The document discusses whether a local library should allow a patron to display their collection of antique guns in the library's display case. While the guns are unloaded and secured, the library has conservative patrons and guns have never been displayed before. On one hand, disallowing the display could be seen as discriminating against the topic. However, guns may make some patrons uncomfortable or increase safety concerns in the library. The library aims to be a safe space for all patrons to access information.

1. Shawna Radosa & Amanda Milks

2. Your local library has a large display case that showcases
individual collections by hobbyists of the community.
Typically, patrons sign up to display their collections on a
monthly basis and when it is their turn, they set up the
display and after a month take it down in readiness for
the next collection. You come into the library one
morning and notice that a patron is proudly setting up a
display of antique guns. They are not loaded and the
patron has put in considerable effort to make the display
interesting. However, you have many conservative
patrons in the community and guns have never been
displayed before. Do you allow the patron to continue,
knowing that the display is locked and cannot harm
anyone or do you politely ask the patron to bring in a
more “suitable” collection?

3. Does being a controversial subject exclude firearms from being
an appropriate display topic?
The topic of gun control is a controversial subject in popular
culture where law makers are working to create new laws that
balance the safety of the community with a citizen’s right to
possess firearms.(NRA)

4.  They are secured and provide no direct harm to
patrons.
 Libraries should not discriminate against topics based
solely on what a percentage of their population will be
offended by.
 Antique guns are a part of history and can educate on
the craftsmanship of the era in which they were
created.

5. Accidental Deaths of Children 10 and younger
in 2006
Fire or Burns Firearms
10% Related
Struck by 19% Are guns that dangerous?
Motor Vehicle
12%
This chart illustrates
that firearms accidents
are not as common as
Drowning the public is lead to
20% believe.
Motor Vehicle
Crash
39%
Lott, 2010

6.  “Banned Books Week is  Public Libraries are
an annual event dedicated to providing
celebrating the freedom free and open access of
to read. Typically held information to their
during the last week of patrons, what makes
September, it highlights firearms display’s
the value of free and different then the
open access to subjects of banned
information.” (ALA) books?

7.  Displaying firearms may offend conservative patrons
as well as make patrons uncomfortable.
 All operational guns are potentially dangerous and
should be treated as such whether loaded or unloaded.
(NRA)
 Housing the firearms may make the library a more
enticing target for theft.
 Display could be misconstrued as the library
promoting gun ownership.

8.  “Evidence has shown that everyday Ohio's public
libraries deal with theft of materials, unattended
youth, behavior problems with teens, and the
inappropriate use of computers by patrons. Disruptive
adults, medical emergencies, dealing with the
mentally ill and homeless patrons, and criminal
activity such as vandalism, drug use and disputes
between library users have been reported as common
incidents.” (Ohio Library Council)
 The library should be making efforts to improve
library safety as opposed to propagating it with more
dangerous materials.

9. Libraries should be a sanctuary where patrons can
access materials, explore their interests, and interact
with other community members without encountering
controversial materials.
A controversial display differs from a library
housing ban books. Controversial books are avoidable
within a library, however displays are meant to be seen
and therefor almost unavoidable.
Patrons who are fearful of guns may no longer feel
safe inside the library while the guns are present.

10. Banned Books Week: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the
Freedom to Read
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/banned booksweek
Lott, John R. More Guns, Less Crime: Understanding Crime and Gun
Control Laws, Third Edition, 2010, pp. 9-10.
NRA Institute for Legal Action http://www.nraila.org/gunlaws
NRA Gun Safety Rules
http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
Ohio Library Council
http://www.olc.org/librarysafetysecurity.asp