When the Censor Comes

Developed primarily for teachers, librarians, booksellers and others who disseminate the printed word, this guide offers basic information about dealing with would-be censors.

Researched and written by Sandra Bernstein for the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council.

© Copyright Notice

---

Table of Contents

Foreword by June Callwood

Introduction
   Definitions
   How to Spot a Would-Be Censor

Heading Them Off at the Pass
   Policies and Procedures

When the Censor Comes
   Canada Customs Detentions and Seizures
   Police Raids/Obscenity Charges

---

Appendices

A. CLA Statement on Intellectual Freedom

B. Sample Wording for Material Selection Policies

C. Sample Reconsideration Form

D. Sample Written Objection Policy

E. Sample Bookstore Complaint Procedure

F. Report the Incident to the BPC

G. Who Ya Gonna Call?

H. Other Resources

---

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Charles Campbell, James Dana, Richard Elliott, Nancy Fleming, David Jones, Chris Magwood and editor Dennis Mills.

This publication was made possible through the contribution of speaker's fees by Christie Hefner.

---

Copyright Notice

© 1996 Book and Periodical Council

Restricted permission to reproduce
The Book and Periodical Council is the copyright owner of When the Censor Comes. Because of its interest in making this guide widely available, the Book and Periodical Council hereby grants permission, without formal request, for the guide – except for Appendices A through E, inclusive – to be reproduced in print on its own or as part of some other publication, provided that a credit line is included indicating that the sole copyright owner is the Book and Periodical Council.

The following wording is suggested:
When the Censor Comes is protected by copyright and is reproduced with the permission of the Book and Periodical Council, which owns the copyright.

Links from other sites are welcome, but please seek permission by e-mail at info@bookandperiodicalcouncil.ca before mirroring the document on the Internet.