Fighting Censorship: Creating Connections to Protect Intellectual Freedom
Free to United for Libraries Personal Members and United for Libraries Statewide Partners.
United for Libraries will present this four-part series for library Trustees, advocates, Friends, Foundations, and those who work with them as they help support the fight against censorship. Part one, “Be Fierce: How to Harness Your Power for Your Libraries,” will feature tips on overcoming obstacles to harness your power, expertise, knowledge, and passion to successfully advocate for your library, and develop strategic relationships to counter censorship attempts. Part two, “Get Ready, Stay Ready: Supporting Proactive Community Advocacy for Library Professionals,” will focus on maintaining inclusive libraries in partnership with community organizations. Part three, "Reclaiming the Narrative: Policy Conversations that Center Community," will examine how effective local policy is connected to constructive state and federal policy.
Part four, an interactive workshop session, will be announced soon.
Register
FREE & Open Resources
Webinars
- Keeping Governance on Track, Parts 1 and 2 (FREE series now available on-demand)
New Resource Guides
- Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of the Friends of the Library (4/12/22)
- Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of Library Trustees & Board Members (3/31/22)
- Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
- Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)
Tip Sheets:
- The Role of Library Trustees
- Public Library Trustee Ethics Statement
- Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
- Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)
Sample Policies
Other
On-Demand Webinars
Advocacy for Your Library During a Crisis
How can you work with your local elected officials on library advocacy during this time of COVID-19, and beyond? Learn how to approach advocacy during a time of crisis, and how to craft your messaging for success. A panel of expert speakers will provide guidance. Hear tips for Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and other community-based advocacy groups, as well as library staff. Presented Live: April 15, 2020. Click here to register.
Challenges & Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees
What training and preparation does your Board of Trustees need to be prepared for a crisis? Do your policies properly address intellectual freedom issues? How do you handle it when a board member speaks against a board decision? What happens when a board member's values clash with a board decision? Learn how to be proactive in developing a well-prepared board, and what best practices, policies, and procedures need to be developed or revisited. A panel of experts will include a library director and a member of that library's Board of Trustees. Click here to register.
Additional Resources FREE to ALA Members
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Additional Resources FREE to United for Libraries Members
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Peer Networking
Connect with other Trustees and board members in the Trustee Interest Group in ALA Connect.
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
Additional Resources FREE to Select Statewide Partners
States: Alaska, Illinois
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Short Takes for Trustees
States: Idaho
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Trustee Competencies
States: Missouri
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Short Takes for Trustees
- Trustee Academy
States: New Jersey
On-Demand Webinars/Training:
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees
- Trustee Academy
Additional Resources FREE to Statewide All Access Partners
States: Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- First Amendment Audits: What Your Library Board and Staff Need to Know
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees
Additional Resources FREE to Statewide Group Members
States: Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas
Tip Sheets
- Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
- Protecting Your Library's Collection
- Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?
Peer Networking
Connect with other Trustees and board members in the Trustee Interest Group in ALA Connect.
On-Demand Webinars/Training
- December Learning Live: Library Boards, Intellectual Freedom, and Challenges
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know
- Trustee Competencies
- Short Takes for Trustees