Intellectual Freedom and Privacy

DESCRIPTION

As the protectors of students' access to information, librarians assume a leadership role in providing students with the right to seek and receive information representing various viewpoints without restriction. In this course, you'll learn the ethical and legal underpinnings of students' intellectual freedom and privacy and how these shape your library's policies and procedures. Watch the video lessons and complete the reflection activities to deepen your collaboration within the learning community around you!

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Learn how intellectual freedom relates to the First Amendment and about the many legal and professional foundations that support intellectual freedom
• Learn the importance of having resources available that promote many perspectives and how to create policies and guidelines to help make the best possible decisions for your collection
• Learn to promote intellectual freedom through displays, guest speakers, and instruction, while being aware of self-censorship and access
• Learn to be proactive and prepare for challenges to materials in your library collection by having procedures and resource in place
• Learn ways to balance advocating for a free and open internet while also keeping students safe online
• Learn how intellectual freedom relates to protecting students' privacy in what they choose to learn and read about

COURSE OUTLINE

Each course lesson includes video content and at least one follow-up activity to help you apply and show evidence of your learning.

Introduction Video

Lesson 1: Legal and Professional Foundations of Intellectual Freedom

Activity: Supporting Intellectual Freedom

Lesson 2: Collection Considerations

Activity: Creating and Revisiting Your Selection Policy

Lesson 3: Program Considerations

Activity: Censorship in the School Library

Lesson 4: Handling Materials Challenges

Activity: Challenge-Proofing Your Library Checklist

Lesson 5: Intellectual Freedom Online

Activity: Digital Citizenship in the Real Library

Lesson 6: Student Privacy

Activity: Library Privacy Records

Lesson 7: Policy Checklist for Intellectual Freedom and Student Privacy

Activity: Creating a Library Privacy Policy

Closing Video

Course Certification Quiz

CREDIT HOURS

Earn three professional development clock hours for completing this course's videos, activities, and quiz. Consult with your supervising organization about applying these to your professional development requirements.

EVIDENCE OF LEARNING

To show evidence of learning for this course, complete and share responses to the following activities:

1. Supporting Intellectual Freedom
2. Creating and Revisiting Your Selection Policy
3. Censorship in the School Library
4. Challenge-Proofing Your Library Checklist
5. Digital Citizenship in the Real Library
6. Library Privacy Records
7. Creating a Library Privacy Policy

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN TEAM

Rachel Grover, MSEd, is a middle-school librarian in Fairfax County, VA. She earned her master's through Old Dominion University. Grover serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of School Librarians. Follow her on Twitter @rgrov1013 and read more on her blog, https://groverscornerofthelibrary.wordpress.com/.

Rebecca J. Morris, MLIS, PhD, earned her master's degree and doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh and her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Pennsylvania State University. Rebecca teaches graduate courses in school librarianship and youth library services. Rebecca has published articles in journals including School Library Research, Knowledge Quest, School Libraries Worldwide, Teacher Librarian and the Journal of Research on Young Adults in Libraries. She is the author of School Libraries and Student Learning: A Guide for School Leaders (Harvard Education Publishing Group, 2015). Rebecca is a former elementary classroom teacher and middle school librarian.

Jane Cullina, MSEd, is the professional development manager for School Library Connection. A former children's librarian and humanities teacher, Jane earned her master's degree from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City and has taught in Boston, New York, Maine, California, and South Africa.

Emma Bailey is a project editor for Libraries Unlimited and manages production for the book division. In her 15 years with Libraries Unlimited, Emma has worked with authors and librarians on over 1,000 titles and created strong content knowledge to aid in the professional development curriculum for School Library Connection.

ABOUT LIBRARIES UNLIMITED

School Library Connection is a publication of Libraries Unlimited, a publisher in the field of academic, public, school, and special libraries since 1964. Libraries Unlimited's mission—to cultivate and maintain a supportive community where librarians, archivists, and information specialists can learn about and discuss leading-edge trends and acquire new skills through every phase of their careers—is supported by over 2,000 publications. Since 2008, Libraries Unlimited has been an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC, an award-winning publisher of digital and print products in the realms of reference, contemporary thought, and professional development. With both a long-standing reputation for authoritative and trustworthy materials and a current prominence in delivering cutting-edge content in diverse and innovative forms, ABC-CLIO continues to be driven by pursuit of its core mission: to serve as source, catalyst, and support of lifelong learning.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To make inquiries about this workshop, please email WebinarSLC@abc-clio.com.