Educating for Democracy
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Speak Out! Flashpoint
Removing & Choosing Books

Librarians remove books from the shelves for many reasons. They may cull books that are worn out or outdated, for example, or dispose of duplicates. Books should not be removed because of the opinions expressed by the author. That is a violation of the First Amendment.

Librarians comb through catalogs of new titles to keep their collections up to date. Yet for every book chosen, dozens are passed up. This can occasionally fuel a perception that particular books or kinds of books are being purposefully omitted. In order to explain its rationale for purchasing or removing books, every library should have a clear collection policy. This policy guides librarians in selecting titles and helps defend their decisions should a challenge arise.

Speak Out! Flaspoint
Removing & Choosing Books
“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.”

- William Brennan, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Challenging Ideas:
Why are Books Challenged?
Removing and Choosing Books
What Is Censorship?
How Are Books Challenged?
You Be The Judge