Tools & Resources
The Texas Library Association (TLA) holds that the freedom to read is a corollary of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. Freedom of choice in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read and shall be protected against irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it.
You can also use TLA Engage to seek feedback or advice from other members. We understand that this is a stressful and challenging time, please reach out to us with questions at any time.
TLA Intellectual Freedom Helpline
Information provided on the online form is only shared with TLA staff and the TLA Intellectual Freedom Helpline coordinators. Conversations between those seeking assistance and the volunteers is confidential and you may request to remain anonymous. Please allow a couple of days for your case to be assigned and the volunteer to reach out.
Interested in volunteering to assist Texas librarians facing these challenges? Complete this online form and a Helpline coordinator will contact you.
We are excited to launch this new program and hope that it will prove valuable. If you have suggestions for improving the process, or questions about the Helpline, please email us.
The TLA Helpline is intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. Information received should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information may not reflect the most current legal developments. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.
Professional Liability Insurance
TLA partners with Barclay Insurance to offer professional liability insurance at a discounted premium rate ($42) to TLA members. This policy will guards against financial devastation in the event you are named in a serious lawsuit arising in the course and scope of your responsibilities as an educator. The policy year is January 1 – December 31. You may add the policy to your membership when you join or renew (online or via the membership form PDF). If you have already joined or renewed your TLA membership for 2022, you may add the insurance to your membership by updating your membership selections in Members Only. Questions? Contact Christy Reynolds at TLA.
Texas Resources
- TLA Talks: Legal & Policy Issues Related to Materials Challenges (January 2022 webinar) recording
- TLA Talks: Materials Challenges (Oct. 2021 webinar) recording | Wakelet and slides
- Instructional Materials & Library Books in Texas Public Schools – What You Need to Know (PDF shared by Texas Association of School Boards, Legal Services)
- Facing Materials Challenges: the Importance of Policies in Public and School Libraries (Texas Library Journal article, Fall 2021)
- Responding to Challenges: Prepare for the Worst, Expect the Best (TSLAC webinar recording)
- Collection Development Infographic for external audiences (TLA, TASL)
- Reconsideration Process Infographic for external audiences (TLA, TASL)
- Round Rock ISD Reconsideration Timeline, EF Local
TLA Statements
- The Freedom to Read is a Right and Must be Protected (October, 2021)
- Statement Opposing Restrictions on Education Related to Racism and History (August, 2021)
Reporting Censorship
Any library employee or library supporter who knows of a complaint or challenge is encouraged to contact the chair of TLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) and report such incidents to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. You may report these incidents anonymously. You can also contact the TLA office (512-328-1518) for the current IFC chair’s contact information.
ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom
The staff of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom is available to answer questions or provide assistance to librarians, trustees, educators and the public about intellectual freedom issues and resources. Areas of assistance include policy development, First Amendment issues, and professional ethics. Inquiries can be directed via email to oif@ala.org or via phone at (312) 280-4226.
General Resources
- Library Bill of Rights
- Be Prepared: Intellectual Freedom Resources
- ALA Freedom to Read Statement
- ALA Freedom to View Statement
- ALA Code of Ethics
- ALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records
- Guidelines for Library Policies
- Instructional Materials and Library Books in Texas Public Schools—What You Need to Know
- Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q&A
- AASL Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries resource guide
- Censorship in Children’s Services
- WebJunction Book Censorship in Schools: A Toolkit
Preparing for and Responding to Challenges to Library Resources
Policies
- ALA Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School & Academic Libraries
- How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns
- Selection Criteria
- Formal Requests for Reconsideration
- Guidelines for Reconsideration Committees
- Conducting a Challenge Hearing
Communications
Laws & Court Decisions
Other Organizations
The contents of this website are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents of the website and the posting and viewing of the information on this website should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.