Intellectual Freedom

Children's Literature Briefly- Chapter 16

Schools and Minors Rights

Library Bill of Rights

Intellectual freedom gives people the right to think for themselves. It respects individual dignity and self-rule. This freedom allows people to form their own ideas and opinions by questioning the world around them.-American Library Association-

Intellectual Freedom

The first amendment protects our right to express ourselves and the library aides it cause. Instead of shielding children from things they will encounter anyway, we should teach them about it. For example, as a future librarian, I do not have control over what my students will do at home on social media or on the internent. But I do have the control to teach digital citizenship. In the same way, students are allowed to believe in whatever they want. It is our job to support them and use library resources to help enlighten them regardless of our own beliefs.

Rationale

This section of Chapter 16 was really meaningul because we often hear about book challenges, but I enjoyed reading about the specific steps we can take when the challenges arises. As a future librarian, my first goal will be to set clear policies and cross check with the district and administration. Policies are important for consistency and protects in the event of any type of challenge.

Rationale

Scholars and Minors Rights

The first amendment still applies in libraries. Schools should not limit access to any resources the library such as facilities, internet and book to students to avoid challenged. Instead, we should advocate for intellectual freedom and our student's rights for information. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/minors

As a future school librarian, I will make sure that all students have equal acess to the library. Wether it be for enjoyment, for infomation, or enlightment. In El Paso TX, our migrant population is soaring high. Some of the migrants have never been to a library for nor know their purpose. These rights spoke near and dear to my heart because they truly mean no child left behind. In addition, with such diverse populations, I have to make sure that everybody feels seen- both students and their families- thus, all perspectives and welcome and validated.

Rationale

Library Bill of Rights

• Books and library resources should be provided for interest, enlightment, and intervention to everyone.

• All points of view are allowed.

Handling Book Challenges

Unfortunately, sometime in our librarian career somebody will challenge a book. Therefore it is important that we are prepared to handle the situation. The author suggest being very clear and precise with policies. The suggested policies for handling book challenges are:

• Material Selection Policy
• Grievance Procedure
• Steps to Reduce Emotional Tension