Discussion of censorship in school libraries focuses on Australia. Topics include control of content and access to digital texts, including filtering and Internet access; print resources; documented library policies; the core purpose of school libraries and selecting materials for library collections; and examples of challenges. (LRW)

Discusses the criteria for selection by teacher librarians and the innovative resource evaluation process undertaken by the Aboriginal Studies Project team in Western Australia that was created to ensure access to Aboriginal Studies programs by children in Australian schools. (Author/LRW)

Discusses sources of information useful to teacher-librarians regarding the use of CD-ROMs in schools. Highlights include "CMC News" ("Computers and the Media Center"), the most popular CD-ROM titles in use, the increase in CD-ROM ownership, and primary use of CD-ROMs for reference and current information access. (LRW)

This content analysis examines library science and education literature on censorship in public and public school libraries in the 1980s. The first chapter discusses the organization and activities of right-wing and left-wing pressure groups together with ways in which librarians have responded to their pressure. The distinction between censorship…

This study sought to determine the extent of restrictive access to books in Georgia school library media centers and to discover by whose authority and for what reason these books might be placed on restrictive shelves. Questionnaires were completed and received from a stratified random sampling of 119 media specialists in high schools, middle or…

Discusses the censorship of school and public library materials dealing with homosexuality. Topics addressed include social pressures; conservative critics of homosexuality; examples of requests for limited access or removal of materials; and purchasing additional materials to represent other points of view as a more positive solution. (LRW)

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Practical advice to help librarians prepare for and face challenges to the content of their library collections includes suggestions for developing selection policies and networks of support, as well as a recommended course of action for librarians in the event of a challenge. (MAB)

For many years, there has been pressure on American schools to restrict or deny students access to books or periodicals deemed objectionable by some individual or group on moral, political, religious, ethnic, racial, or philosophical grounds. Censorship of library books in school media centers is present today. The library media specialist is…

Suggests guidelines to consider when choosing electronic reference tools for school libraries, including stand-alone systems versus networked versions; other resources that give access to the same information; annual updates; replacement costs; equipment needs; student and teacher needs; training time needed; and ease of use. (LRW)

Annual high school media center expenditures in Georgia were analyzed to determine what portions of the budget were being spent on print, non-print, and technology resources by high school media specialists. A 5-part 13-item questionnaire was developed as a data-gathering instrument. The questionnaire was distributed to all high school media…

Discusses the unique factors that online electronic resources pose in school library settings. Topics include the appropriateness of online electronic resources; strategic planning for Internet access, including acceptable use policies; administrative issues; selection and acquisition; organization; and intellectual access, including library…

Compares the following World Wide Web-based periodical databases, focusing on their usefulness in K-12 school libraries: EBSCO, Electric Library, Facts on File, SIRS, Wilson, and UMI. Search interfaces, display options, help screens, printing, home access, copyright restrictions, database administration, and making a decision are discussed. A…

The American Library Association and the American Association of School Administrators have worked together for many years to address issues surrounding public school censorship and academic freedom. The purpose of this book is to provide educators and citizens alike with information essential to sustaining the free marketplace of ideas in…

Discusses library services to gay and lesbian patrons. Topics addressed include heterosexist prejudices; information needs of gay and lesbian patrons; censorship; inadequate indexing of lesbian and gay materials; inappropriate subject headings; reviews of pertinent materials; interlibrary loan; and services to children and young adults. (LRW)