Strategies+or+Tactics+to+Combat+Censorship

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(Bell, 2007; Wolf, 2008)
 * __Ways to address Internet Censorship:__** (see below for additional general strategies to promote intellectual freedom):
 * Become familiar with state education standards, which may include students learning responsible use of the Internet
 * Identify specific ways in which locally-created filter policies create problems, and advocate for more reasonable solutions
 * Ensure that collection/selection policies incorporate online content, and also acknowledge changing formats
 * Consider ways to modify plans of access for students whose parents are concerned about Internet use
 * Build relationships with decision makers, including administrators and technology staff
 * Join the technology committee to help shape policies
 * Become the person in the organization who has the ability to unblock website filters

**__Strategies/Tactics to Promote Intellectual Freedom:__**
The ALA website contains a webpage that offers [|Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials], which includes communications tips in dealing with people who initiate challenges as well as the media. It also includes ways in which librarians, administrators, and board members at both public and school libraries can be proactive in advance of a controversy.

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst: As mentioned in the ALA's site with Strategies and Tips, having a clear policy available for those who do want to challenge a particular item is incredibly useful. Having to fumble around and create a policy on the fly can create the impression that the library is unable to perform routine duties and allow the challenger to feel the library is not taking their concerns seriously.
 * __Have a Policy in Place__**

Click [|here] to see the University of North Carolina's School of the Arts guide to challenging materials at the Seman's Library.