Alachua County schools cope with new DeSantis-backed library book law

Alachua County schools are working to update their library book database and train media specialists on appropriate books — all thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.

The new law, HB1467, requires all Florida schools to catalog every book on their shelves and implement a formal complaint process for books.

This year school librarians and media specialists also had to complete a training process regarding the new guidelines. The rule seeks “curriculum transparency” and contains guidelines for acceptable books in schools including no pornographic material and age and grade-appropriate books.

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But unlike most other Florida districts, the Alachua County Public School district has had a catalog of its library books for years, ACPS spokesperson Jackie Johnson said. The district had also already established a complaint process for concerned parents or citizens who wish for books or instructional material to be reviewed.

“We haven't had any such requests,” Johnson said. “But we've had that process in place for years.”

Still, the district’s existing database has caused some issues.

In February parents expressed their concern about a couple of books in the database they claimed contained pornographic material. The school board had to explain that the books had been discontinued in 2019, but hadn’t been removed from the database. ACPS is working to update the database so it only contains books available to students, and will remove books if they haven’t been checked out in five years, Johnson said.

In addition to the update, the new law includes classroom books and instructional materials as part of the media centers’ library. As such, school officials are developing guidelines for teachers to ensure their classroom books meet state guidelines. All district media specialists have also completed a training course now required by the state, Johnson said.

Although the updates require some additional work for media specialists, Johnson said the district is well-equipped to make any necessary changes. And, while the law offers guidelines for approved books, the district has not had to remove any books from its shelves to comply with the new law.

“At this point, we haven't seen anything that requires us to remove any books from our media centers,” Johnson said.

While the district is working to comply with the state, Johnson said it has not had to issue a list of unapproved books or anything similar.

“Our goal continues to be to support the educational programs at the schools and provide a rich reading environment for students while still meeting state guidelines,” she said. “That is what we are doing to the best of our ability, and we'll continue to do that.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: DeSantis-backed law switches book rules for Alachua County schools