Prepared Libraries, Empowered Teams
A Workbook for Navigating Intellectual Freedom Challenges Together

Becky Calzada (Author), Val Edwards (Author), Maegan Coffin Heindel (Author), Steven D. Yates (Foreword by)

9798892555371

Paperback / softback, published 5 July 2024

104 pages
27.9 x 21.6 x 1 cm, 0.254 kg

"In the current atmosphere where calls for book bans are all too common, this comprehensive guide designed to strengthen preparedness in the face of these challenges couldn’t be timelier ... The inclusion of real-life examples, reflective prompts, and an appendix that includes further reading recommendations and partnering ideas makes this book a true hands-on resource for library leaders seeking to create resilient, proactive teams capable of navigating the complexities of intellectual freedom challenges." - Library Journal

Preliminary data for 2023 from ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) shows an all-time high number of book challenges, shattering the previous record set only the year before. Anticipating and preparing for challenges can only be done effectively when the library has a unified team. This workbook will help library directors and managers at all types of libraries ensure that all members of their staff understand the essential role they have to play when challenges arise. Simultaneously, it will guide you towards managing the stress of the circumstances with lessened impact on team well-being and organizational reputation. Solo librarians will also find resources for coalition-building in the absence of library colleagues within their institution. Assisting you as a library worker in creating your own challenge readiness roadmap, this workbook

• surveys the national intellectual freedom landscape, then guides you through a review of your current circumstances, structures, and team member strengths;
• provides considerations for developing strong policies and procedures on which your action plan rests;
• shares recommendations for gathering team input and building team capacity at every step of the way;
• includes planning templates, strategies, checklists, and suggested scripts to assist in co-constructing a unified approach with your team;
• identifies methods for developing deep knowledge of your organization’s selection policy in your team members;
• uses a conflict mediation perspective to show how to de-escalate tense conversations involving patrons, members of the community, and team members;
• outlines best practices for communication and capacity-building in the face of all manner of challenges, helping you stay clear and intentional in your interactions with stakeholders;
• and includes numerous real-world examples of different book challenges, showing how this approach to team preparedness can be applied.

Foreword, Steven D. Yates
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Navigating Preparedness Planning

Part I - Words to Live By: Initializing the Challenge Readiness Plan
Chapter 1 - Surveying the Current Landscape
Chapter 2 – Identifying Existing Structures and Resources for Success
Chapter 3 - Evaluating and Strengthening Your Policy Foundation

Part II - Words into Action: Operationalizing the Challenge Readiness Plan
Chapter 4 - Readying Your Team for Cohesive Action
Chapter 5 – Designing and Launching the Action Plan
Chapter 6 - Establishing and Training for A Response Mindset

Part III - Words Take Flight: Systematizing the Challenge Readiness Plan
Chapter 8 - Planning for Clear Communication with All Stakeholders
Chapter 7 – Systems for Ongoing Readiness and Capacity Building
Chapter 9 – Applying Your Plan to Various Scenarios

Conclusion: Prepared and Empowered to Defend
Appendix: Conflict Mediation and Team Building Resources
About the Authors
Index