This podcast is focused on content within Module 4: Literature in the Collection and in particular, censorship issues.
Recorded 15 August 2023
Download the transcript in PDF format here.
Our guest
Our guest for this episode is Suzanne Livett.
Suzanne Livett is Head of Library Services at Somerville House, in Brisbane, and was previously a TL in Darwin. She recently presented at the Australian School Library Association Conference about the implications the current book challenges have on Teacher Librarians. She is passionate about inclusivity and rigorous collection development.
Podcast highlights
Suzanne’s current working context. At 2.10 Suzanne introduces her role and tells us about the library at Somerville House.
Suzanne’s Teacher Librarianship story. Suzanne explains what drew her to TLship at 3.02.
Censorship in the school library context. At 4.22 Suzanne highlights the different angles from which censorship can happen, and the need to be aware of self-censorship.
Book challenges. At 5.44 Suzanne relates her own experiences with book challenges.
Strategies to deal with censorship and challenges. Suzanne shares advice and strategies for responding to these issues at 7.36.
Dealing with book challenges from different groups. Strategies to respond to challenges coming from staff, parents or the external community are discussed at 9.35.
Advice for new TLs. At 14.39 Suzanne gives advice about how to begin building a diverse collection without falling into the trap of self censorship to avoid potential challenges.
Further resources:
An interesting idea: Create a book resume to help respond to a book challenge; from the School Library Journal.