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Social Responsibility, Librarianship, And The Ala: The 2015 Banned Books Week Poster Controversy, Emily J. M. Knox, Shannon M. Oltmann
Social Responsibility, Librarianship, And The Ala: The 2015 Banned Books Week Poster Controversy, Emily J. M. Knox, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
This article explores the recent controversy over the American Library Association’s poster for Banned Books Week. In particular, this article connects the 2015 controversy to broader historical issues and tensions within American librarianship concerning social responsibilities. The researchers used a qualitative approach, conducting telephone interviews with 26 individuals. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed deductively. The interviews revealed deep continuing tensions regarding American librarianship’s relationship to responsibilities. First, there is some dissatisfaction with the American Library Association and its Office for Intellectual Freedom. Second, there are competing conceptualizations of censorship and how to apply these differing meanings while remaining …
“For All The People”: Public Library Directors Interpret Intellectual Freedom, Shannon M. Oltmann
“For All The People”: Public Library Directors Interpret Intellectual Freedom, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
Intellectual freedom is frequently seen as a core value of librarianship, especially by the American Library Association, which has issued extensive guidance to libraries about implementing intellectual freedom. Some scholars criticize these documents, arguing that they are unrealistic and do not offer meaningful support to libraries. While scholars question the value of ALA policies, it is unclear whether practicing librarians have similar concerns about the Library Bill of Rights (LBR) and related guidelines. This article describes a study of public libraries and their interpretation of the LBR in their daily practice. To investigate the role played by ALA documents, 15 …
Intellectual Freedom And Freedom Of Speech: Three Theoretical Perspectives, Shannon M. Oltmann
Intellectual Freedom And Freedom Of Speech: Three Theoretical Perspectives, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
Freedom of speech encompasses not only a right to express oneself but also a right to access information. This right is particularly pertinent to libraries, whose mission is often focused on enabling and expanding access to information. Libraries can support this activity with a theoretical background that draws upon the three predominant jurisprudential theories of freedom of speech: the marketplace of ideas, democratic ideals, and individual autonomy. In this article, each of these theories is explained and then applied to the library context, creating a starting place for further investigation and application of these judicial theories to information access.