of events in the case, the district's history of censorship, its selection policy, and the importance of the case as a model. (EM)

In "The Strongsville Case" decision school librarians should spot two points to consider very carefully. They are: (1) the necessity of written book selection policies and (2) procedures for handling complaints. (Author)

This survey of public secondary schools examined factors that affected the outcome (i.e., retention, restriction, or removal) of censorship challenges to library materials. Factors found to influence outcome included oral versus written challenges, materials selection policy use, school environment, community environment, and media specialist…

When Barry Lyga finished writing his second young adult (YA) novel, he knew there'd be trouble. After all, "Boy Toy" was about a 12-year-old who has sex with a beautiful teacher twice his age, and Lyga expected it to spark letters to local papers, trigger complaints to the school board, and incite some parents to yank it off library shelves. But…