Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools [Paperback]

Henry Reichman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This revision of the 1993 edition has been updated to include sections on Internet filtering, gay and lesbian literature, and challenges to books on witchcraft and the occult. Reichman addresses what to do to prevent or prepare for censorship problems, what to do in specific situations, and legal issues and relevant cases. The appendixes offer an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, a workbook for selection-policy writing, a sample selection policy, guidelines for student publications, dealing with questions about library resources, a selected list of concerned national organizations, summaries of related legal cases, and an annotated bibliography on the First Amendment and Intellectual Freedom. The author mentions an evening course for parents taught by an English teacher on "Books Our Children Read" noting: "It is imperative that public schools reach out-before controversy arises." This book, paired with Pat Scales's Teaching Banned Books (ALA, 2001), would certainly satisfy needs on this topic for librarians and media specialists, and is a great resource for teaching First Amendment rights in the classroom.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Like its predecessor, this revised and updated edition carries the authority and prestige of both the ALA and the American Association of School Administrators. The chapter layout is the same as that in the first edition (1988), including a concise, readable review of the background, as well as discussion of the preparation of specific school policies and procedures; appendixes reprint key policy statements, model letters, and selected legal summaries. Evidence of revision and updating is apparent throughout. Areas added since 1988 include gay and lesbian literature, violence, New Age, and the elementary school reading series Impressions controversy. The chapter "What Do We Do If . . . ?" will be of particular help to school library media specialists in the trenches. At least one copy of this book should be readily accessible to every school library media specialist; a copy for the school principal wouldn't be a bad investment, either! Charles Harmon --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Amer Library Assn; 3 edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838907989
• ISBN-13: 978-0838907986
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,525,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for the school library media specialist!, September 19, 2010

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Kory Gott (Payette, ID United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools (Paperback)

Beginning with a definition of censorship and its role in education, Reichman discusses issues such as censorship vs. selection, self-censorship, and the importance of academic freedom. He also explores who the censors are, what topics are most often under attack, and he discusses how schools and librarians can defend themselves and keep contested materials from being censored. The importance of having policies in place is explained, laws and court decisions are discussed, and there are several appendixes that library staff or school personnel can turn to for quick tidbits of information about everything from a media program to guidelines for student publications.

This is a must-have resource for any school library media specialist who wants to be informed about how to best run a library, combat censorship, and protect students' and teachers' rights when it comes to using a variety of materials in the classroom and making resources available to students. Reichman's book is very user-friendly and well-organized, and it is an indispensible resource whether you're a novice or an expert in your field.