The Society of Authors (SoA), the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), and the School Library Association (SLA) are concerned by recent evidence of censorship taking place in schools. To promote and protect freedom of expression, it is vital that we foster the conditions for all schools to have diverse and inclusive library collections, and to resist all forms of censorship given its debilitating effects on children’s educations.
A recent survey of school librarians by Index on Censorship reveals that 53% of respondents have been asked to remove books from their libraries, with more than half of those requests coming from parents. In 56% of those cases the book or books in question were removed, many of which were about LGBTQ+ subjects. While there were only a small number of respondents, we take any attempts at censorship seriously.
Index has also heard anecdotal evidence of censorship from school librarians and the organisations that represent them. This appears to be part of a wider trend – last year CILIP found anecdotal evidence that librarians in public libraries have also been asked to remove books. Index has also heard that some librarians are self-censoring out of fear of confrontation with parents or senior staff over their library collections.
Diverse, enriching library services
We strongly believe that librarians and library staff should be empowered to stock diverse and inclusive library collections to enrich children’s educations. This involves stocking materials with differing viewpoints, so that learners may understand the feelings and experiences of others as well as develop, with guidance and support, the practice of critical reading and thinking. Collections must also reflect the many religious, ethnic and cultural groups in our society, to celebrate their contribution to our national heritage and identity, so that all children can see themselves represented and have the same opportunity to engage with and benefit from literature.
It is equally important that school libraries continue to host authors from diverse backgrounds for school visits. As well as reading books, opportunities to actually meet and hear directly from different people are crucial to developing empathy and understanding. Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that author visits have a positive impact on reading habits, and are an important way for authors to support children.
Protecting intellectual freedom and the right to read
Censorship, especially when it leads to a culture of fear and self-censorship, is a threat to children’s freedom to read, learn, question, and access information. These principles of intellectual freedom underpin our democracy. In times of growing mis/dis-information and polarised views, it is vital that we protect intellectual freedom by allowing a multiplicity of voices, as this is the best way to ensure society is strong and cohesive well into the future.
We have seen how divisive this issue can be when censorship becomes more widespread and creeps into legislation. The best solution is always dialogue between schools and their communities, informed by the suitable expertise.
The financial cost of censorship can also be crippling for authors, whether as a direct result of books not being stocked by libraries, or as opportunities for school visits, publicity, and sales dry up when literature from certain perspectives is deemed offensive or unwanted. In 2022, ALCS reported that the median income for authors is £7,000 – just over a third of the living wage. With earning a living harder than ever for authors, we must protect their livelihoods and safeguard the crucial work they do broadening children’s horizons with literature.
Chief Executive of the SoA, Anna Ganley, said:
‘Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and a central tenet of an author’s work and livelihood. We oppose any attempt to stifle or control freedom of expression in our society. As an inclusive trade union with over 12,500 authors, we stand against the marginalisation or censorship of books or their authors on any grounds. We fully support CILIP and the SLA in their important work to ensure that librarians are empowered to provide library collections that meet the needs of their diverse communities.’
Chief Executive of the SLA, Alison Tarrant, said:
‘We will continue our work to support all school libraries to develop collections which allow pupils to develop curiosity about the world around them through fiction, information and other resources. School libraries have a duty to support curriculum learning, personal development and enable children to develop a sense of the world. This can happen through engaging with stories and information resources to build understanding of similarities and differences.
School library collections are carefully curated with the needs and ages of their users in mind, which provides a safe starting point for information gathering. It is vital that school library staff are supported and have access to training to develop these collections and the policies which underpin them.’
Chief Executive of CILIP, Louis Coiffait-Gunn, said:
‘Authors, publishers, teachers, school leaders, and librarians all have a duty to work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the wide and wonderful world of reading. That’s especially important for children who may not get such opportunities at home. CILIP’s work on inclusive collections and intellectual freedom helps resist censorship, deliver trustworthy information, and empower learners.’
In May last year, the SLA, the CILIP School Libraries Group (CILIP SLG), and CILIP released this statement to provide clear guidance for school librarians, school leadership and school governors when considering issues relating to intellectual freedom and censorship.