Team Ethics Assignment
Instructions
Scenario #1
You are the head cataloging librarian for a large school district and notice some books of lesbian fiction which have rather explicit covers waiting to be cataloged for the local high schools. Would you:
1) Send the books off to be bound in plain covers?
2) Put the books on the backlog shelf hoping they won't be found?
3) Process the books with the explicit covers?
4) Mark the books for patrons over 16?
5) Other (Please specify)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Team #2 Discussion Posting (Laura will post by 6pm Tuesday for all to review)
Here's the first draft of our post. Feel free to make any corrections and adjustments that you would like - I'm a huge fan of collaboration : ) Just make sure that you edit in a different color than black so we can clearly see the changes.
(Contributions by Bayo Cary, Wednesday 16, 2010, 4:08pm)
(corrections in purple by Nichole)
(changes and additions in red by Brenda on the night of June 15th)
Academic Library Group #2
Scenario: You are the head cataloging librarian for a large school district and notice some books of lesbian fiction which have rather explicit covers waiting to be cataloged for the local high schools.
Would you:
1) Send the books off to be bound in plain covers?
2) Put the books on the backlog shelf hoping they won't be found?
3) Process the books with the explicit covers?
4) Mark the books for patrons over 16?
5) Other (Please specify)
Our choice: Other – Follow a five-step process that solidifies the mission and vision of the local high school libraries one month prior to the release of the books.
Discussion:
We rejected the first choice because while an offensive book cover could possibly make a patron quite uncomfortable, “libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of information” (ALA, 2010). Teens need the freedom to expose themselves to materials that will invite them to think about their own sexuality, what their preferences are, how society would realistically view their preference, and whether they have a choice, or if sexuality is genetic. There are many, many questions that may need to be answered.
I do not concur with the majority group decision to reject the idea of recovering the books (Cary, 2010). In my opinion, reading a book is no indication of whether or not an individual agrees with the view purported by the book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). It can only be assumed that the individual has some curious thoughts related to a subject area, which they believe, may be addressed in the book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). If the issues presented in the book are of a homosexual nature, sexually explicit or not, that in of itself, in my opinion, is not enough reason to deny access to a book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
The fact that the cover portrays visual images of a highly sexual nature, is important, and should be considered prior to processing the book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). In my opinion, it is not appropriate to display graphic images of a sexual nature, explicit or not, in a high school library, or in any other library (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). In my opinion, whether the graphic sexual media is of a homosexual or heterosexual nature should not make any difference (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). In my opinion, the cover should not be displayed if it is of a sexual nature (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). The possibly explicit nature of the material, therefore, does not require consideration (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). It is simply inappropriate to display materials of a graphic sexual nature in libraries—period (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In my opinion, the book’s cover should be replaced (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). Then the book should be processed and be made available to the general public (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). The book should be processed and access should be provided in the same way in which other information materials are provided, even if the consumers of the information are high school students (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). The provision of the book to high school students, therefore, should not require any addition steps, such as permission granted by the librarian, in order for an individual to access the book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). It should simply be available on the shelf, with no labels or warnings to indicate the nature of the subject matter addressed in the book (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
An offensive book cover could possibly make a patron quite uncomfortable (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). If a patron is put-off, even by something as small and seemingly insignificant as a “racy” book cover, that individual may decide to no longer frequent the library (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). A patron may not be able to access information elsewhere (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). The patron may be excluded from the ability to access information which they really need (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
People work very hard to earn degrees and to be in respected positions within a community (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). Many times access to these professionals, whether they be lawyers, or doctors, or anyone else, requires some sort financial transaction; they incur a significant cost (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). People, generally, do not have access to a professional’s services, or expertise for free(B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). Financial concerns are significant to members of the low-income community (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). Members of the low income community may have limited, little, or no access to financial resources what-so-ever (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In some cases an individual may be able to locate information of the Internet or elsewhere in the library, which obviates the need to seek professional advice (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).When an individual has limited, little, or no financial resources, access to information via the library for free may be their only possible source of information (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).. The library in many communities is the only provider of free access to information that includes:
· Internet access as well as access to books;
· journals;
· online database; and
· assistance to reference the materials and information they seek.(B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
As previously mentioned above, in many cases, members of low-income communities, and minorities in the U.S., have no other way to access free information. Internet access in particular, is limited among members of the minority community. Income, education, age, and location are all factors, in whether someone who is a member of a minority community, has access to the Internet. There is, however, still an appalling disparity between the availability of Internet access for Whites, and the availability of Internet access for members of the minority community, which is based on race alone. The disparity of the access to the Internet, the digital divide, can also be a combination of anyone of the factors enumerated above in addition to the factor of race. (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In addition, many times, an individual will be provided more efficient and or effective services by professionals, if it is necessary for them to seek professional advice or assistance, if that individual has done prior research on whatever issue they want the professional to address. Prior knowledge about an area that is being professionally evaluated is, therefore, a boon. Prior knowledge, allows an individual to engage in a more knowledgeable, and therefore, a more effective conversation with a professional about the particular issue that needs to be addressed for the individual.(B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
Many times an individual will have a better understanding of how their issue is being addressed. The individual may be able to understand and or communicate in some of the same terms utilized by the professional, and the service which is being provided by the professional could take less time. Overall, professional services are expensive. Some professionals charge for their services by the hour. Other professionals may require additional appointments to address an issue, if the individual requires too much explanation regarding the service which is being provided, and that too creates a cost barrier to access of needed information.(B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In my opinion, it should be taken into consideration, how the entire community of people who access information at the library feel, and how they may react to something which may be considered sexually explicit. The fact that the cover is of homosexual lovers is a secondary issue, insofar as I am concerned. However, the overall comfort of other library patrons should be considered an issue of significant enough to cause a large degree of disquietude. (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
Furthermore, homosexuality is not considered to be an acceptable lifestyle everywhere in the world. There may be no one for the teen to talk to because of the social stigma attached to same sex relationships. Teens should be able to find solace in the nonjudgmental library atmosphere. If a teenager sees that a book has been rebound in a plain cover to hide the true nature of the novel, he or she may feel that the library has taken a stance on a social issue which is something that libraries must be careful to avoid. In short, “libraries must maintain policies and procedures that serve the diverse needs of their users and protect the First Amendment right to receive information” (ALA, 2010)
In my opinion, the determining factor in who should be allowed access to information should be based solely on the issue of “protection” (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). However, I am open to the idea that there may be other issues pertaining to information access, which I have neglected to consider, which may require some amount of restricted access as well (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). In general, it is of my opinion, that the over ridding issues which require consideration are the issues of: personal health and overall safety (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In order to address these issue I believe it is necessary to broach the following question: Will the information provided in the book cause the individual who accesses the book a significant, and therefore unacceptable, level of harm or cause serious injury (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010) ? In my opinion, is the answer to the previous query is: “yes,” then access to the material by teens should be restricted (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). I strongly believe that Children/teens should be protected from exposure to information which may hurt them, even on the tertiary level (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
In my opinion, I think that in most cases this includes exposure to materials of a sexual nature, the issue of the explicitly of the materials is, therefore, not a factor that requires consideration in this particular instance(B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010). Access to information is so vitally important that, in my opinion, the need to provide information access, regardless of the content, is of a critical nature (B. Cary, personal communication, Wednesday 16, 2010).
The second choice was also unacceptable because as a child is becoming an adult, questions of human sexuality and sexual preference surface. Even if parents do not approve, teens need an opportunity to read and reflect on issues of homosexuality, especially if they feel attracted to the same sex.
If no one is available to talk to, then what is available in books and other forms of media, may be a teen’s only opportunity to explore issues related to human sexuality. They may have a real need that will not be met, if they lose access to books about homosexuality. Teens need to be able to fully understand the consequences of engaging in a homosexual relationship prior to doing so. There can be many unpleasant repercussions due to how harshly society still views same sex relationships. While reading a lesbian novel would not provide the authoritative sources necessary to understand the consequences of a homosexual relationship, having the novel in the library might help the teen to feel comfortable to ask for or seek out other materials among the library collection.
It is a disservice to these teens to hide controversial material. As the ALA states, “Because restricted materials often deal with controversial, unusual, or sensitive subjects, having to ask a librarian or circulation clerk for access to them may be embarrassing or inhibiting for patrons desiring the materials.”
The third choice came the closest to reflecting our final decision, but it was not complex enough to address our concerns. We decided that a more comprehensive approach was necessary.
Finally, we rejected the fourth option because labeling or rating books these books could serve to prejudice the library user against viewing these books. ALA does not support labeling materials because "potential library users may be predisposed to think of the materials as objectionable and, therefore, be reluctant to ask for access to them" (2010). Rating books is also based on the preconceived ideas and values of the rater. This is also contrary to the Library Bill of Rights because "prejudicial label is used to warn, discourage, or prohibit users or certain groups of users from accessing the material" (ALA, 2010).
Our Final Decision:
“Restricting access to library materials violates the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights” (ALA, 2010). The above statement supports the idea that library materials should be made available, regardless of content, whenever possible. “A primary goal of the library profession is to facilitate access to all points of view on current and historical issues” (ALA, 2010). It is important to provide books about subjects regardless of what the subject area is. Someone may choose to read the entire book or just parts of the book.
We must also strive to continue to protect Intellectual Freedom which is described in the following way in the Intellectual Freedom Manual. "Intellectual freedom can exist only where two essential conditions are met: first, that all individuals have the right to hold any belief on any subject and to convey their ideas in any form they deem appropriate, and second, that society makes an equal commitment to the right of unrestricted access to information and ideas regardless of the communication medium used, the content of work, and the viewpoints of both the author and the receiver of information."
However, the First Amendment does not protect pornography. Therefore, the first step of the process we propose is to determine if the cover art is pornographic. According to Merriam-Webster Online, pornography is defined as “material that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual arousal” (2010). If the book cover is determined to be explicit, but not pornographic, it is subject to protection under the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.
Next, the book needs to be properly cataloged in the same manner one would catalog any other novel. It must not have a special notation or restriction tag. (I removed the "u" and "e" in catalog to reflect American/Dewey version of the spelling)
The third step is crucial to the success of the plan. A memorandum regarding the school district’s high school libraries’ vision and mission will be distributed to all high school library staff, high school principles and vice principles, and the superintendent. There will be no mention of the novel, but this issuance will preempt many questions that people may have about the material. Furthermore, it will discourage library staff from deferring to their own personal beliefs. Professionalism in the workplace is highly valued and more likely to transpire if the staff feels united in its purpose.
Fourth, one month after the circulation of the memorandum, the book will be distributed to all local high schools within the district. A one-month delay is suggested to ensure that all staff has received and read the vision and mission statements.
And finally, the books will be shelved according to standard shelving practices. The books will not be hidden or blocked from view in any way.
In all, our plan breaks down to the following:
Evaluate the cover.
Catalog without restriction. (changed spelling here also)
Distribute the libraries’ vision and mission statements.
Distribute the books.
Shelve appropriately.
(Great job on combining the discussion and previous postings into one document! It is very comprehensive. - NA)
References
American Library Association. (2010). Intellectual freedom manual. (7th ed.). Chicago: American Library Association.
American Library Association. (2010). Restricted access to library materials:
An interpretation of the library Bill of Rights. Intellectual freedom. http://www.ala.org/
ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/restrictedaccess.cfm
Merriam-Webster. (2010). Pornography. Merriam-Webster online. http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/pornography
___________________________________________________________________________________
By: Bayo Cary 06/14/2010
1) You are the head cataloging librarian for a large school district and notice some books of lesbian fiction which have rather explicit covers waiting to be cataloged for the local high schools. Would you:
The question of whether or not to send the books off to be bound in plain covers? Or to Process the books with the explicit covers? Present the same primary concern in my opinion:
Reading a book is no indication of whether or not an individual agrees with the view purported by the book. A cover is not necessarily an indication of what is printed in the book. “Libraries must maintain policies and procedures that serve the diverse needs of their users and protect the First Amendment right to receive information” (ALA, 2010). While I agree with the need to provide information materials, regardless of the content is important, the presentation of the materials in a way that would not be considered offensive is important.
An offensive book cover could possibly make a patron quite uncomfortable. It should be taken into consideration how the entire community of people who access the library feel and how they may react to something which may be sexually explicit. The fact that the cover is of homosexual lovers is a secondary issue, insofar as I am concerned. However, the overall comfort of other library patrons should be considered an issue of significant concern.
2) Put the books on the backlog shelf hoping they won't be found?
"Physical and virtual restrictions on access to library materials may generate psychological, service, or language skills barriers to access as well"(ALA, 2010). "Because restricted materials often deal with controversial, unusual, or sensitive subjects, having to ask a librarian or circulation clerk for access to them may be embarrassing or inhibiting for patrons desiring the materials"(ALA, 2010). Even when a title is listed in the catalog with a reference to its restricted status, a barrier is placed between the patron and the publication" (ALA, 2010).
“Restricting access to library materials violates the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights” (ALA, 2010). A barrier is a barrier. Access should be provided to library materials barrier free. My assertion is based on my understanding of what is generally expected, and on how an individual could not logically explicate the acceptability of novels on similar issues, sexually explicit or not, in regards to heterosexual couples, but not in regards to homosexual couples.
3) Mark the books for patrons over 16?
This is a very difficult question to answer. An individual who is only 16 is not considered an adult. Our thinking processes change and mature as we age. A 16 year old may not be able to judge a book which deal with homosexual sexual material from a critical point of view. A 16 year may agree or disagree with sexual behaviors, preferences, or messages, that may affect them negatively in the long-run. An ability to truly think through something as complicated as human sexuality, may not develop until later in life.
However, it is at that very age, of 16, that a child is becoming an adult, when questions of human sexuality and sexual preference surface. Even if parents do not approve, teens need an opportunity to read and reflect on issues of homosexuality, especially if they feel attracted to the same sex.
Teens need the ability to expose themselves to materials which will cause them to think about their own sexuality, what their preferences are, how society would realistically view their preference, whether they had a choice, or if it were genetic, etc.. There are many many questions which may need to be answered. Homosexuality is still not considered an acceptable choice in America. There may be no one for the teen to talk to because the social stigma attached to same sex relationships.
If no one is available to talk to, then what is available in books and other forms of media, may be a teen’s only opportunity to explore issues related to human sexuality. They may have a real need which will not be met, if they lose access to books about homosexuality. Teens need to be able to fully understand the consequences of engaging in a homosexual relationship prior to doing so. There can be many unpleasant repercussions due to how harshly society still views same sex relationships.
Labeling or rating books these books could serve to prejudice the library user against viewing these books. ALA does not support labeling materials because it "predispos[es] people’s attitudes toward library materials." Rating books is also based on the preconceived ideas and values of the rater. This is also contrary to the Library Bill of Rights because "prejudicial label is used to warn, discourage, or prohibit users or certain groups of users from accessing the material." (Nichole)
."
4) “The Question of Acceptability Regarding Books which focus on Lesbian Relationships”
“Restricting access to library materials violates the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights” (ALA, 2010). The above statement supports the idea that library materials should be made available, regardless of content, whenever possible. “A primary goal of the library profession is to facilitate access to all points of view on current and historical issues” (ALA, 2010). It is important to provide books about subjects regardless of what the subject area is. Someone may chose to read the entire book or just parts of the book.
There are many books, both recent and historic, which tell stories which are very sexual and or very graphic in nature. I think that you could not successfully and logically argue that a racy book about heterosexual relationships or graphic violence should be permissible and is acceptable, while at the same time arguing a claim that a book about lesbian relationships was any less acceptable.
Works Cited
American Library Association (ALA) (2010). Restricted Access to Library Materials:
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/restrictedaccess.cfm
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