The Fight Against Book Bans - by Shannon M Oltmann (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Book bans and challenges frequently make the news, but when the reporting ends, how do we put them in context? The Fight against Book Bans captures the views of dozens of librarians and library science professors regarding the recent flood of book challenges across the United States, gathered in a comprehensive analysis of their impact and significance. It also serves as a guide to responding to challenges.

Chapter authors provide first-hand accounts of facing book challenges and describe how they have prepared for challenges, overcome opposition to certain books, and shown the value of specific library materials. Library science faculty with a range of specialties provide relevant background information to bolster these on-the-ground views. Together, the chapters both articulate the importance of intellectual freedom and demonstrate how to convey that significance to others in the community with passion and wisdom. This volume provides a timely and thorough overview of the complex issues surrounding the ongoing spate of book challenges faced by public and school libraries.

Review Quotes

"This book provides helpful tips for dealing with allies/opponents during challenge attempts--including parents, trustees, and politicians--and it stresses the need for well-written, thoughtfully considered collection, selection, and reconsideration policies. All librarians will benefit from reading this book and following the guidance within." -Choice 360

"This timely book will be an excellent resource for library workers on the front lines in the fight to protect access to information. Using a combination of stories from the field and practical advice for responding to threats to intellectual freedom, Oltmann has assembled a valuable resource that captures the concerns of this moment and provides hope for the future." --Dr. Martin Garnar, Director, Amherst College Library, USA; Editor, Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition

"The majority of Americans oppose censorship. But those calling for bans are loud, angry, and organized. These voices from the frontlines of America's libraries not only offer sage advice (with the big one being the necessity of having and adhering to policies), they also share their astonishment, anxiety, and deep commitment to service and professionalism. A vital record of our times, this book is recommended for all public, school, and academic libraries." --James LaRue, Executive Director, Garfield County (CO) Public Library District, USA

"The stories in this book are by turns infuriating and heartbreaking, and this deeply researched and informative look at the surge of book bans should be a catalyst to encourage us all to fight back." --Karis Rogerson, Writer and Journalist

About the Author