Professional Development Activity: Webinar – Three ways librarians can combat censorship
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) defines censorship as deliberately limiting the availability or access to information or ideas and suppressing facts, opinions, beliefs, or other ideas that are inconvenient, objectionable, or challenging (2019, p.1). During Banned Book Week in 2019 a webinar titled Three ways librarians can combat censorship, was hosted by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, Index on Censorship magazine and SAGE Publishing.
Courtney Kincaid spoke of her experience as a Director of a public library in Texas, enduring months of harassment from members of the community, politicians and religious institutions who opposed the inclusion of two items in the library collection which had LGBTQI themes. Adriene Lim, Dean of Libraries at the University of Maryland, spoke about opposition from library users to historical artworks. Molly Dettman is a school librarian and addressed the issue of self-censorship.
These speakers offered great insight into the issue of censorship in libraries and inspired further reflection on my own professional practice. All three spoke of the importance of policy. The Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) Free access to information statement directly addresses censorship, stating libraries should have inclusive collections “irrespective of the controversial nature of the information or ideas” and should not “suppress particular beliefs or ideas” (2018, p. 2). The State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) also offers guidelines for public libraries to combat censorship, asserting that libraries should not restrict their collections based on “moral, political, racial, religious, sexist, language, or other grounds” (2019, p. 1). Individual libraries have collection development policies which should address the issue of censorship, referring to state and national guidelines. In the event of public dissent, such as in Texas, it is important for library staff to have access to policies that support their decisions.
Adriene Lim’s experience also provided points to reflect on. The murals were seen to be offensive and celebrating a racist history. While agreeing the murals were offensive, Lim disagreed with their removal based on her beliefs around censorship, that it is ultimately those with less power who are greater affected by censorship. If we start to censor what one group finds offensive will this give other groups licence to request censorship? It is a slippery slope and one which can be avoided by adhering to policy.
Recently, there has been discussions around the halt in publication of six titles by Dr. Seuss and whether libraries should remove these books from their collections (Pratt, 2021). My views around this topic have changed since viewing this webinar. I agree with Lim’s beliefs that we should not censor our collections, particularly when an item reflects the time in which it was created. I held the belief that offensive items should be removed, especially from children’s areas, however I have come to realise that in doing so I would be participating in censorship when ultimately what children have access to, in a public library, is the responsibility of their parents or guardians (SLNSW, 2019, p. 2).
Censorship is a controversial topic that can generate “powerful emotions” (Duthie, 2010, p. 86). Viewing this webinar has led to a deeper understanding of issues around censorship. I have learned the importance of knowing the policies that protect libraries and gained insight into issues librarians may face concerning censorship from hearing the experiences of other industry professionals.
References
Australian Library and Information Association. (2018). Free access to information statement. https://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-free-access-information
Duthie, F. (2010). Libraries and the ethics of censorship. The Australian Library Journal, 59(3), 85-94. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2010.10735994
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2019, August). IFLA Statement on Censorship. https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/92391
Pratt, M. (2021, March 3). 6 Dr. Seuss books won’t be published for racist images. The Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/dr-seuss-books-racist-images-d8ed18335c03319d72f443594c174513
SAGE Publishing. (2019, September 24). Three ways librarians can combat censorship. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSxDIAuOCdI
State Library of New South Wales (2019). Access to information in NSW Public Libraries: Library Council guideline. https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/accesstoinformation2007.pdf