This is the last entry you can comment on by mid-October...
This article seems to side strongly with librarians and against parents and community members who would like to restrict what is found on library shelves. Who should decide and on what basis in terms of which books are selected and/or culled? Are school libraries any different from community libraries in this regard? What do you think about the changing role of the librarian? Are you interested in such a career?
I was truly taken aback by this article. The United States would be the last country I would expect to ban books because of content regarding LGBTQ+, minorities, or sexual content. After all, the idea of incorporating characters of all races and orientations into films and series has emerged in Hollywood not so long ago. From my perspective, this inclusion is sometimes done a bit too forcibly and can even devaluate the film/series but that is another story.
ReplyDeleteAs far as libraries and books go, I am of the opinion that the readers should be free to choose, what they want to read and not limited by the societal beliefs or the librarians. The only exception might be books that may incite harmful ideas like self-destruction, committing suicide, injuring others, or drug use.
Of course, there is a difference between public and community libraries. I think public libraries should strive to be as varied as possible. Certainly, they have to be based on some kind of supply and demand mechanism but still. For example, when I go to the library, I often return with a book I have never heard of before. So, having diversity in a library may help people broaden their horizons. Many people fear things they don’t understand. However, as it is stated in the article books are so-called “mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors” which could help accept those different from us.
I believe school libraries on the other hand should mostly offer books that correspond with the syllabus, be it classic literature or textbooks. However, that does not mean that other books, containing whatever topic should be banned. After all, it is not mandatory to read them. As with everything it is made for those who want it. Yet, I don’t think it is possible to apply this to libraries in religious schools or countries with strong religious orientations. In these kinds of environments, the pruning could be understandable.
Finally, I find it quite disheartening that librarians have to face threats and lawsuits for expressing their opinions. Their selection may affect others but the final decision whether to read a certain publication is always up to the reader. And if you ask me, there are more constructive ways to express disagreement than via threats and lawsuits.
- Oliver
I was also surprised that a country like the USA, which I've personally seen as a society open to a wide range of new ideas, would be the origin of restrictive practices such as book banning campaigns. We share the same opinion that, even in school libraries, banning books should not be the default response. I believe there should be room for different viewpoints and materials, as long as they don't promote harmful ideas.
DeleteThere is one statement I would have to disagree with. At the end of your comment, you stated that there are ‘more constructive ways to express disagreement than via threats and lawsuits’. Better than threats? Yes, definitely, but the lawsuit part is where I would disagree. Constructive dialogue is certainly a useful way to address disagreements and concerns, but legal action can sometimes be the only proper way of treating a problem. I can imagine a scenario where the library is funded through taxpayer money. From the taxpayer’s perspective, the library is using the money unreasonably for materials they might consider objectionable. When the individual or group feels their concerns are not addressed adequately, despite discussions, they will have to resort to other means, such as legal action. Although this is typically an unpleasant step, there are some situations where I could imagine it being necessary.
Librarians have always been mysterious to me mainly because I never really knew what their job requires them to do. I always considered them quiet souls who like reading books and sharing them with others. After reading this article, I realized how important their work is and I now acknowledge the role they play in creating a collection of books that reflects the wants and needs of the community. They have a say on what books should and should not be available to people in the library, which shows that they must be properly educated and selfless individuals.
ReplyDeleteThe article talked about how in the USA books containing sensitive topics such as LGBTQIA+, sex, diversity, etc. are getting banned for not being “appropriate”. The power of librarians is shown in this context where they are fighting for our (us as readers) rights. I find it very impressive that they recognize the limitations of denying the public access to this information and choose to speak up about it. Librarians not only have a sense of control over the books present in the library, they educate people. By fighting for people’s freedom to read, they enable us to have access to different information, therefore allowing us to learn about new things and widen our ability to understand and be open-minded. I do think that choosing which books should be featured in a library is the job of the librarians as they should be experts on the topic and be able to put their biases aside and act on behalf of prosperity for people. Of course, they must be educated on what information books contain and provide people the ability to get to know new things about themselves and others. This is why I feel that the job of a librarian is not for anyone, it is mainly for people who want to share information with the world and allow people to gain new insights. In a sense, librarians are in fact our superheroes.
-Nina
I have heard about people complaining about books and trying to get them banned in the past before, but I usually just shrugged it off as overprotective parents or bored members of our community trying to gain control over other areas of their life. Usually I just get annoyed at the news, because I understand the value of artistic expression through literature and I don't find that the complaints people have about certain books are actually valid. Most of the time it just feels like adults trying to hammer in their own political and ideological beliefs through their kids' books. I agree with the article, as I have also noticed that the books always up for discussion are "taboo" topics on minorities or marginalized groups in society. I like that people are standing up against people who would behave absurdly enough to fight for someone's life's work (their book) to be banned just because they themselves may not agree with everything in it. Sure, it's good for parents to know what their kids are reading, and I think it is a valid concern to raise because I also believe that books have a large impact on the way we think, but it's usually done due to such unnecessary topics that I fully agree with the librarians fighting for the right to keep the disputed books on their shelves.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the article surprised me as it taught me something new about librarians. I guess I've always appreciated librarians because they are kind and helpful, but to be honest, I've never really given much thought to how much effort goes behind their work. I didn't realize they need such high levels of education and experience to be able to do their jobs. The article made me think deeply about how important it is and how much skill it requires to know a wide range of books for the whole community, not just the ones you like, and it made me really sad to read about how much aggression and hate is being put on librarians who are really just trying to educate and provide a safe space for their community.
-Gretka