This presentation discussed Religion and Libraries as well as intellectual freedom. We also get into the label debate a bit. The ALA Library Bill of Rights is discussed in detail.
3. I am not a lawyer
And I never play one in the library!
A mandatory caveat
4. But who am I?
Suzanne Walker
suwalker@library.in.gov
Professional Development Supervisor
Indiana State Library
5. What is Religion?
the service and worship of God or the
supernatural
a personal set or institutionalized system of
religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to
with ardor and faith
Merriam Webster
6. What is Religion?
It includes formal organized systems of
belief and practice and informal individual
spiritualities. It also refers to adherents of
older religions (e.g., the major world
religions), newer religions (e.g., those
designated cults by some) and no religion
(e.g., agnostics and atheists).
Religion in American Libraries – Q and A
7. Guides for Collecting
Intellectual Freedom is basis for collecting
religious materials
The Library Bill of Rights can give guidance
8. Intellectual Freedom
“A democratic society operates best when information flows
freely and is freely available, and it is the library’s unique
responsibility to provide open and unfettered access to that
information.”
Evelyn Shaevel, et al
ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual
9. Evolving Definitions
"Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual
to both seek and receive information from all points
of view without restriction. It provides for free
access to all expressions of ideas through which any
and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may
be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the
freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas.“
American Library Association.
http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/basics/ifcensorshipqanda
10. Historical Foundation
Bill of Rights, Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press, or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.
11. Freedom of Inquiry
The freedom to ask any question
The freedom to receive a complete, and
impartial answer
Equality of access
13. Background on the LBoR
Written by Forrest Spalding in 1938; adopted
by ALA in 1939
Amended in 1961, 1967, 1980, and 1996
Six amendments and interpretations provided
by ALA and ALA’s Office of Intellectual
Freedom
14. Article I
Books and other library resources should be
provided for the interest, information, and
enlightenment of all people of the
community the library serves. Materials
should not be excluded because of the origin,
background, or views of those contributing to
their creation.
15. Interpretations to Article I
All groups and viewpoints in the community
should be represented in the library’s
collection
Dislike of author or group is not enough to
keep material out of the library
Disbelief of a religion is not enough to keep
material out of a library
16. Article II
Libraries should provide materials and
information presenting all points of view on
current and historical issues. Materials should
not be proscribed or removed because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
17. Interpretations to Article II
A good library should have something in it to
offend everyone
Need materials that explain both sides to
current issues
“Toleration is meaningless without tolerance
for what some may consider detestable.” -
ALA
18. Article III
Libraries should challenge censorship in the
fulfillment of their responsibility to provide
information and enlightenment.
19. Interpretations to Article III
Collection development policy important
defense to challenges to materials
Know procedures when materials are
challenged
An item being challenged should remain on
the shelves and be available for use until a
formal hearing
20. Article IV
Libraries should cooperate with all persons
and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access
to ideas.
22. Article V
A person’s right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age,
background, or views.
23. Interpretations to Article V
Library cannot assume role of parent or
guardian (In Loco Parentis)
Only parents can make decisions on what
their children – and only their children – can
check out of the library
Libraries can provide review materials for
parents to make informed decisions
People with different religious views must be
allowed access to the library.
24. Article VI
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and
meeting rooms available to the public they
serve should make such facilities available on
an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or
affiliations of individuals or groups requesting
their use.
25. Interpretations to Article VI
Bulletin boards and display cases fall under
exhibit spaces
Public space/meeting room policy should be
written and approved by the library board
26. Meeting Spaces
Libraries can set policies regarding the use of
meeting rooms.
If a library's meeting rooms are open to the public
for a wide range of purposes, use restrictions should
generally be limited to time, place,
and manner restrictions.
Can create policies that will prevent groups from
abusing the meeting room privileges
Policies would have to be enforced equally among all
groups that use the room, no matter what the subject
matter.
27. Can I Collect Religious Items?
Yes.
In Indiana about 40% of our population
practices a religion.
We should collect the materials that our
public requests, or at least make those items
available.
Why? Because we have a professional duty
to do so.
Religionatlas.org / ALA Religion Q and A
28. More about Collections…
Libraries should strive to be more inclusive
than exclusive
Your collection should reflect the entirety of
your community
See the Library Bill of Rights
You want to provide access without appearing
to endorse any particular faith over another
29. Who is in my community?
http://www.thearda.com/
http://www.religionatlas.org/
30. More good stuff…
ALA Religion Q and A
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/state
mentspols/otherpolicies/religionqanda
32. Collection Challenges
Clear collection guidelines
Standard challenge form
Review & Appeal Procedures
Final Decision
33. Wise Words
Applying the principles and guidelines in [the
Intellectual Freedom] manual cannot ensure that the
rights of librarians and users will never be
challenged or that difficulties will not arise. But
adhering to these principles in every library is
absolutely essential if librarians and users are to
enjoy the full benefit of freedom of expression under
the First Amendment.
Judith F. Krug, Director (late)
Office for Intellectual Freedom
37. Other libraries…
Provo City Library, Provo, Utah
Charlotte Mecklenburg, Charlotte, NC
Williamsburg Regional Library, VA
Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
43. What about my labels?
“Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in
their collections or in resources accessible
through the library.”
- ALA Labels and Rating System
44. What about my labels?
Could this be considered advocacy?
45. What about my labels?
Could it be considered to be prejudicial
(trying to prejudice the patron a certain way)?
46. Why could this be a concern?
“ Let's say that you decide to use Christian
fiction labels. In the interest of balance, would
you need to create labels for Jewish, Islamic,
or Buddhist fiction?...Some people might say
that the act of limiting your religious genre
labels to Christian implies that only Christian
fiction is worth identifying, thus giving the
appearance of subtle approval or endorsement
of that religion from the library.”
Field Initiated Studies, Christian Fiction Labels - March 2005
55. Libraries and Religion…
Our LSTA Digitization grants have been used
to form partnerships with religious
organizations to digitize collections that are
historic in nature.
56. Libraries and Religion…
For example, Indiana State University
partnered with the Sisters of Providence of
Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods to digitize Civil
War materials from their archives.
Another example is a partnership we are
working on with the Mennonite community to
help them digitize their history as it relates to
Goshen and Indiana.
57. Libraries and Religion…
Spaces – Many times churches have great
meeting spaces and will very often let your
library borrow their space for a program that
you offer that aligns with their mission
58. Libraries and Religion…
Reading Camp held in Church basement
when library was under construction
Suicide Prevention Community Meeting /
Partnership with School System, Public
Library, and Church
Indiana Youth Institute holds Youth Worker
Cafés in some churches that librarians are
invited to attend
59. Bottom Line:
Yes. Religion can be in the library.
Fair and balanced collections.
Perhaps in partnerships.
Based on your particular community.
61. Resources
ALA
www.ala.org
Library Bill of Rights
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols
/statementsif/librarybillrights.cfm
Interpretations to the Library Bill of Rights
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols
/statementsif/interpretations/Default675.cfm
http://www.privacyrevolution.org
Definition of intellectual freedom has changed over time. This is the current definition, but it has changed as librarians’ perceived roles have shifted.
Free Speech has been expanded and interpreted to be freedom of inquiry.
Without fear of judgment
Without having to go through a restricted section – automatic barrier to access.
Equality – access is freely available to all – regardless of any prejudices of artificial barriers. Librarians must first communicate the message that their libraries are open to all and available to everyone, even to those with no interest. Granted, such a stance seems overly easy to uphold, since it reflects traditional values among librarians, but it is essential and must be constantly reinforced.
Forrest Spalding was the director of the Des Moines, Iowa Public Library
Collection Development – balanced.
If there is a large foreign language population, the library’s collection should have a Spanish-language (or whichever language) section, same thing if there is a blind or deaf population in the area. If not enough to have a separate section for these special populations, have to be willing to get these materials from another source
Whether you disagree with the NRA or ACLU doesn’t mean you can keep materials from these groups out of your library
In the 1970s and 1980s, some librarians wanted to keep music and movies out of libraries. It’s almost unthinkable to of libraries today without audiovisual materials. Today new formats include graphic novels, video games, computer software. New or different materials do not have to be scary.
Balance
We just finished an election. Did you have books about all of the candidates? With a current president, do you have books both supportive and critical of him? Think of other hot-topic issues like evaluation/intelligent design/creationism, abortion, stem cell research, religious critiques, politics,
Know your enemy
http://www.lita.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8530
Libraries and librarians have to be strong in the face of criticism over unpopular materials in the collection. Just because individuals or groups may find something objectionable does not mean they have the right to prohibit others from reading, watching, listening
Having a well-written collection development policy can help if citizens challenge materials
Do you have steps in place when a patron challenges a book, movie, etc? Each person at the library should know what they should do
Pretty self explanatory. Libraries should be supportive of those groups who protect first amendment rights.
Pretty self explanatory. Libraries should be supportive of those groups who protect first amendment rights.
Can’t deny or restrict use of the library based on patron’s origin, age, background, or views
Common in turn of the 20th century to tell certain minorities they couldn’t read certain books because they were too advanced for blacks, immigrants, etc.
Equality of access. Neutral. We do not judge – we welcome everyone.
Has also been expanded to include gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Because we cannot assume role of parent, we cannot make decisions about what minors look at or check out at the library as long as it is within policy (if there is no policy about what books a 15-year-old can check out, he is allowed to check out Stephen King, medical books, etc.) Parents can also hold on to children’s library cards, review what materials they have checked out, etc.
Policy can state that display cases can be used only for library promotion, meeting rooms and bulletin boards can be used only for non-profit use and only for groups within library boundaries. But this needs be clearly defined in the policy. If County Democrats are allowed to use the meeting room, County Republicans must also be able to use the meeting room.
From Counsel to ISL:
Based on United States Supreme Court cases, Indiana Supreme Court cases, and 7th circuit Federal cases, the following appears to apply with regard to library meeting rooms:
Libraries can set policies regarding the use of meeting rooms. However, if a library's meeting rooms are open to the public for a wide range of purposes, use restrictions should generally be limited to time, place, and manner restrictions.
Classes of use may be exempted so long as they are not viewpoint based. For example, commercial sales and parties may be prohibited, but libraries should be careful about excluding specific religious or political organizations. A number of U.S. Courts have found libraries in violation of the constitution because their room use policies prohibited religious and/or political meetings. It is permissible to turn away a religious or political organization that wants to use the room to have a party, if parties are prohibited under the library’s policy. This is an example of an acceptable viewpoint neutral exclusion.
Of course libraries can create policies that will prevent groups from abusing the meeting room privileges, but those policies would have to be enforced equally among all groups that use the room, no matter what the subject matter.
For example, libraries can prohibit the “regular meetings” of organizations, so long as “regular” is defined with sufficient clarity. Libraries can also include provisions for handling groups that disrupt the library, etc.
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Take some time to look at these two resources.
Judith F. Krug, Director (late)Office for Intellectual Freedom
Books to help with an actual RA interview
-Genreflecting was and probably remains the first and best RA resource on genre fiction. Book is divided into chapters by genre. A great overview of the genre is given, subgenres are broken down, and then books under each subgenre are listed. Books are also organized by topic, which are the indexed in the back of the book. So if you have someone interested in books that take place in Indiana, you can look in the index under Indiana. Many books in the Genreflecting series, most dedicated to one particular genre so it can delve even deeper.
-What Do I Read Next is a Gale product available in print or online. It comes out early, and it lists that year’s most popular genre fads and titles. Then it gives suggestions as to other titles people would like.
-Fiction Catalog is usually seen as a great resource for collection development and evaluation, but it can also be used in RA. Each book has a summary and a subject that can be looked up in the index.
These are all free websites. Librarything requires a username, and you can catalog up to 200 books at no cost. After that, there is a fee. But you can use a lot of the RA stuff with no cost ever.
Allreaders.com-nice analysis of book, covering information about geography, pov of narrator, any sex in book. Book I looked up, one piece of info was wrong – just a reminder that there may be errors. Movie search as well-movie advisory is becoming very popular, too.
Gnooks.com-Books, movies, music. Search by author and it gives other authors a patron may like (or movie or band/musician)
Librarything.com-Website people can use to catalog their books. Suggestion generator based on catalog from computer and other users. Message boards about all kinds of books, both Fic and NF
Readalike.org-IU website with details about authors and readalikes suggested
Reader’s Robot-Search for titles using the appeal factors. Very detailed. Can get too specific and not get any results
Whichbook.net-Allows you to find books on mood
Fiction_L is an awesome listserv. You can e-mail the list requests on finding a title everyone has forgotten, ideas for book displays and booklists and readalikes
Some libraries have staff fill out cards everytime they read a book. Some of the books in the bibliography have ideas what to include on the card. One the card, the staff member then has to include books and authors they think a reader would also like
Sure bets list is a booklist when all else fails. This is a list of books that seem to have universal appeal across the board.
Some RA departments do a formal interview for patrons. Some of these forms can be found in the resources listed at the end of the ppt. Then a formal reading list is created for the patron. These lists are kept, reviewed, evaluated so staff can pick the best books for the patron.