Governance and Intellectual Freedom: Exercising Legal Authority in Material Challenges

Since 2021, material challenges have been a major issue in US libraries. Governance is one way to understand material challenges, as they involve complex decision-making processes to resolve public issues regarding libraries’ collections. This case study analyzes how actors with legal authority in public library governance exercise their authority regarding material challenges and related issues. The result highlights the nested structure of legal authority and the boundary navigation among actors, such as library board members, library directors, and local legislatures. I discuss tensions in public library governance related to the professional ethics of intellectual freedom based on agency theory. This article concludes by suggesting a new mode of library governance and needs for public library board training to resolve conflicts.