Study on access to controversial library materials

A national study identified patterns in library resources and content, especially as they relate to political preferences, state laws, and book bans. the researcher found that:

• ·         Libraries in low-income areas have lower staffing levels and less up-to-date collections. 
• ·         Access to controversial content is related to local political environments. 
• ·         Book challenges may have chilling effects on the acquisition of LGBTQ+ content. 

Mumma, K. (2023). Politics and school libraries: What shapes students’ access to controversial content. Brookings. 

https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/

 

Politics and School Libraries Study

 

A national study of school libraries found that most school libraries have some controversial titles, but the collection reflects local politics and policy makers. There continues to be a gap  in library resources between schools in low- and high-income communities, which may affect students in ways not reflected in test scores, including by exposing children to stories that expand their horizons or affirm their lived experiences.  

Mumma, K. (2023). Politics and children's books: Evidence from school library collections. Boston College. https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/

Book Challenges and School Library Collection Development

https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/: "This study begins by compiling a novel data set on the books in over 6,000 school libraries across the country. With this unique look inside school library shelves, the author then details some trends and themes related to the collections based on various characteristics, including for instance difference across high and low-income schools and the political leanings of surrounding areas.

Key Findings

• Schools with more white students, schools located in high-income areas, and schools in non-rural areas have better-resourced school libraries than their counterparts. School libraries in high-income areas acquire substantially more books and employ about 40% more staff than low-income schools.
• Politics appear to be at play.
• While books with “controversial content” tend to be widely available, prevalence of certain titles appears to be influenced by local politics, state laws and the social environment around which the school exists.
• Book challenges in the 2021-22 school year have had a chilling effect on the acquisition and access of certain content in school libraries, LGBTQ+ content in particular."

Mumma, K. (2023). Politics and children's books: Evidence from school library collections. Wheelock Policy Center.

https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/

School Library Collection Censorship Studies

 

School Library Journal surveyed 720 school libraries about the impact of the coordinated censorship campaigns across the country on libraries and collection development decisions. The survey found that the efforts are more often attention-getting, high-visibility acts, e.g., yelling at a school board meeting and pushing for unilateral book removal rather than filing official challenges or following the formal process of reconsideration. Most of the challenges came from parents (80 percent), with teachers and administrators next at 14 percent and 11 percent, respectively. But the more insidious aspect of this movement to remove titles from school libraries is the lasting impact it has on collections going forward. 

Yorio, K. (2022, Sept. 8). Censorship attempts will have long-lasting impact on school library collections, SLJ survey shows. School Library Journal. 

https://www.slj.com/story/censorship-attempts-will-have-a-long-lasting-impact-on-school-library-collections-slj-survey-shows?fbclid=IwAR3_pDUy0ni_YAcVhvM270zYs1-fhDaqnfM7TEh9SwfqQCvv28fOVMjvlEk

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A new study from PEN also noted the increase in book banning, particularly for books on ethnicities and gender. The study noted the new sources of banning: social media and politicians.

Banned in the USA: Rising School Book Bans Threaten Free Expression and Students’ First Amendment Rights (April 2022). PEN. https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/

Reported in the Los Angeles Times: https://enewspaper.latimes.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=7d6a2131-058f-416f-9065-14b0f9e8623e&fbclid=IwAR2CA00CcAn-7yYaKcuJUAdGvo_hz784iSSRVZHtuj4iqLnkrYEVOuABPn4

School libraries spending survey report

The biennial School Library Journal national survey of school library spending and services reveals the impact of the economy. Middle schools and the West were hardest hit. The report includes information about acquisitions, collections, staffing, use of technology, and collaboration.
Farmer, L. (2011, March). Spending survey. School Library Journal, p. 42-49.
http://www.slj.com