Blog 1: Intellectual Freedom
In the library field, librarians have traditionally been champions of intellectual freedom. As future school librarians, it is essential that we remember this is equally essential in our area of service as well. This can feel a bit dicey at times, as it is only appropriate when working with youth to be aware of what is age appropriate and this is something that teachers and administrators often have to consider and discuss when purchasing whole class texts. However, in the library, students need to have the freedom of inquiry, to ask any question, to research any topic, to check out any book. As librarians "we need to educate superintendents [and principals] about the role of the First Amendment in education and the principle of intellectual freedom" (Adams, 2016). If we will do this, we will be more likely to have their support if there are issues or challenges. One of the areas where students in school libraries are regularly denied intellectual freedom is in the over-f...