Strike Up the Banned

Media Specialists and Librarians: Considering that librarians regularly safeguard liberty and intellectual freedom (just take a look at the Library Bill of Rights, for example), you might want to be especially watchful this week. Yep, you guessed it. It's Banned Books Week.


Essential questions related to this topic:

• Are there any times when ideas should be censored?
• What is the best argument for/against censorship?
• What's the best way to safeguard intellectual freedom while simultaneously protecting children?
• Does the availability of technology enhance or erode intellectual freedom?
• Who is the best judge of what ideas ae helpful/harmful to society and/or individuals.
• What's more destructive in the long run: banning books or allowing anyone to read/access any kind of information?
• What are the most disturbing unintended consequences of censorship and/or unrestricted access to information?
  

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