For related information on privacy, please visit the Ethical Issues Resource Guide.
General | Book and Material Challenges/Censorship | Internet Filtering | Organizations and Groups Supporting Intellectual Freedom
Intellectual Freedom Manual. 7th ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2006. ISBN 0-8389-3561-3
This "bible" for intellectual freedom includes the guidelines, policies, and interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights as well as the ALA Code of Ethics and the Freedom to Read statement. Additionally, experts address the historical and current issues of libraries, access, and the First Amendment. Available from the ALA Online Store at http://www.alastore.ala.org or call 866-SHOP ALA (866-746-7252).
Jones, Barbara M. Libraries, Access, and Intellectual Freedom. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000. ISBN 0-8389-0761-X
Thanks to their role as guardians of information, librarians are tasked with ensuring the benefits of intellectual freedom. Available from the ALA Online Store at http://www.alastore.ala.org or call 866-SHOP ALA (866-746-7252).
Reichman, Henry. Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001. ISBN 0-8389-0798-9
Updated to include Internet filtering and other more recent censorship issues, Reichman addresses preparing a selection policy, preparing for challenges, offers recommendations for handling challenges in a variety of areas in schools, and includes information on selected legal cases.
"Intellectual Freedom 101" Knowledge Quest 36 no. 2, November/December 2007
Knowledge Quest and KQWeb includes articles, interviews, research, and links to intellectual freedom resources of primary interest to school library media specialists.
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
Questions and Answers on "Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks"
Challenged Materials: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
Features more that three dozen "hot button" books for children. Up-to-date reference on why and how specific books are being challenged, and where to turn for support if a title in your collection is challenged. Available from the ALA Online Store at http://www.alastore.ala.org or call 866-SHOP ALA (866-746-7252).
Doyle, Robert P. Banned Books: 2007 Resource Guide. Chicago: American Library Association, 2007.
Updated every three years, the guide includes a listing of books considered dangerous and challenged with the date, location, and rationale; a listing of notable First Amendment cases, quotations relating to the First Amendment, and an action guide of suggested activities for promoting intellectual freedom, a bibliography of First Amendment resources, and recommendations for dealing with concerns about library resources.
Lesesne, Terri S., and Rosemary Chance for the Young Adult Library Services Association. Hit List for Young Adults 2: Frequently Challenged Books. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002. ISBN 0-8389-0835-7
Features 20 "hot button" books including 11 new titles. With a profile of each book that includes its plot and characters, related materials and published reviews, awards and prizes, and Web and audiovisual resources to prepare you to answer even the toughest attacks. Available from the ALA Online Store at http://www.alastore.ala.org or call 866-SHOP ALA (866-746-7252).
Dianne McAfee Hopkins, School Library Media Centers and Intellectual Freedom.
Originally published in the 5th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual, Dianne Hopkin's essay touches on access to the school library media program, the collection development program, procedures, challenges, reasons for challenges, and promoting intellectual freedom.
Reichman, Henry. Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001. ISBN 0-8389-0798-9
Updated to include Internet filtering and other more recent censorship issues, Reichman addresses preparing a selection policy, preparing for challenges, offers recommendations for handling challenges in a variety of areas in schools, and includes information on selected legal cases.
Workbook for Selection Policy Writing PDF or HTML
The First Amendment First Aid Kit
Maintained by Random House Children’s Books, the site has resources and strategies to assist the librarian and the classroom teacher in teaching intellectual freedom, helping to handle challenges, and includes author’s comments on censorship.
Peck, Robert S. Libraries, the First Amendment and Cyberspace: What You Need to Know. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000. ISBN 0-8389-0773-3
Written by the director of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Examines how and in what areas the First Amendment affects library decision making and service delivery. Available from the ALA Online Store at http://www.alastore.ala.org or call 866-SHOP ALA (866-746-7252).
ALA Council Resolution on the Use of Filtering Software in Libraries (PDF)
ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee Statement on Library Use of Filtering Software
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and School Libraries
Libraries & the Internet Toolkit
Filtering Alternatives—Education and Guidance:
School Libraries & You: Parents & Community
www.ala.org/aaslTemplate.cfm?Section=parentsandcommALA Resources for Parents, Teens and Kids
www.ala.org/parents
Electronic Frontier Foundation. The EFF is an international nonprofit advocacy and legal organization with the stated purpose of being dedicated to preserving free speech rights in the context of today's digital age. The site provides updates on current legal cases, issues alerts, an issues-related blog, and an email newsletter.
American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU defends our first amendment freedoms by mounting legal challenges to statutes, policies, and practices around the U.S. that threaten individual liberties.The site includes information and a guide to web resources on a wide range of controversial issues confronting the U.S.
Freedom to Read Foundation. The FRF, with the motto "Free People Read Freely," was established "to promote and defend the right ...of all individuals to express their ideas without governmental interference, and to read and listen to the ideas of others." Sponsors programs, awards, podcasts, and other resources.
As If! Young Adult Authors Supporting Intellectual Freedom. An intellectual freedom blog focusing on challenges to young adult literature and their outcomes. Includes comments and discussion from YA authors.
National Council of Teachers of English Anti-Censorship Center. NCTE offers advice, helpful documents such as the "Students' Right to Read", and other support at no cost to educators faced with challenges to literary works, films and videos, drama productions, or teaching methods.