Report from EveryLibrary Institute survey published in Public Library Quarterly

Two members of the EveryLibrary Institute team, John Chrastka and Martha McGehee, have recently published an article titled “Parent Perceptions of Book Bans, Materials Selection, and Reading in School Libraries and Public Libraries” in Public Library Quarterly.

This report details the findings of a survey series conducted to understand better parent and guardian views of public and school libraries and the library profession. The survey was conducted by EveryLibrary Institute and Book Riot of 3,206 parents and guardians of children under eighteen about their perceptions of library book content and the professional trust placed in public and school librarians to curate library collections and library spaces.

These results have important implications for policymakers, educators, librarians, and the public. The report offers data to support librarians’ professional expertise and help them gauge their level of support from parents. It can also guide policymakers and educators in making decisions that reflect the actual views of parents rather than those of special interest groups. Sharing the results contributes to a more informed discussion among the general public about the role of libraries and the nature of censorship.

You can find their article in Public Library Quarterly at this link.