“Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.”—Article 3, Library Bill of Rights

“Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas.”—Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A

Links to Assist Those Involved in Challenges to Books and Other Library Materials

The Censor: Motives and Tactics

Checklist & Ideas for Library Staff Working with Community Leaders

Conducting a Challenge Hearing

Coping with Challenges: Kids and Libraries

Coping with Challenges: Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials

Dealing with Concerns about Library Resources

Developing a Confidentiality Policy

Guidelines and Considerations for Developing a Public Library Internet Use Policy (PDF File)

Libraries & the Internet Toolkit (PDF File)

Workbook for Selection Policy Writing

See also Challenged Materials (Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights)

Links to non-ALA sites have been provided because these sites may have information of interest. Neither the American Library Association nor the Office for Intellectual Freedom necessarily endorses the views expressed or the facts presented on these sites; and furthermore, ALA and OIF do not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on these sites. 

• Guidelines and Considerations for Developing a Public Library Internet Use Policy
• Libraries & the Internet Toolkit

• Challenged Materials
• Adobe Acrobat Reader