Running head: INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 1

Intellectual Freedom

Veronica Folsome

Georgia Southern
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 2

The library has always been a place where students can come to conduct homework or

group projects. It is also a place where students can read a book that they enjoy reading. I

remember my first visit to the library I was four years old and the class was going on a field trip

to the library. I was so excited; when I entered the library, I was amazed at the books, computers,

and the storytime area. Through reviews, and research articles we will discover how librarians

choose their book and how this affects the intellectual freedom of students.

Today several changes have happened in the school building and school libraries.

However, the issues of access to equity, filtering, challenges to library resources, protecting

student’s privacy, and labeling persist today (Adams, 2019,). In the 21st century library, today

students can check out books in paper and non- print. It is also for students to be able to access

digital content on library computers and to have their check out records maintained privately

( Spear &Tyler,2014). In school libraries, today librarians must examine a book first and then

make sure that the book will get approved through the principal and the assistant principal before

it can be purchased and placed in the school library. This is an issue because under the first

amendment to the United States Constitution each of us has the right to read, view, listen to and

disseminate constitutionally protected ideas even if a censor finds those ideas offensive

( Rich,2008). If the first amendment states this, then I wonder why some school districts are

willing to give incentives if intellectual freedom is taken. According, to Spear and Tyler, libraries

that receive e- rate discounts, library services, and technology act grant funds must implement an

internet safety policy.

According to Garner, School librarians are champions as it relates to intelligence freedom

(1). I will apply the principles of intellectual freedom in print and non- print by understanding
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 3

that parents will challenge me about books that I the Media Specialist will select to put into the

library. For instance, a parent may challenge the fact that they will not want a book in the media

center titled Witches of Brooklyn because it goes against their religious beliefs. However,

because of Intelligence freedom, the book can stay in the library because people have the right to

choose what book they will like to read regardless; if the book is offensive to someone or not. I

will also select materials for the need of the students and look at books that represent differing

viewpoints on controversial issues. Moreover, I will also use Intellectual freedom by providing a

global perspective and promoting diversity by including materials by cultures and illustrators of

all cultures.

A statement that I will make regarding self-censorship will state that “Heard school

library will make a collection of materials that will support the curriculum as well as support

intellectual growth, personal development, individual interests, and needs of students by thinking

globally and acting locally.” Strategies that I will use to manage my policy will be to have my

policies in writing. This will encourage stability and continuity in the library’s operation and

eliminates confusion about procedures ( ALA, 2006). For example, if a principal and assistant

principal do not want a book added in the media center, I will understand that courts granted

school boards and school administrators authority over book selections. However, they cannot

impose their own personal and political biases (Scales,2009). To handle the situation, I will first

approach the administrators in a kind nature about the book issue. I will then have the material

selection on hand to let them know the criteria and resources that are used to select new materials

for the media center (Scales, 2009, p 8). If the issue cannot be resolved at the school level, I will

then solicit the library manager who is Tammy Kemp.

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 4

Digital items in the school system such as e-books, tapes, and videos are also needed to

be looked at for intellectual freedom. I will adopt and promote policies and practices that

provide parents with information to guide children’s choices and equip young people with

critical viewing and thinking skills that will help them to make good judgments about films,

music, and games they will view and use (Scales, 2009). This will be done to avoid angering

parents who will disagree with digital devices that are chosen in the library.

At Heard elementary,there are sixty percent African American students, twenty-five

percent of Native Americans, twenty-five percent white students, eleven percent Hispanic

students, and six percent multiracial. We also have three percent who are economically

disadvantaged and eleven percent of students who have disabilities. There is two percent of

students who are English language learners (Georgia Reports, n.d.).

After examining the population, I will choose books that reflect intellectual freedom by

choosing work that represents different cultures. For example, at the school, I attend I know that

I have students who believe in Christmas for intellectual freedom. I would choose books that

celebrate all cultures. I will have Christmas books and books on Hanukkah. Moreover, I will

have books on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Catholic books that are

representing religion.

To promote the principles of intellectual freedom in the school community I will set up a

media program that will consist of the principal, assistant principal, media specialist, media

clerk, teacher, and a parent to discuss issues about intellectual freedom and how we can best

serve our students in the school community. In the meeting, members will discuss activities that

we can do in the school community to encourage intellectual freedom. For example, every month

Heard Elementary will celebrate a different culture. For instance, for the Hispanic month, I will
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 5

read books about Hispanic culture during storytime and during Presidents day I will discuss

different presidents and the current president regardless of people's biases based on our

intellectual freedom policy.

Intellectual freedom is important today in school systems, but it is most important today

for Media Specialists. Today Media specialists must choose books that encourage young readers

but also promote intellectual freedom. As a future Media Specialist, I need to understand that

there will be someone who will challenge a book that is in my library and the question I should

ask myself is “when it is going to happen?” After reading through various articles that were

provided to me I understand that being an excellent media specialist is to have an intellectual

freedom policy handy, and a meeting that involves staff members and parents from that particular

school to discuss issues on intellectual freedom.

 INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 6

References

Adams, H. (2019, November 11). Renew Your Support for Intellectual Freedom with Sept/Oct

2015 Issue. Retrieved from https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/renew-support-intellectual-

freedom-septoct-2015-issue/

American Library Association. (2006). Intellectual Freedom Manual: Vol. 7th ed. ALA Editions of

the American Library Association.

Garnar, M., Lechtenberg, K., & Vibbert, C. (2020). SCHOOL LIBRARIANS and the

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM MANUAL. Knowledge Quest, 49(1), 34.

Georgia School Reports, schoolgrades.georgia.gov/heard-elementary-school-0.

Kristin Fletcher-Spear, & Kelly Tyler. (2014). Intellectual Freedom for Teens : A Practical Guide for

Young Adult & School Librarians. ALA Editions.

Rich Smith. (2008). First Amendment: The Right of Expression: The Right of Expression. Abdo &

Daughters.

Scales, P., & American Library Association. (2009). Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your School

Library : Scenarios From the Front Lines. ALA Editions of the American Library Association.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 7
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 8

1
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM 9