We are compiling a book for ALA Publications with the working title
True/ Stories of Censorship Battles in American Libraries/. The proposal
for this book arose out of a presentation called "Banned Books Exposed"
that we have been giving for several years.
We are seeking essays by and about librarians in public, school, and
academic libraries who have experienced challenges to remove material
from library collections.
These essays should be no more than 2500 words in length, and should
provide details of a full challenge experience, from initial contact
through ultimate resolution. Essays can be a first person narrative or a
case study description. We will also welcome short descriptions of
interactions that may not have ended in a formal challenge or request
for reconsideration. These anecdotes should reflect the concerns of
either the patron or the librarian or both. Sad, funny, scary,
confusing, misunderstood, groundless, highly-charged, low-key - somehow,
the reader should be able to identify with the event.
Tips on writing: Explain the situation and how you were involved. How
was the issue resolved? What lessons were learned? If you experienced
this situation again, what would you do differently? What resources did
you draw upon (don't list resources; tell us about the resources and why
they were helpful)? Had you received any training on handling challenges
prior to the situation you describe? Have you received any since? Did
your library have a procedure in place? If not, does it have one now?
Writers should include the facts of the challenge. If this is
information based on a personal experience, please share your thoughts
and feelings about the confrontation, dealing with administrators, and
dealing with the public.
Email submissions to: nyebarco@gmail.com
Your submissions should be submitted with the following information:
1. Title your essay.
2. Include a 100 word biographical statement.
Your submissions should follow these formatting rules:
1. Text should be attached as a .doc or .rtf (please do not send .docx
documents).
2. Your Name should be the document label (example JaneSmith.doc)
3. If you have questions about style, please consult /The Chicago Manual
of Style/, 15th edition, as your general guide to punctuation,
capitalization, quotation, abbreviation, source citation, use of italic,
etc.
Submitting an essay does not guarantee publication. If you have
questions about your essay and/or topic, please contact us.Contributors
will be asked to sign an ALA Writer Agreement before publication.
Compensation: a complimentary copy of the final publication and a
discount on additional copies.Deadline for submissions: *March 31, 2010*.
Here's our challenge to /you: /share your experiences! Get on the
Bannedwagon!
nyebarco@gmail.com
Kathy Barco & Valerie Nye
