Webquest: Intellectual Freedom in the Library Media Center

Challenged Books Documents

Introduction:

You have just started in a new job as a school library media specialist. Several parents, staff, administrators and community

members have raised questions about policies related to certain materials in your media center. Your principal has asked you to present at a faculty meeting to educate them on the philosophy of intellectual freedom, various federal laws and how they apply to the day-to-day operations of an open and accessible library. With a group of your colleagues, you will be focusing on a topic related to intellectual freedom and preparing a short instructive presentation for such a forum. Be sure to gather the information that aligns with an exemplary media program.

Essential Questions:

What do you do if someone challenges the materials you have in the library media center?
What is the relationship between intellectual freedom and collection development?
What is the impact of CIPA requirements on the library media program?
How does the USA Patriot Act affect the privacy of patrons?

Topics:

Principles of intellectual freedom (ALA Position Statements)
Filters, pros and cons
CIPA requirements
USA Patriot Act
Confidentiality
Acceptable use policies (examples, rationale and development)
Acceptable use with Web 2.0

Task:

With your group, you will be using the research process to explore your topic and put together a presentation for your faculty colleagues - ensuring to relate the issues of your topic to the overall topic of Intellectual Freedom in the Library Media Center and how it relates to establishing an exemplary media program.

Process:

Develop your own essential question for your topic.
Conduct preliminary background research (see links below).
Take notes - and be able to cite sources.
Delve deeper to find a "hook" for your presentation...quote, visual, etc.
Coordinate responsibilities for group members so everyone has chance to participate.
Share your findings at the "faculty meeting forum".

Resources:

Background Resources:

Freedom to Read Statement

Library Bill of Rights

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

Intellectual Freedom:

Intellectual Freedom - Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program. An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Eduscapes: Intellectual Freedom in the Library Media Center

Children's Internet Protection Act

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

CIPA

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and Coping with Law Enforcement Inquiries - Guidelines for the Library and Its Staff

Confidentiality and Privacy: What’s the Difference?

Questions and Answers on Confidentiality

Safeguarding Our Patron’s Privacy: What Every Librarian Needs to Know About the USA Patriot Act and Related Anti-Terrorism Measures: December 11, 2002. (Teleconference materials)

FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Assessment:

Assessment based on jigsaw presentation - and sharing with your colleagues.

Culminating Performance-Based Task Resources:

? Each group submits a written rationale for the decision of the review committee citing resources (e.g. reviews, background information about the author, Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read) and a summary of the discussion.