6 Steps to Help Deal with Curation Protests

An increasing number of stores have been dealing with abuse or harassment because they do or do not carry certain books. The issue is not contained to any one issue or position, and regardless of the nature or intent of the protest, it threatens to erode not just an individual store’s freedom of expression, but the rights of all stores to curate as they see fit. Yet holding the line can also cause your store, your team, and your community to be targeted with pressure campaigns and even threats. And in some cases, we’ve seen “protests” used as excuses to target staff with identity-based attacks, doxing, and vandalism.

Here are some steps to take when — or better yet, before — it happens to your store.

1. Train your store’s staff in best practices for dealing with curation challenges before they happen. Here are some best practices with traps to watch out for and what to do about them. You should also check out our resources on de-escalating intense situations in your store.
2. Develop a free expression statement that fits your store’s identity and approach to curation. We have some examples for you to use, including a few different approaches.
3. Remember the “Right to Read Toolkit,” which has resources that apply to all kinds of curation challenges. In particular, check out:
   1. Carolyn Godavitarne on Event Safety (p. 26)
   2. “Deal with Online Harassment” (p. 27)
   3. “Deal with ‘Book Challenges’ in Your Store” (p. 18)
   4. Interview with Chelsia Rice (p. 24)
   5. Interview with Christina Pascucci Ciampa (p. 31)
4. Review these tips for dealing with online harassment and keep them in your store’s files or backroom. They can help you navigate harassment via social media or email. The document also includes tips for phone harassment.
5. For concerns about events, check out these suggestions, which were developed for drag storytime events but also have useful tips for other occasions.
6. If it happens to you, email [email protected]! Every situation is different and we can offer advice based on what exactly you’re experiencing.