Book Challenges
Marco Zannier Virginillo
Program Director for Library Services
Instructor (INFO 5090)
A brief but jumbled history…
TEA’s Proposal
TEA’s Proposal (continued)
TASB Proposal
Option A
Option B
So how can librarians prepare?
1. Know �which policies�you have.
2. Is there a procedure for book challenges?
If not, make one!
3. Develop forms�as needed:�
https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport
4. TRAIN key people on policies and forms.�
4. Practice what to do before, during, after a challenge occurs.�
Talking with a complainant
Book selection & collection maintenance
Honoring parents’ and students’ needs
Book Selection & Collection Maintenance
Honoring Parents’ Wishes and Students’ Needs
Talking With a Complainant
#1:
A parent comes into the library with a book her child checked out a few days ago. She is upset because the book has images she thinks are too mature for her child.
#2:
Your principal calls you into her office. She has a book that a parent brought to her attention because it contains questionable language. The principal wants to know how many copies you have and wants them all removed from the shelves.
#3:
A community member who DOES NOT have a child at your school comes to your library and asks to speak with you. He has a list of three books that are in your collection that he considers inappropriate. He asks why you have them, and then he says they shouldn’t be in your library and should be removed.
Marco Zannier Virginillo
Program Director for Library Services
Instructor (INFO 5090)