Q: What is the difference between a challenge or banning?
A: A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.
For more questions and answers like this, visit the American Library Association FAQ (click here).
Q: What is the Library Bill of Rights?
A: As you have read about book censorship and bans, you have likely come across mentions of the Library Bill of Rights. The ALA Library Bill of Rights has seven points that, "affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services." You can view the Library Bill of Rights by clicking here.
Book Riot Article: A Censorship Language Primer
By Kelly Jenson, June 20, 2023
"It has been years since talking about the meanings behind words used to discuss book bans and censorship. Although we might all think we’re using the words the same way, in many cases, the nuance and gravity of language can be lost when the wrong word is used...."