Re: Censorship/"Selection"

Celeste Smith (bmlstaff@mail1.nai.net)
Wed, 5 Nov 1997 15:27:58 -0500 

Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 15:27:58 -0500
Message-Id: <3460D6BD.654E2310@ct1.nai.net>
From: Celeste Smith <bmlstaff@mail1.nai.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: Re: Censorship/"Selection"

Hello all!
Well, I really thought when I joined Conntech last month that I would lurk for
at least six months before getting involved.  However, Carolyn brings up an
interesting point.  I guess I believe that I honestly try not to censor when
selecting materials for the library.  However, define censorship.  It is hard
for one's views and opinions not to come across in selection and I am not just
talking about touchy subjects either.  Many  of us are not purchasing a lot of
romance books or science fiction books because we don't read them.  It may be
subconscious but it's there.

Food for thought...hmmm.

Celeste F. Smith
Library Director
Beardsley & Memorial Library
Winsted, CT

Boulay, Carolyn wrote:

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> Hi All,
>
> Has anyone read Will Manley's October column "Are We Free to Talk
> Honestly About Intellectual Freedom?"
>
> I found it quite provocative. In light of Joe's previous question
> regarding Internet Filters, which very few people responded to (for
> fear of being labeled a censor?), and Amy's article in the Connecticut
> Libraries newsletter I thought I'd ask,
>
>   Do you think that many librarians actually do censor by means of
> selection because they don't want to have to articulate/defend their
> unpopular(?) view which is contrary to seemingly profession-wide
> acceptance of the stance "give everyone unfettered access to
> everything"?
>
> I looked up on the web version of ReQuest, and only 4 libraries seem
> to have Madonna's book, Sex.
>
> Is this an example that more people give lip service to the idea of
> intellectual freedom than actually believe and practice it?
>
> Carolyn Boulay
> Ryan-Matura Library
> Sacred Heart University
> BoulayC@sacredheart.edu
>
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