Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. ISSN 0035-791X

Genre:

Music/Politics/Current Events

Magazine Summary:

Rolling Stone exists to not only review music and interview artists, but has become known for in depth interviews with political figures as well. The magazine covers all kinds of current event issues including presidential races, wartime coverage, and political interviews as well as profiles of the most famous musicians of the past 50 years.

Critical Evaluation:

This magazine has been beloved by teenagers since it's inception and has been a guiding influence in the careers of musicians and politicians alike.It gives teenagers in depth news that they (until the age of the internet) could not have gotten most anywhere else. It speaks to teenagers in a language they can understand about issues they might not.

Information about the publisher:

From his website:

In 1967, a 20-year-old Jann S. Wenner dropped out of the University of California Berkeley to start a quirky rock-music-oriented biweekly called Rolling Stone—and changed American culture. Treating the interests of America’s increasingly vocal youth with seriousness unknown before, Rolling Stone spoke to—and for—an entire generation. Throughout its illustrious history, Wenner’s commitment to quality journalism has kept Rolling Stone fresh and dynamic—the magazine’s success has proved a new readership is always ready to respond to definitive music coverage, provocative interviews, award-winning photography and important investigative and political reporting. The magazine has won 14 National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, Design, Photography, Visual Excellence, Specialized Journalism, Feature Writing, and Reporting. Today, Rolling Stone continues to reign at the forefront of American journalism, and with 12 million readers it serves as the ultimate source for music information and popular-culture trends.

Curriculum Ties:

Politics/Current events

Challenge Issues:
Language

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Intended Audience:

Ages 15+

Why is the material included?:

This magazine has been around since the late 1960s and has given teenagers access to information about their favorite artists and political figures since. I used to wait so impatiently every month for my issue to arrive.

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