Intellectual Freedom Issues in School Libraries

Are overdue fines preventing students from getting books? Is a limit on the number of books that can be checked out at one time restricting how much students can read? Readers may not realize that these are intellectual freedom issues that place limits on reading, but they are, according to Dawkins, who stresses that school librarians must “remove as many barriers to access to information as we possibly can.” In this collection of articles, librarians weigh in on topics such as selection policies, reading levels, and how to protect student privacy. The articles will motivate librarians to review their own policies and procedures and renew their commitment to protecting the right to read. Those looking for advice on working with their administrators will find it here, along with tips for communicating with parents and advocating for students. Librarians wondering what to do about fines or how to ensure that schools on a fixed schedule can still allow students access will discover answers. The section “Filtering, Technology, and the Digital Divide” is especially useful.