Description
This post is about censorship in libraries and the librarian’s role in partaking or preventing it. This is explored through analyse of Libraries, censors and self-censorship by Cora Moelledick a peer-reviewed journal article. The article begins by providing background with the history of censorship in public libraries in America, before going on to explain librarian role in censorship throughout history and how that changes to adapt with the times and public opinions. Moelledick showcases the views and reasoning of those affected by censorship on both sides, this includes authors, journalist, publishers, librarians and pro-organisations. Summarising that censorship is driven by fear and in the end, everyone is doing what they believe to be right to protect the children and the libraries.
What did you learn?
While reading this article, I was surprised to learn how much the fear of public opinion dictated a library, its collection and what role a librarian played in censorship. In the 18th to early 20th century when reading was considered frivolous and public libraries a waste of resources, librarians were leaders in censorships removing any books they fear harmful to young minds (Moelledick, 2009, p. 69). After WWI public views on the freedom of speech and censorship changed with librarians taking on the role of protecting the people’s right to information, with documents like the Library Bill of Rights supporting them (Moelledick, 2009, pp. 69-70). Though librarians should still be in the role of protecting against censorship, due to fear from the public made easier through social media and the internet there has been a rise in self-censorship (Moelledick, 2009, p. 72). Self-censorship is defined by “libraries and librarians attempting to avoid censorship battles with the general public or with organisations wishing to control what reading materials are available (O’Donnell, n.d.)
How was the activity relevant to your professional practice working with children and/or young adults?
Censorship has always been a major issue in public libraries and is mostly targeted at children and youth. Censorship in libraries is closely linked to intellectual freedoms attacks from parents or concerned citizens (American Library Association, 2017). They believe that they are protecting children; however, ALA believes in ensuring censorship does not occur is protecting children and their rights (American Library Association, 2017). Self-censorship is most common in school libraries and is difficult to fight because it can be an unconscious bias and be invisible in nature (O’Donnell, n.d.). It is crucial that a librarian is always aware of self-censorship and not to influence by fear of public opinion. ALA offers self-censorship guidelines and checklist that can be used when making material selections to help limit unconscious censorships (American Library Association, 2017). Librarians were once head censors, with the support of organisations like ALA and freedom document, they then became leaders in protecting against censorship, now with boards, organisations and social media librarian are slipping back into censorship roles (Moelledick, 2009, p. 73). Librarians must continually stay self-aware so to not show bias, but also support each other and be aware that their organisation like ALA provide guidance and support.
What gaps in your knowledge were revealed and how might you fill those gaps?
Before reading the article, I was not aware that self-censorship existed and how proficient it is today. Self-censorship can include allocating books meant for younger readers to the adult’s section, showing bias or placing a book out of direct view of the public e.g. behind the desk (O’Donnell, n.d.) American Library Association also considered labelling as a type of censorship (Antell & Strothmann, 2012, p. 90). It can also be difficult to tell what self-censorship is and what is simply selection, I did find that there were areas were lines became blurred especially because the librarians themselves might be unconsciously censoring materials. Through further investigation I built a more clear understanding of self-censorship and being aware that it is there is part of the battle, I hope by being aware and having access to documents to assist me that I do not partake in self-censorship.
Reference
American Library Association. (2017). First amendment and censorship. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship
Antell, K. & Stothmann, M. (2012). Does labelling children’s book constitute censorship.
Reference & User Quarterly, 52(2), 90-92. doi: 10.5860/rusq.52n2.90
Moellendick, C. M. (2009). Libraries, censors and self-censorship. PNLA Quarterly, 73(4),
68-76. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=43256203&site=ehost-live
O’Donnell, S. (n.d.). Self-censorship. Retrieved from
http://selfcensorshipandlibraryhistory.weebly.com/self-censorship.html