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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Important Factors In Midwestern Public Librarians’ Views On Intellectual Freedom And Collection Development: Part 2, Shannon M. Oltmann
Important Factors In Midwestern Public Librarians’ Views On Intellectual Freedom And Collection Development: Part 2, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
This research examined the beliefs and actions of US midwestern librarians concerning intellectual freedom and collection development. The results are presented in two complementary articles; the first article provided some background and the results pertaining to intellectual freedom, whereas the second article focuses on the results for collection development questions and concludes with a broader discussion. While the first article focused on intellectual freedom beliefs, the second focuses more on actions that are thought to be influenced by those beliefs. The data were obtained through a survey with a 21.37% response rate. In general, respondents—particularly those with master of library …
Important Factors In Midwestern Public Librarians’ Views On Intellectual Freedom And Collection Development: Part 1, Shannon M. Oltmann
Important Factors In Midwestern Public Librarians’ Views On Intellectual Freedom And Collection Development: Part 1, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
This research project examined the beliefs and actions of US midwestern librarians concerning intellectual freedom and collection development. The results are presented in two complementary articles; this first article provides some background and the results pertaining to intellectual freedom, whereas the second article will focus on the results for collection development questions and conclude with a broader discussion. The data were obtained through an extensive survey with a 21.37% response rate. In general, high levels of support for intellectual freedom were found across most respondents and across multiple questions. Respondents with an MLS degree were more likely to be in …
Creating Space At The Table: Intellectual Freedom Can Bolster Diverse Voices, Shannon M. Oltmann
Creating Space At The Table: Intellectual Freedom Can Bolster Diverse Voices, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
Many of the most challenged books, year after year, feature voices from diverse communities (including those of women, racial or ethnic minorities, and LGBT people). Intellectual freedom protects these voices and protects our right to hear these voices. This essay discusses the definition of intellectual freedom, why diverse perspectives are important, and how intellectual freedom can bolster diverse voices. In turn, this can improve our relationships with one another, increasing empathy and respect, which can be reflected in numerous ways and is particularly important in a divisive political climate.
Intellectual Freedom In Academic Libraries: Surveying Deans About Its Significance, Shannon M. Oltmann
Intellectual Freedom In Academic Libraries: Surveying Deans About Its Significance, Shannon M. Oltmann
Information Science Faculty Publications
In this study, deans and directors of academic libraries were surveyed about intellectual freedom. The survey found that most respondents said they rarely think about intellectual freedom yet said it was “somewhat” or “very” important in their libraries. Most did not have formal intellectual freedom policies; they often relied on statements from the American Library Association or other library organizations. Copyright/intellectual property, privacy, plagiarism, and academic freedom were the most important concerns related to intellectual freedom. Although this study shed some light on intellectual freedom in academic libraries, further work remains to be done.
“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.