Re: [LM_NET] GEN: Banned books in schools

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I find this very interesting only because I have found prior
censorship to be alive and well in many Texas schools (both public and
private).  I've entered at least two schools where "Harry Potter" has
been placed behind the shelves (restricted) with use by students by
parental signature only.  This evolved into several books "labeled" as
questionable, placed on a "list", and requiring parental signatures
before being allowed to be checked out.  Obviously, I tossed the
signature requirements out and moved the books out to the shelves, but
continued to have people question my decision to allow students to
select and read books that are purchased for use by all students.

I've also found restrictions on the use of audio books by students
from teachers and previous librarians for reasons that do not seem
reasonable (what if the students break the equipment, lose the
materials, ---and my favorite.... "audio books" are not "really
reading" and should not be used by those students who CAN read---and
so, are banned).  Again, I removed the restrictions and encouraged the
use of audio books---if nothing more than to allow students the
opportunity to use formats that others use daily.

Honestly, I don't know if this is a regional thing (in Texas only) or
if there is a common trend going on throughout the country, but
regardless of whether I'm in an urban setting or a rural setting, I'm
finding that there are some serious issues regarding censorship and
many librarians allowing it to happen.


~Shonda

Shonda Brisco, MLIS
District Librarian
Peaster ISD
Weatherford, TX 76086

Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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