Censorship

Sub-headings:

Banned Books

Information about books that are frequently removed, or have frequently been removed, from schools and public libraries.

Resources in this category:

Beacon for Freedom of Expression
http://www.beaconforfreedom.org/

This Norweigan web site offers two searchable databases: "Censored books and publications and illegal publications" and "Publications on censorship and freedom of expression." Both databases can be searched by criteria including author, title, year of publication, and type of censorship.

A Brief History of Banned Music in the United States by Eric Nuzum
http://ericnuzum.com/banned/

Chronicles "popular music that has been censored, banned, suppressed, or altered against the wishes of its creators and intended audience." Includes a list of incidents in music censorship arranged by decade, links to other resources and articles, and information about Nuzum's book "Parental Advisory."

Censored: Wielding the Red Pen
http://www.lib.virginia.edu/small/exhibits/censored/index.ht...

This online exhibit, curated by the University of Virginia Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, features many pages dedicated to a variety of censorship topics: Banned adult and children's literature, movies, music, art and film are discussed, along with minority authors, internet filtering, and other issues. A bibliography and comments page are also provided.

Chilling Effects Clearinghouse
http://www.chillingeffects.org/

Learn about the ways in which the First Amendment applies to online activities at this site sponsored by the Electronic Frontiers Foundation and a number of universities. Includes a searchable database of Cease and Desist notices issued to Internet users.

Coping with Challenges: Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/coping_inf.cfm

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom produces this site, which offers concrete advice for libraries dealing with challenges to their materials. The site provides tips for communicating effectively and dealing with the media as well as several sample questions and answers.

The File Room Censorship Archive
http://www.thefileroom.org/

Originally begun by an artist, this site is now maintained by the National Coalition Against Censorship and covers censorship, suppression of information, libraries, public repositories of information, and more.

First Amendment Center
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/

A forum for discussion and information about First Amendment issues including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and the rights to assemble and to petition the government.

Freedom to Read -- Censorship in Canada: Challenged Books and Magazines
http://freedomtoread.ca/

Contains information about banned books and censorship in Canada. Provides information about Freedom to Read Week in Canada. Also contains links to Freedom to Read artwork and posters, censorship news, and a list of books and magazines banned in Canada over the past few decades.

Internet Censorship: Law & Policy Around the World
http://www.efa.org.au/Issues/Censor/cens3.html

This report by Electronic Frontiers Australia provides an excellent introduction to the laws and policies behind internet censorship around the world. It also includes a timeline of key developments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. since 1996. Last updated in 2002.

Judy Blume Talks About Censorship
http://www.judyblume.com/censors.html

As part of her main Web site, author Judy Blume talks about censorship, how it felt when she was accused of being a communist for writing "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret," and the real reasons that people ban books. Also includes links to two other articles Blume wrote about censorship/banned books.

kidSPEAK! Where Kids Speak Up for Free Speech
http://www.kidspeakonline.org/

Created "in response to the outrage expressed by kids over the efforts to censor Harry Potter books," kidSPEAK! contains news, a place to state your own opinions, a quiz that tests your "Censorship IQ," and suggestions about what kids can do about censorship and banned books.

Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/oif.cfm

"The Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries."