Now Banned at Your Library:

What Administrators need to know

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March 1

Erin Rathke

Eastern Carver County Schools �Assistant Superintendent and �Director of Teaching & Learning

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Agenda

• Prepare
• Not if…..but when?
• Protect

• Partner with the experts
• Know some “facts” about the library
• Arm your building leaders (video)
• Read a few “hot topic” books
• Research why authors wrote the books
• Start getting your Librarians prepared
• Common Language

Prepare

Prepare

Policy and Procedures

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Tips:

• One challenge at a time
• Selection criteria principles
• Protect participants of committees
• Facilitator be a non-voting member
• How long will the challenge stand
• Keep a history

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Media Review Policy

How do we support parents/guardians if there are books they do not want their child to read? COMMON GROUND

• Meet with the Building Administration/Teacher/Media Specialists where they can provide additional context for the resource.
• Teacher/Media Specialist will support finding a reasonable alternative title
• Individual student library records can reflect parental/guardian decision regarding subject of titles

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Not if but when…..

#1 Follow the Policy and Procedures

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of book bans were enacted without following the best practice guidelines for book challenges outlined by ALA.

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- PEN America

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The Committee- Key Component

• Members of the Committee
• Keep track of cost ($3000)
• It is not a debate
• Material before the meeting
• Ground everyone in the terms

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Protect

• Watch for Self-Censorship
• Support and knowledge prevent fear
• Create lines of communication

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Schools who face a book challenge are 55% less likely to purchase future LGBTQ+ books for students.

• Kirsten Slungaard Mumma,

Brown University

Contact Us:

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Erin Rathke Linda Dierks

Assistant Superintendent & Information Innovation

Director of Teaching Learning Specialist

and Learning (Media Specialist)

rathkee@district112.org dierksl@district112.org

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March 1

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Resources