Journal Article

Ban Bombs Managing Public Comments in 2024

Larue, James

2024

Overview

Across the country, many school and public libraries have seen a surge in intellectual freedom challenges - attempts to restrict or remove access to library resources. But this round of challenges doesn't follow the usual playbook of a single patron filling out a Request for Reconsideration for just one library resource. Like a photo bomb, this is a disruptive intrusion. We might call it a \"ban bomb\" -- also disruptive, but with the intent of preventing others from having access to intellectual content. To be clear, citizens have a right to protest, a right enshrined in the same First Amendment that informs library collections. But many public boards are used to no one showing up at all. When an angry mob descends, board members are often at a loss. They lose control of the meeting, and they lose control of a community narrative. This article addresses some approaches to responding in a way that is both respectful and productive.

• Publisher: American Library Association
• Subject: Access / Access to materials / Bans / Bombs / Censorship / Collection development / Collection development policies / Intellectual freedom / Intrusion / Legal Aid / Librarian Attitudes / Librarians / Libraries / Library associations / Library collections / Library Materials / Library Personnel / Library Policy / Library resources / Library Services / Meetings / Middle Schools / Novels / Parent Rights / Privacy / Protocol / Public libraries / Public schools / Records (Forms) / School Libraries / School Policy / Social networks / Time