Beyond Book Bans

Abstract

The ALA reported a total of 4, 240 unique titles challenged in the year 2023. This is a significant increase from the previous year and exponential from years prior. The aim of this paper is to address how book challenges, restrictions, and bans impact public library funding, patrons, and staff. Previous research does not encompass current data, some of which changes every week. This paper utilizes theoretical and background research conducted by scholars in the field of library sciences as well as incorporating journalistic news sources and reports from the American Library Association (ALA) and other library interest groups in order to address the question. The results show that book bans in public libraries have the potential to impact funding, that patrons are left without information and are excluded by book bans, and that library staff is demoralized by book bans. Further studies can gather specific data based on the cases described within as well as increase the scope of information in terms of the impact on patrons and staff. This research serves to demonstrate the impacts book bans have on public libraries not only on the surface but also as an institution.