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.

We understand that this is a stressful and challenging time. TLA created this brief, seven-question survey, to help us identify additional ways that we can support members dealing with materials challenges and other intellectual freedom issues. If you haven’t completed it, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us.

You can also use TLA Engage to seek feedback or advice from other members. And always, please reach out to us with questions at any time.

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.

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)

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
• Facing Materials Challenges: the Importance of Policies in Public and School Libraries (Texas Library Journal article)
• Responding to Challenges: Prepare for the Worst, Expect the Best (TSLAC webinar recording)

Communications

• Sample letter to Complainant
• Working with the Media

Laws & Court Decisions

• Children’s Internet Protection Act
• First Amendment Court Cases

Other Organizations

• Freedom to Read Foundation
• National Coalition Against Censorship
• Comic Book Legal Defense Fund