Intellectual Freedom Advocacy in a Brave New World
eLearning
Description
As libraries deal with unprecedented censorship issues and book challenges, librarians, library staff, and trustees have an opportunity to be proactive instead of simply reacting to negative media coverage. But what does this look like in the current political climate? How can advocates protect themselves and still be vital participants in upholding the First Amendment and the Right to Read? This session will provide practical tips for dealing with the media, speaking effectively on issues of first amendment advocacy and librarianship, and supporting libraries.
Presenter
Kerol Harrod is an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, Texas. Before coming to TWU, Kerol worked as a librarian in public libraries, where he planned and implemented award-winning programs for Texas families.
In more recent years, he has been actively involved in intellectual freedom advocacy, and his areas of teaching and research include community engagement, library marketing, and youth services. Kerol was elected to the Denton Library Board in 2024, where he served as the chair during 2025, and he was appointed by the TWU Faculty Senate to serve on the university’s Library Advisory Committee.
He serves as a member of other boards, committees, and round tables with organizations like the Public Libraries Quarterly, the Freedom to Read Foundation, and the American Library Association. In his spare time, Kerol enjoys playing acoustic guitar and traveling with his wife of 26 years and their two children.
About Learning Live
United for Libraries Learning Live sessions take place on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Each month’s session covers a hot topic of interest to Trustees, Friends, and/or Foundations, followed by Q&A and/or discussions. Sessions are open to all personal members of United for Libraries and those with statewide access (MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC, and VA).
How to Register
United for Libraries Personal Members & Statewide Partners
United for Libraries Personal Members
Statewide Partners (MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC, and VA)
Non-Members
Non-members may purchase a one-year subscription to Learning Live, which includes live attendance and on-demand access to nine webinars over a 12-month period beginning with the month of purchase.
