Author : Jessica
L. Cooper
Journal : Community & Junior College Libraries
Volume : 16
Pages : 218 –
224
Year : 2010
DOI : 10.1080/02763915.2010.521016
Introduction
This
article by Jessica L. Cooper discusses briefly the topics of intellectual
freedom and censorship and the challenges faced by school libraries to fulfil
these expectations in larger community libraries. This article offers solutions
on how to continue on how to continue upholding intellectual freedom and
supress efforts towards censorship while serving the needs of their users.
Intellectual
Freedom
Intellectual
freedom is defined, as all individuals should have access to all formats of
information without restrictions based on the content. In the Untied States
intellectual freedom is protected by the first amendment. Here in Australia
library professionals protect intellectual freedom by allowing the free flow of
ideas and information as a commitment to intellectual freedom (Australian Library and Information
Association, 2011).
Censorship
Can
be defined as having something withheld from you or a library professional has
restricted access to parts of books, films, letters etc on the grounds the
content is deemed obscene or a risk to security etc. censorship may also
involve actions where free access to information has been significantly
restricted (Moody,
2004).
Challenge
for Libraries
A
constant advocate for intellectual freedom has been the library as they are
houses of information allowing access to information no matter what format or
content items contain. Libraries assist their users to develop information access
skills, which is the ability to locate, evaluate and use information.
This
paper suggests that school librarians are caught between trying to understand
the concerns of parents and other groups while trying to up hold the
intellectual freedom of students.
Suggested
Guidelines
·
As a
guideline school librarians should consider the suitability of materials in
their collections on age appropriateness rather than other agendas.
·
School
librarians should seek to build collections that represent all types of people
and views.
·
Develop
policies that guard against censorship.
·
Work
with parents and educate them on the benefits of intellectual freedom rather
than censorship.
·
Be
cautious against self-censorship, school librarians should look beyond any
fears they have and realise that school children are like any other library
user, they have the right to access information and make their own decisions.
This statement is probably true for older school students who have independent
thoughts of their own.
·
Parents
of younger children will most likely continue to censor their reading material,
but it is hoped with education they will not interfere with the intellectual
freedom of others.
·
Libraries
should teach school children how to access information; while this will not
prevent censorship it will equip them to make the right decisions when
selecting materials.
Reflection
While censorship may stay with us it is
hoped as librarians and librarians of the future we can advocate that freedom
of access to information in any format is the right approach to take rather
than excluding information on the bases that it may offend someone or be deemed
not suitable for users and the fear of been challenged. If we continue to
educate the public they will at least have knowledge of why and how material is
selected before proceeding to challenge library material.
References
Australian Library and
Information Association. (2011). professional conduct. http://www.alia.org.au/policies/professional.conduct.html
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