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Kerfuffle with the Bangor Assessment Program |
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See related article in School Library Journal (Dec. 2000) http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/articles/news/20001121_9249.asp The Bangor Assessment Program tests students through "cold" readings of selected books (lists below). Teachers and librarians in schools and public libraries in Bangor, ME were asked not to read the books to children, not to include the books as part of units of study, and to pull books from library shelves. [Editor's note: There are creative ways that library media specialists could work with their administrators before removing books from everyone's use. These web pages could include such solutions, send me your ideas - Gail Garthwait: Web Manager] Contrary to what was reported previously, Barbara McDade (Bangor Public Library Director) and Anne Mundy (Bangor Public Library - Children's Librarian) say that they were not asked to remove any books from their shelves for any reason last year (as per phone calls 10/30/00 & 11/6/00). The Portland, ME school system began piloting the Bangor Assessment program last spring. When elementary schools in Portland were asked to ban the books, librarians successfully referred to the district selection policy citing intellectual freedom and copyright issues. However, the pilot program has not been accepted or rejected at this time. Please be aware that the LM_NET archives indicate further controversy in other states. This program challenges intellectual freedom by censoring books. Although the censorship may be based on the meritorious quality of the challenged material, it still seeks to restrict free and equal access to the material. It is unclear whether authors and /or publishers have given permission for their books to be included in this program or if permission has even been requested. The MASL (Maine Association of School Librarians) board is seeking support from the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom, and alerting members to the challenges arising from this program. Anyone wishing to be involved or to supply further information for MASL, please contact a board member or Gretchen Asam, the Intellectual Freedom interim MASL representative: asamg@mail.sad1.k12.me.us List One
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