Reflections on assignment #2

Sorry about the day delay in posting this. I had some technical problems yesterday and wasn't able to get online.

So, back to the topic of Intellecutal Freedom. The assigned paper on an IF challenge within a library was extremely interesting. I choose to discuss a challenge that took place within a school district in Pennsylvania. A set of parents demanded that Sex Education be removed from the school library's shelves due to what they described as offensive language. The request was later amended to a request to label the book inappropriate for middle school students.

The Conrad Weiser Area School District did a great job handling this challenge. They took the challenge very seriously while ultimately standing by the concept of intellectual freedom. The school district had policies in place that helped ease the burden of the challenge immensly. The selection policy ensured that only books that meet certain criteria are acquired in the first place and the challenge policy was thourough and complete.

The article focused on teaching the reader a few lessons on book challenges. I found these lessons helpful so I will share them now (paraphrased):

Expect there to be publicity surrounding the challenge

The challenge does not necessarily represent public opinion

Take complaints seriously

Try a review committee and assign analytical and IF spirited people

Have a specific policy addressing challenges.

These represent very important lessons that can assist information professionals in creating an environment free from censorship and undue stress.

The URL to the article can be found here:

http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790e0e56b64ca80c855aabef419dea7fe1fe4622a36d9cef445388daf3b2eeccfcc1&fmt=H

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