Reporting a Challenge

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Since 1990, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom has maintained a confidential database on challenged materials. ALA collects information from two sources: newspapers and reports submitted by individuals. All challenges are compiled into a database. Reports of challenges culled from newspapers across the country are compiled in the bimonthly Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom ; those reports are then compiled in the Banned Books Week Resource Guide. Challenges reported to the ALA by individuals are kept confidential. In these cases, ALA will release only the title of the book being challenged, the state and the type of institution (school, public library). The name of the institution and its town will not be disclosed. A list of most frequently challenged books is compiled from these challenges for each annual Banned Books Week.

To report a challenge, please submit an Online Challenge Database Form. Alternately, you can print the Challenge Database Form (PDF), complete it, and fax it to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, at 312-280-4227.

Need Assistance?

For assistance with actual and possible challenges to library materials, services, and programs, contact Angela Maycock, OIF Assistant Director, Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4221, Fax: 312-280-4227, amaycock@ala.org, or at the Office for Intellectual Freedom, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223.