| dc.description.abstract | Partnering with the American Library Association (ALA), specifically the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), this project explored ways current resources from the Association can be used to support school librarians during a time of record-setting book challenge numbers reported. The ALA is a member association for librarians and library professionals, and is the oldest and largest library association in the world.
Using a conceptual framework that combined asset-based design with informal and formal networks, I conducted a qualitative study that included document review and interviews with members of ALA staff and Board members from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), who are either school librarians or administrators. Findings from this study include:
• The division and office partner on education opportunities like webinars. They also take in feedback from members to ensure the programming is available based on the schedules of school librarians, Members of AASL know to refer librarians facing a challenge to OIF for guidance; many also have specific pages on the ALA website they refer fellow librarians to, so they can navigate the website more effectively.
• OIF has resources that can serve as at least a starting point for members preparing for, or facing, a book challenge. The ALA website has many of the tools members need to prepare for potential challenges. However, while tools are available on the ALA website, finding those tools is not intuitive for members.
• There are some current network tools in place through ALA designed to guide librarians facing book challenges. State and regional spaces often drive connection for AASL members.
• Members are seeking clarity in the purpose of ALA to share within their current networks, and librarians are seeking strategic advice. | |
