These anti-access groups focus on school library databases because they claim that these educational resources contain “harmful materials” such as pornography, obscenity, or content about sex and sexuality. The attacks have escalated from attempts to censor or shut off access to content in local school districts to lawsuits against statewide library consortia to proposing and enacting regressive legislation that over-regulates or curtails access for students and their families.
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During the 2021-2022 legislative season, six bills and one resolution were filed in state legislatures around the country that were intended to limit access to school library databases and other educational materials and resources. Some bills refer to “digital and online library databases,” and others refer to “digital and online library resources.” But in every case, there appears to be an assumption or allegation that school library databases contain content that is harmful to minors and that this content is easily found.
This comprehensive policy report includes a discussion of the history of attacks on state library database contracts, the characteristics of this type of anti-access legislation, a thorough argument against this type of legislation, and policy points to inform testimony and media relations. The authors recommend to state libraries and state associations proactive legislation that supports or extends access to educational databases, including definitions for possible legislation.
You can download a free copy of "Weathering the Attacks on State Library Database Contracts: A Review of Anti-Access Legislation Targeting School Library Databases During the 2021-2022 Legislative Session" by Megan Blair, Peter Bromberg, and John Chrastka (October 2022) by clicking here. If you would like to sign up to receive news affecting state school library database legislation, please use the form on this page to be included in future updates.
About the Authors
Megan Blair
Megan Blair is EveryLibrary's Policy and Advocacy Strategist and is an MPA candidate at New York University. Prior to entering graduate school, she spent five years as a legislative aide at the Massachusetts State House.
Peter Bromberg
Peter Bromberg is the Associate Director of EveryLibrary and is the former Director of the Salt Lake City Public Library. His professional activities have included serving as Chair and Co-Chair of the Utah Library Association’s Advocacy Committee, Chair of ALA’s Emerging Leaders program, and Chair of the New Jersey Library Association’s Professional Development Committee.
John Chrastka
A long-time library trustee, supporter, and advocate, John Chrastka is EveryLibrary's Executive Director and is co-author of “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding” and “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding”.