Protecting the Right to Read: A How-To-Do-It Manual for School and Public Librarians (How-to-Do-It Manuals for School and Public Librarians, No. 60)

A high percentage of challenges to library materials are successful, but libraries which have clearly-stated, board approved policies for dealing with requests for reconsideration are more likely to prevail. Protecting the Right to Read provides public and school librarians with the strategies and information they need to safeguard their community's right to unfettered access to information in all formats. This essential manual shows how to develop basic policies and procedures; deal with considerations specific to school and public libraries; respond to--and gain the support of--the media; handle requests for reconsideration; protect intellectual freedom on the information superhighway; and understand and prepare for developing trends of the future. Appendixes include all interpretations of ALA's Library Bill of Rights as well as sample policies and statements (including ones for the Internet) from other organizations.