Defending the Shelf - Navigating censorship and book challenges in school libraries

Across both the UK and the USA, school libraries are increasingly at the centre of debates around intellectual freedom, censorship, and the role of education in a changing world. This webinar brings together the latest insights into rising book challenges, explores the social and political forces driving them, and examines their impact on students, staff, and school communities.

Designed for librarians and school leaders alike, it offers practical strategies, policy guidance, and confident approaches to safeguarding access to diverse ideas while working within your school context.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the current landscape of censorship and book challenges in UK and US school libraries, including key trends and drivers
Evaluate the impact of censorship on students’ learning, wellbeing and access to diverse perspectives
Develop practical approaches and policy frameworks to respond effectively to challenges and uphold intellectual freedom in your school

Suitable for: librarians and school leaders.

Can’t make it? Don’t worry! If you are unable to attend, still register to receive a recording link and watch within 14 days

Provider

Barbara Band

This session will be delivered by Barbara Band. Barbara is a Chartered librarian with over 35 years' experience across primary and secondary education - now a freelance consultant, she provides training and advice to schools and organisations. She has held leadership roles with CILIP, is Vice Chair of the School Libraries Group and Chair of the Library Services Trust. Additionally, she has contributed to the work of the School Library Association, the Open University, BookTrust and the National Literacy Trust. Barbara is known as an influential advocate for school libraries; her latest book 'Championing Your School Library' was published in December by FACET and she is currently editing the revised edition of the CILIP Guidelines for Secondary School Libraries.