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Self-Censorship Checklist
Has your library ever...
Not purchased material because a review or publisher's catalog indicated that it was for "mature readers," had explicit language or illustrations, or might be controversial?
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased a popular book because it might be unpopular with parents or pressure groups in the community?
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased material because of the origin, background or views of the author?
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased sex instruction materials from a conservative religious point of view because a staff member found them to be personally offensive?
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased magazines, videos, rock or rap music, or books because "they are so popular they might be stolen?"
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased material concerning minorities because "no one in our community is like that?"
___ yes ___ no
Not purchased a popular recording because of controversial lyrics or cover art?
___ yes ___ no
Purchased a potentially controversial book, but put it in the Adult collection rather than the Young Adult collection for which it was intended?
___ yes ___ no
Reviewed a potentially controversial item and recommended that it not be purchased because of lack of literary merit, even though other non-controversial materials in the collection also lacked literary merit?
___ yes ___ no
Checked a magazine for potentially controversial content, language, or illustrations, and then restricted access or removed it from the collection?
___ yes ___ no
Labeled controversial materials in order to "warn" or prejudice possible users?
___ yes ___ no
Restricted children's use of certain sections of the library (e.g., adult reading room), types of materials (e.g., videos), or services (e.g., interlibrary loan)?
___ yes ___ no
Placed potentially controversial materials in restricted areas so that patrons are required to request them?
___ yes ___ no
Denied library use to someone because of his or her age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, political, or religious views?
___ yes ___ no
Set policies based on video or music producers' ratings to restrict access even though local ordinances don't prohibit use by minors?
___ yes ___ no
Responded to a challenge and removed objectionable material without going through a formal reconsideration of materials process?
___ yes ___ no
Cooperated in violating the right to privacy of your users by providing unauthorized access to their library records?
___ yes ___ no
Prohibited use of your meeting room or bulletin board to groups whose views you disagreed with?
___ yes ___ no
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to review your intellectual freedom practices!
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