[Libs-Or] Tuesday Topic: Reporting Intellectual Freedom Challenges

[OTTUM Tamara K * SLO]

June 2022
Welcome to Tuesday Topics, a monthly series covering topics with intellectual freedom implications for libraries of all types. Each message is prepared by a member of OLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee or a guest writer. Questions can be directed to the author of the topic or to the IFC Committee.

[Oregon Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee]
Report Challenges
As noted in a recent News to Use<https://www.olaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199#NewstoUse> article, libraries across the country are facing unprecedented numbers of challenges to books - and this includes libraries in Oregon. The State Library and OLA Intellectual Freedom Committee would like to encourage you to report these challenges to us.
Why report?
Reporting challenges to materials, resources, and services helps paint a picture of the intellectual freedom landscape in Oregon.
With the information gathered from these reports:

  *   The <https://www.olaweb.org/if-home> OLA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC)<https://www.olaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159> stays aware of developments in the state and supplies Oregon library workers with needed tools and support.
  *   The <https://www.oregon.gov/library/Pages/default.aspx> State Library<https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/oifc> compiles an annual report which presents a landscape of challenges in the state, and maintains an index to materials challenges which teachers, librarians, and booksellers in Oregon use for Banned Books Week displays, activities, discussions, and events.
Reports are confidential unless you tell us otherwise. No identifying information concerning the library, reporter, or challenger is published.
What should be reported?
Report challenges that have occurred at your library and/or in your school.
A challenge, as defined by the <https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport> ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom<https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif>, is “an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. [...] Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.”
Challenges can be any of the following:

  *   Materials challenge (books, movies, music, magazines, digital content)
  *   Internet-related challenge (filtering issues, access to computers, use policies)
  *   Library service (meeting rooms, programs, author visits, exhibits, displays, hold shelf practices)
  *   Patron privacy or confidentiality (personally identifiable information, circulation records)
  *   Hate crime (defacement of library property to target a specific group; use of swastikas or other symbols of intimidation, harassment or assault on library property)
  *   Other (student publications or performances, access to libraries or library cards, social media, artwork, "First Amendment Audit")
Examples of challenges to report:

  *   A library book is found vandalized with swastikas. This can be reported as a hate crime.
  *   A parent complains to the school principal about an item their child checked out. The situation results in having to add a note to the student’s account that they may not check out books on this topic. This can be reported as a materials challenge.
  *   Community residents challenge the library’s Drag Queen Story Time and request a meeting with the library director. The director meets with the challengers and listens to their concerns and then meets with the city council to discuss. The program is held as scheduled. This can be reported as a library service challenge.
  *   A patron brings a book to a service desk and requests that it be removed from the children’s section. The situation results in the book being relocated to the teen section. This can be reported as a materials challenge.
Your institution may experience complaints that do not go beyond talking to the patron in the moment. These do not need to be reported unless they escalate to the library taking further action (receiving a formal reconsideration form, the complainer asking to meet with the library director, etc.). If you have questions about whether an incident should be reported, please <https://www.olaweb.org/contact-ifc> reach out to the IFC<https://www.olaweb.org/contact-ifc>.
Who should report?
Anyone is welcome to submit a report. Your library/school may have a designated person or persons responsible for reporting challenges - check your policies and procedures.
Reports are confidential unless you tell us otherwise. You can choose to include your name and contact information if you would like to be contacted for support.
What do the IFC and State Library do with the information?
The IFC:

  *   Reviews the reports to keep apprised of developments in the state and supply Oregon library workers with needed tools and support.
The State Library:
●       Compiles an annual report which presents a landscape of challenges in our state.
●       Updates an index to materials challenges which teachers, librarians, and booksellers in Oregon use for Banned Books Week displays, activities, discussions, and events.
●        Annually submits reports to the <https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif> ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom<https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif>.
●       No identifying information concerning the library or challenger is published. If the State Library receives a public records request, they disclose copies of incident reports minus identifying information.
How do I report?
Submit this <https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/intellectualfreedomincidentreportform> report form<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/intellectualfreedomincidentreportform>. The State Library annually submits reports to the <https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif> ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom<https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif>, so there is no need to submit to ALA yourself.
Questions or need support?
Please reach out to the IFC<https://www.olaweb.org/contact-ifc>!

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