Catalog searches -- suggested SUBJECT headings: prohibited books, censorship
Censorship is suppression of speech or other communication which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the general body of people as determined by a government, media outlet, or other controlling body (Censorship in America)
The rationale for censorship is different for various types of information censored:
ALA Statement on Censorship of Information Addressing Racial Injustice, Black American History, and Diversity Education
On August 18, 2021, the American Library Association Executive Board issued a statement opposing initiatives to censor information resources, curricula, and programs addressing racial injustice, Black American history, and diversity education.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association created the "Library Bill of Rights" to mark its stance on the censorship of library materials. The following basic policies have been established to guide libraries in their services:
I. Library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
ii. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of fee expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views possess the right to privacy and confidentiality i their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people's privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939 by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1941; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019..
Inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January, 1996.
"Library Bill of Rights", American Library Association, June 30, 2006.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill (Accessed June 29, 2022)
Document ID: 669fd6a3-8939-3e54-7577-996a0a3f8952