Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Book Challenges Popping Up All Over: What Do School Principals Need To Know?, Samantha Laine Hull, Sue Kimmel

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This chapter provides practical advice and reasons for school leaders to support students' intellectual freedom through their support of school libraries and school librarians. The chapter begins with a short but critical literature review that includes case law on the topic of censorship in schools. The concerns of teachers and librarians from a recent study are summarized and help build the foundation for practical and ready to use advice for any school leaders to uphold the intellectual freedom of all students.

From Sea To Shining Sea: A Survey Of Intellectual Freedom Practices In The United States, Amanda K. Izenstark, Jo Knapp, David Bernardo

Public Services Faculty Presentations

The American Library Association provides a form for librarians to share challenges to library materials for the purposes of gathering data and providing support. In the face of increasing challenges to library materials, some states have also developed local procedures for gathering information and providing local support. In 2023, the presenters distributed a survey to gather information from states, territories, and tribal nations that do not publicly share their procedures to document efforts. This presentation will share the preliminary survey results showing differences across entities, lessons learned, and areas for future research.

Let Freedom Read: Exploring Banned Books And Intellectual Freedom In Florida, Christopher M. Jimenez, George Pearson, Melissa Del Castillo, Stephen Thomson Moore, Lowell Bryan Cooper, Jacqueline Radebaugh

Works of the FIU Libraries

On October 5, 2023, the FIU Libraries’ Academic and Intellectual Freedom Committee hosted a crucial discussion on the current state of book banning and censorship in the United States, with a specific focus on Florida. This special session was part of the First Thursdays Library lecture series.

During the event, attendees were presented with startling statistics from the American Libraries Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (ALA OIF), PEN America, the Florida Freedom to Read Foundation (FFTRF), and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) that led experts to declare 2022 the worst year for book bans in history. The …

Beyond Misinformation: The Misrepresentation And Misappropriation Of Research, Winn W. Wasson

Libraries' and Librarians' Publications

The contemporary information landscape has produced numerous incidents of researchers having their research misunderstood, misrepresented, or misappropriated—or worse, being subjected to intimidation and harassment—by individuals or groups who seek to cherry-pick evidence in support of ideological agendas or who wish to suppress evidence that counters those same agendas. While the covid-19 pandemic elevated these tactics in their frequency, visibility, and intensity, this phenomenon did not start or end with the pandemic. To help prepare current and future researchers for the possibility that their research might be misrepresented, misappropriated, or politicized in other ways by ideologically motivated individuals or groups, Syracuse …

The Threat To Academic & Intellectual Freedom, Christopher M. Jimenez, Melissa Del Castillo, Stephen Thomson Moore, Lowell Bryan Cooper, Jacqueline Radebaugh, George Pearson

Works of the FIU Libraries

The Academic and Intellectual Freedom Ad Hoc Committee presented a First Thursday discussion on May 4 about academic and intellectual freedom. Starting with a brief definition of these terms, they traced the history of Academic Freedom and how current events affect us at FIU. The committee posed several real-life scenarios threatening Academic/Intellectual Freedom in libraries. All library staff were invited to attend this lively discussion.

Beyond Misinformation: Educating Our Campuses About The Misrepresentation And Misappropriation Of Research, Winn W. Wasson

Libraries' and Librarians' Publications

The contemporary information landscape has produced numerous incidents of researchers having their research misrepresented or misappropriated—or worse, being subjected to intimidation and harassment—by individuals or groups who seek to cherry-pick evidence in support of ideological agendas or who wish to suppress evidence that counters those same agendas. While the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated these tactics in their frequency, visibility, and intensity, this phenomenon is by no means unique to the pandemic. Medievalists and Classicists have seen their research become politicized by white supremacists, and historians and archaeologists of ancient India have had to push back against religious nationalist narratives that …

Prison Libraries, Intellectual Freedom And Social Justice In Nigeria, Olusegun Adebayo Opesanwo, Oluyomi Abidemi Awofeso Phd

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper deployed a systematic review to examine prison libraries and intellectual freedom towards attaining social justice in Nigeria. Information resources used cover the periods of 2010 and 2020 to articulate the necessary development in prison libraries, intellectual freedom and social justice in Nigeria. Search engines such as Google scholar, Semantic Scholar, and RefSeek were used to retrieve information and through different queries yielded several results but very few of them were selected to fit in the study due to limited studies directed to address the focus of this study particularly in the Nigeria scenario. Information obtained were subjected to …

A Failure To Communicate: Assessing The Low Rate Of Materials Challenge And Censorship Reporting Among Canadian Public Libraries, Mike Nyby, Heather Hill, Richard Ellis

FIMS Publications

Record levels of materials challenges have affected libraries in both Canada and the United States in recent years, (American Library Association, 2023c; Canadian Federation of Library Associations, 2015-2022), but despite the apparent swell in censorship efforts, the ALA estimates that 82-92% of challenges go unreported (Doyle 2017). This study aims to identify factors contributing to the low rate of challenge reporting through a participation survey distributed to over 500 Canadian public libraries. Results indicate low awareness reporting mechanisms is likely the largest obstacle to greater participation, but obstacles related to library policy, including delegation and challenge policy structure, also exist.

Intellectual Freedom, Cultural Exchange, And Nazi Germany: The Relationship Between The Deutsch-Ausländischer Buchtausch, University Of Denver, And Other Cultural Heritage Institutions, David Fasman

University Libraries: Staff Scholarship

Shortly after Hitler’s rise to power, the Prussian State Library was restructured, birthing a new entity – the Deutsch-Ausländischer Buchtausch (German Foreign Book Exchange, DAB). The DAB was responsible for exchanging books and serials with scholarly institutions worldwide. In 1936, the University of Denver (DU) received a gift of books from the DAB. Nearly fifty percent of the books would be categorized as Nazi propaganda or eugenics literature by current standards. Upon further research, it was discovered that the DAB’s relationships included Stanford, Yale, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the …

Awareness And Use Of Intellectual Freedom Policy In Academic Libraries In Ilorin Metropolis, Muritadho Abiodun Taiwo, Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigates the awareness and use of intellectual freedom policy in academic libraries in Ilorin metropolis. To accomplish its objectives, it raises four research questions while its scope is restricted to academic libraries within Ilorin metropolis. It uses descriptive survey research method to examine eleven academic libraries in Ilorin metropolis. Out of 195 staff of the selected academic libraries, 55 staff are purposively sampled as respondents among the academic librarians and staff of acquisition department of the selected academic libraries. Questionnaire titled “Awareness and Use of Intellectual Freedom Policy in Academic Libraries” is designed to obtain data from the …

Information: Knowledge On Perception Of Resource Access And Intellectual Freedom (If), Obia Gopeh Inyang, Juliana Nwakaego Agwunobi Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Purpose: The study investigated information: Knowledge on perception of resource access and intellectual freedom. It is to display the state of the art at such a time when the political prowess had been used as a militating factor against the innovations that would have salvaged the cry for the quest for a developed economy through readership and intellectual freedom.

Methodology: Descriptive research survey was adopted to sample three academic libraries in Cross River South province; with 700 copies of questionnaires. Availability sampling was used giving a return rate of 676(96.57%).Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages.

Findings: …

The Significance Of Access To Information—And The Challenges It Faces In Librarianship, Shannon M. Oltmann, Emily Jm Knox, Chris Peterson

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Access to information is a fundamental value of professional librarianship and library and information science more generally; however, providing such access can be impeded by certain practices of librarianship, as this article describes. We focus on obtaining a better understanding of the extent of censorship practices within information institutions and the effects of restricted access to information on both individuals and communities. This article draws on several theoretical frameworks including regulative and constitutive censorship, information poverty, access as a human right, and the importance of individual autonomy. This research provides a more solid foundation for librarians and other information professionals …

Alsc Intellectual Freedom Programming Toolkit, Association For Library Service To Children (Alsc) Intellectual Freedom Committee

Staff Publications

Meagan Albright co-contributed three sections in this toolkit:

• Integrating Key Concepts in STORYTIME: Tips and Examples, p. 3
• Integrating Key Concepts in STEAM: Tips and Examples, p.11
• Integrating Key Concepts in OUTREACH: Tips and Examples, p.16.

Incorporating Intellectual Freedom And Information Literacy Into Programming, Meagan Albright, Ashley J. Brown

Staff Publications

Raising awareness of intellectual freedom and information literacy is important, and not just during Banned Books Week. Just like sneaking healthy food into a kid’s meal, these techniques for incorporating these topics will enrich the work you already do as a librarian without disrupting your programming routine.

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 …

I Spy: Patron Privacy Issues At Your Library, M. Teresa Doherty

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Using photo examples of situations that may expose patron information or compromise intellectual freedom ideals, this presentation will help library staff understand how to protect your patron's privacy and to advocate for privacy within your library. Examples include open holds shelving with patron name visible, self-check machine receipts that contain the patron name, print signup sheets that show patron name and contact info, and many more.

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 …

The Banned Books Buffet: Introducing Intellectual Freedom To Library Users, Amanda Melilli, Rosan Mitola

Library Faculty Presentations

Through the use of interactive activities, the UNLV University Libraries’ annual Banned Book Buffet provides library users with an opportunity to reflect on what their lives would be like if they didn’t have access to the stories and information in challenged materials.

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

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.

All In For Privacy: Cultivating A Community Of Information Privacy Awareness, Lindsay Taylor, Marni R. Harrington, Matt Ward

FIMS Presentations

The Library Freedom Project supports librarianship’s values of freedom of information and privacy by providing relevant tools and education to LIS professionals. A group from the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western aligned with the project to encourage student participation in local and global privacy issues. Our programming encourages hands-on use of open source and anti-surveillance software, such as Tor Browser for anonymous web browsing. In addition, we detail how we configured our Tor relay to route anonymous encrypted global traffic, so that other libraries can join the 280 relays currently running in Canada and 7000 worldwide.

“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

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.

Librarians As Advocates For Social Media Privacy, Sarah Lamdan

LACUNY Institute 2015

Librarians must continue their traditional roles as privacy rights activists and intellectual freedom upholders into the digital age, and across electronic information sources, including social media fora. Social media is quickly becoming a major source of information and center for information seeking, and librarians have an opportunity to promote and help shape social media policies that protect users’ privacy and assure that users can seek information without inhibition. One way librarians can be involved in the promotion of online privacy is by joining the social media user rights movement and advocating terms of use agreements that protect information seekers that …

Hidden Online Surveillance: What Librarians Should Know To Protect Their Privacy And That Of Their Patrons, Alexandre Fortier, Jacquelyn Burkell

FIMS Publications

Librarians have a professional responsibility to protect the right to access information free from surveillance. This right is at risk from a new and increasing threat: the collection and use of non-personally identifying information such as IP addresses through online behavioral tracking. This paper provides an overview of behavioral tracking, identifying the risks and benefits, describes the mechanisms used to track this information, and offers strategies that can be used to identify and limit behavioral tracking. We argue that this knowledge is critical for librarians in two interconnected ways. First, librarians should be evaluating recommended websites with respect to behavioral …

Sex And Intellectual Freedom, Robert P. Holley

School of Information Sciences Faculty Research Publications

No abstract provided.

A Statewide Survey Of Censorship And Intellectual Freedom, Kathleen M. Monks, Anne M. Gaines, Caitlin A. Marineau

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article presents the results of a survey given to public and school library workers to gain a foundational understanding of censorship within the state of Idaho. Our population was asked questions regarding position demographics; experience with challenges; the tracking, reporting and assistance sought; and the contents of said challenge policies. Special attention was also given to the history of censorship, both nationally and statewide, and the demographic, political, and legislative characteristics of Idaho, to provide a conceptual framework for the findings. The results of this statewide survey address an important and uninvestigated segment of national challenges and Idaho librarianship.

Connections Newsletter Winter 2014, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Connections Newsletter

Table of Contents

• An Online Homecoming for UNLV Students: University Libraries Digitizes the Rebel Yell
• From the Dean
• UNLV Libraries Leads the Way on Preserving Nevada’s History with NEH Grant
• Students Taste the Power of Intellectual Freedom at the Banned Books Buffet
• K-12 Institute: Bringing UNLV and CCSD Educators Together
• A Treasure Trove for UNLV Grad Students Working in Special Collections During Summer
• Staff Spotlight: Michelle Light
• Project to Capture the History of the Jewish Community in Southern Nevada Begins

Lgbtiq Teens - Plugged In And Unfiltered: How Internet Filtering Impairs Construction Of Online Communities, Identity Formation, And Access To Health Information, David Brian Holt

Law Librarian Scholarship

The anonymity the Internet provides represents an invaluable resource where LGBTIQ youth can freely discuss their issues, concerns and problems without fear of reprisal from a frequently homophobic community. LGBTIQ youth may find the Internet, and its online communities and social networks, to be the only conduit through which they can express themselves, reach out to others, and access health information that addresses their particular issues and needs. LGBTIQ adolescents often deal with environments that lack sufficient social networks, such as empathetic adults or friends, and they may face daily discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender expression.

The …

Internet Filtering And The Adolescent Gay/Lesbian Patron, David Brian Holt

Law Librarian Scholarship

With the recent passage of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and its constitutionality subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court, libraries are faced with challenges presented by Internet filtering, and the obstacles to access it poses for disadvantaged patron groups. This paper discusses the ramifications of Internet filtering at public libraries on sexual minority youth and how this may translate into a negative health impact on this community and a restriction on intellectual freedom. Topics discussed include filtering technology, the risks it presents to equitable access, the disproportionate effect on the gay/lesbian community, and how filtering impairs the creation of …