Challenged Materials in Colorado Public Libraries, 2002

Each year the Library Research Service administers the Colorado Public Library Annual Survey, collecting data on various aspects of Colorado’s public libraries. Among the information collected is data on formal challenges to materials received by public libraries. In 2002, 16 Colorado public libraries reported a total of 70 challenges to books, materials, events or exhibits. This is up from the 51 challenges reported in 2001, but slightly below the 74 reported in 2000. It’s near the average of the previous four years (see chart 1 in full report). In addition to the 70 formal challenges to physical materials and events that were reported, public libraries in Colorado reported 29 challenges to Internet access or content. Prior to 2002, Internet content challenges were not separated from materials challenges.

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