[aisle] Teacher complaint (and removal behind my back) about a book in my library

[Holtz, Alan C. (BMS)]

Good morning Laurie,

Isn’t taking something from someone else without permission called theft?

Sadly, this is not an unusual situation. About 20 years ago, I was a rookie librarian in Plainfield at Plainfield High School (now it is called Plainfield Central). I had the exact same scenario, except my book thief was the assistant principal. Eve took Cormier’s Fade right off the shelf and never checked it out. Ironically, it was on the day Cormier died that I noticed the library book sitting in her office during my first evaluation. It was clearly a book from the school’s library. From what I learned about her in the first 3 months that I was working there, was she was not a reader. When I checked the records for checking out the book, I noticed it should still be on the shelf. When I looked at the shelf it wasn’t. I simply checked the copy out to her. About a month or so later, she came in and told the aide in the library to delete the check out from her record. Apparently she received an overdue notice. 😊

My point is make sure you are protected. Are you tenured? I wasn’t. Eve made it clear to me that I was not tenured and just bought a house. Yes, she raised the stakes that quickly.

What I learned was, if you are not tenured, make sure a tenured librarian in your district “notices” this issue and takes the lead. We take turns in my district when an issue comes up. For example. I stood up when we had a major copyright blunder by an administrator a decade ago. Even though, I contacted the Office of Copyright at the LOC and cited that the book was clearly not in the public domain, she still insisted she was right because the book was posted on a website that claimed you could copy the book. When the super backed me (it didn’t hurt that his son was one of my student aides), she was… well, less than friendly for a few years. Then when there was another copyright issue came up a few years later, a different librarian tackled that issue. When she left for another district and I was able to step up again. (Yes, we had to be copyright police 3 times within the same decade) In my current district, I have a wonderful team of librarians to work together that protect each other. I hope you have a team to rely on.

Good luck,
Alan Holtz, a librarian who is happily serving the students of Brooks Middle School

From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> On Behalf Of Christine Wilson via AISLE
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2022 8:31 AM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info>
Cc: Christine Wilson <wilson.christine at d46.org>
Subject: Re: [aisle] Teacher complaint (and removal behind my back) about a book in my library


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Oh how infuriating!!The teacher could have at least had the decency to let you know why she took the book, or better yet, have a face to face conversation with you!

I agree with the others that you should review your collection development and book challenge policies (I'm guessing most of us don't even have a place in our challenge process for teacher challenges!!). Be strong, and know you are right, regardless of what happens.

Your email made me think about this article about an author visit:
https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/please-dont-talk-about-your-book-by-barbara-dee/<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnerdybookclub.wordpress.com%2F2017%2F03%2F23%2Fplease-dont-talk-about-your-book-by-barbara-dee%2F&data=04%7C01%7Choltzac%40vvsd.org%7Ce0bf491ce1144bb2af0308da08e39f46%7C7ea87b39ebd14a7cafc33023584d229b%7C1%7C0%7C637832070993825558%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=8nMlupNoFeRdI0zGWWazvLNhbE0u5r3dEP0uPILPEqk%3D&reserved=0>


On Fri, Mar 18, 2022 at 7:56 AM Whitlock, Robyn via AISLE <aisle at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle at list.railslibraries.info>> wrote:
Good morning, Laurie,

I SO GET your frustration!! I think it’s important to look at your district policy for collection development AND challenged books before talking to your principle. If a book is being challenged, does it stay on the shelf or get removed from the shelf? Does the collection development policy support diversity and inclusion?

You want to show that it’s an age appropriate resource that supports the district initiatives.

There is plenty to offend everyone on the shelves, which is why students get to choose what to check out. It’s one thing for a parent to ask that THEIR child not be allowed to check out a certain book, but that same parent doesn’t get to make that choice for OTHER parents and their children. (Literally, the SAME rights they are asking for!)

I get worked up, too. Clearly. 😊

Good luck!!

Robyn Whitlock | LMC Director | Waubonsie Valley High School
630.375.2537
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From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info>> On Behalf Of Laurie H via AISLE
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2022 6:44 PM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info<mailto:aisle at list.railslibraries.info>>
Cc: Laurie H <lauriehed at gmail.com<mailto:lauriehed at gmail.com>>
Subject: [aisle] Teacher complaint (and removal behind my back) about a book in my library

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Hello all,

I am trying to remain calm.

I put a new book on display on Tuesday, Fred Gets Dressed - Ages 3-6.  Yesterday, while I was not in that building, a teacher came and took the book (didn't check it out) and went to my principal.  Said teacher doesn't want it in my collection because she wouldn't want to talk to her own son about it nor would she want to have to answer to parents.

I am beyond upset.  Beyond.  But I will have a clear head when I speak with my principal who is quite open minded but also has respect for said teacher.  I found this out late today so I have not had a chance to discuss with anyone at work.  Can someone talk me off of the ledge?

Laurie


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