Open Up About a Quiet Practice: Self-Censorship in Collection Development
October 9, 2025 @ 1:00 – 2:15 PM
Hosted by IFLS Library System.
Join librarians from around the IFLS region for an honest look at an important issue in librarianship from the perspective of your colleagues on the ground. We’ll tackle:
- A brief historical perspective on collection development and self-censorship through the ages
- The psychological and emotional implications, complications, and causes of self-censorship, including dealing with anxiety and fear
- Working through personal bias when selecting materials you may not agree with
- Handling interpersonal conflict and communication about the topic with coworkers, library board, and the larger community
- Guidelines and policies to help ensure a collection that reflects the needs of the whole community
Provides 1.25 contact hours for public library director certification. This session will be recorded and captioned and available on the IFLS website.
Presenters:
Laura Turpin, Youth Services Librarian, St. Croix Falls Public Library
Rebecca Puhl, Director, Phillips Public Library
Monica LaVold, Director, C.A. Friday Memorial Library in New Richmond
Jennifer Cook, Library Services Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College