Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession. It is not an outdated, rarely thought about core value; it is a living tenet that allows for the promotion and protection of ideas from all viewpoints and access to these ideas and resources within all libraries. All of these rights of receipt and dissemination of ideas are protected by the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
The belief that this value is even more important today serves as the foundation of the articles in this Knowledge Quest issue. Contributing authors in this issue demonstrate how school librarians are still finding new and innovative ways to defend intellectual freedom, privacy, and uninhibited intellectual inquiry.
- Andrea Jamison looks at Intellectual Freedom in the school library and how school librarians can become advocates for access, privacy, and the right to read what one chooses.
- Heather Moorefield-Lang explores the legacies we each leave behind as digital citizens and why it is important to teach that concept as an integral part of digital literacy.
- Kristin Pekoll, the assistant director for ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom for the ALA, examines censorship as it applies to all materials within the school library, not just books.
- Martin Garner, Kate Lechtenberg, and Carolyn Vibbert offer a look inside the 10th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual and its importance as a resource to every practicing school librarian.
- Finally, April Dawkins and I invite each of you to expand your knowledge about intellectual freedom and to join in its advocacy within your school library.
About the Content Expert
Dr. Angela P. Branyon is an assistant professor in School Library and Media studies at the University of West Georgia in the Department of Educational Technology and Foundations. She earned her doctorate at Old Dominion University in May 2017 exploring intellectual freedom and the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Before she earned her doctoral in Curriculum and Instruction, she worked as a teacher of high school English and as a high school librarian. Her research interests include intellectual freedom, equitable access, and mentorship advocacy for all rural and low-income school librarians.
Knowledge Quest, Volume 49, No. 1 – Why Intellectual Freedom and Equitable Access Are Even More Important Today
Feature
Why Intellectual Freedom and Equitable Access Are Even More Important Today
Angela Branyon and April Dawkins
Intellectual Freedom Articles
Intellectual Freedom and School Libraries: A Practical Application
Andrea Jamison
Learners’ Legacies as Digital Citizens
Heather Moorefield-Lang
Managing Censorship Challenges beyond Books
Kristin Pekoll
School Librarians and the Intellectual Freedom Manual
Martin Garnar, Kate Lechtenberg, and Carolyn Vibbert
Articles
School and Public Library Collaboration: Opportunities for Sharing and Community Connections
Denise Moreland and Jenna Kammer
Advocating for the School Library through Relationships
Melanie Lewis
Departments
President’s Column
School Librarians Shine during Uncertain Times
Kathy Carroll
KQ Editorial Board Liaison Column
Advocating for Our Learners’ Right to Diverse Points of View
Nicolle Mazzola
Columns
AASL Position Statement
The School Librarian’s Role in Reading
Research into Practice Column
Improving School Library Practice through Research
Audrey Church
CBC Column
The Importance of Providing Challenging Materials to Students
Mark Oshiro
Author: Angela Branyon
Categories: KQ Content
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