Competency A
A. articulate the ethics, values and foundational
principles of library and information professionals and their role in the
promotion of intellectual freedom;
Explication
Intellectual Freedom
This topic of ethics and intellectual freedom is very timely, as we hear news reports of President Obama’s stance on the movie The Innocence of Muslims while its contents cause riots across the Islamic world. He said that while the content of the movie is vulgar and insulting, he would not ban it. Even if he could stop its spread across the Internet, he would not because the United States is founded on the principles of intellectual freedom.
As I was rereading the American Library Association’s (ALA) Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and other documents on intellectual freedom, I noticed that “intellectual freedom” was mentioned in every document but was not defined as a term. I did some research on the World Wide Web (www) and found that Article 19 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines intellectual freedom:
Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
Librarians have a core code of ethics set out by the ALA that includes issues of privacy, free access to information, diversity, professional conduct, social action, actions for the Public Good, and promotion of education among others (ALA, 2004, p. 215). These issues apply to the librarian’s professional conduct whether the entity is a public library, a public or private school library, academic library or some kind of special library.
Freedom of Access
The use of computers and the internet is allowing most people more freedom of access to information. However, when forced to rely on the limited business hours of most libraries today, someone who works until late in the evening or lives far from the closest library might have a hard time using its resources. Most libraries now have a web presence where one can freely access the catalog, subscription databases, reserve books and in some cases consult with a reference librarian via email or chat. This still limits people who do not have access to the web, i.e. people too poor to own a computer, to pay to use an internet café, or people who are not fluent in English as most library websites are in English language. This is an area where we as librarians could improve our services.
I made the suggestion of increased evening hours in my paper on how libraries can better serve homeless children (Levenson, 2010). I can also envision a mobile computer lab travelling to homeless shelters or soup kitchens for a few hours a day. The driver/librarian could assist people with job applications, social service applications and other information needs. Other issues of homelessness include obtaining a library card. How do you establish residency if you do not have a utility bill or rental agreement?
Historically libraries have had a somewhat adversarial relationship with the homeless (There are complaints that their difficulty in maintaining cultural standards of hygiene and some forms of behavior may disturb other patrons. They may make a mess trying to bathe in the lavatories). On the positive side, it is interesting to see the additional services San Francisco Libraries and other libraries now offer the homeless. They have a web page on accessibility (http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000002501) with a wonderful range of services for the homebound, the homeless, people with disabilities, learning differences and seniors. In addition, San Francisco Libraries have two staff members who aid the homeless in finding services. Other libraries are following suite http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-13-libraries_N.htm).
Everyone should be able to access information resources. Services such as interlibrary loans and Link Plus allow people to pick up desired materials from distant libraries at their local library. Children and young people should also have access to information resources without the censorship of adults.
Wikileaks is an interesting emerging issue for the ALA (http://www.emergingissues.ala.org/wikileaks/wikileaks-and-its-relationship-to-ala/).
It is website and media outlet acting as an intermediary for people to release sensitive information. The United States government sees its leaks of diplomatic communications and other documents as illegal. The site cites Freedom of Information and the public’s right to know the contents of various documents. Their mission is expressed as upholding Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (see above). Librarians generally uphold their right to disseminate information but should they make information the government deems illegally procured available to the public? This upholding Freedom of Speech, but should a line be drawn somewhere? What should the policy be?
One exception to freedom of information is the circulation of pornography. This is a touchy topic, as different people would class some material pornography where others would not (for example, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned as pornographic as was Joyce’s Ulysses). I am not sure if the ALA has a definition as such. “I know it when I see it” may not always be sufficient not to stock an information resource.
Libraries should have a set policy for handling complaints about books. It is helpful to have a prepared form for the patron to complete.
A change in reference referrals and reader’s advisory is that we do not recommend books. We suggest books. We assist people in locating books, which will speak to them personally.
Privacy
After the events of 9/11 there was an effort by the government to access personal records of what people check out at the library in the name of national security. Fortunately, librarians across the United States stood firm in their ethical stance. What one accesses from the library is private. Most libraries destroy their individual circulation records within a month or so of check out.
Diversity of Community, Diversity of Materials
It is important to stay abreast of changes in the ethnic mix of the community. The library should have a mix of materials of interest to the different sectors of the community, just as we have materials catering to different age groups and levels of reading. In a subject area, e.g. American politics or economy, it is important to cover all the major viewpoints, to have a balanced approach. When there is a large population speaking another language than English, it is good to have access to books and media in that language.
Artifacts
My first artifact is a discussion posted for my LIBR 233, School Library Media Centers class. The instructor gave us prompt questions on advocacy. My post was entitled “Give Dessert or Push the Veggies” (LINK). It was about the selection of books and media for school libraries. Should we order what is most requested and popular or what aligns best with the school curriculum? If the budget allows, one should order both kinds of books. Our goal in the school library is to engender a lifelong interest in books and learning. Reading is for instruction and enjoyment. It is up to the librarian to communicate with teachers as to which books would most help support their coursework. As funds are always in short supply, it is up to the librarian to advocate for the purchase of books to benefit the students. At times, a parent may complain about a book in the collection, seeking to protect their child from whatever deficiency they perceive in the book, and to protect other people’s children as well. It is up to the librarian to have a complaint procedure in place. Preferably, the parent must read the book and describe what exactly bothers them. Then a library advisory board will review the complaint for a decision. The librarian advocates in favor of free access to any reading material a child wants to read. This post demonstrates my ability to discuss advocacy in favor of free access to materials in the library.
My second artifact is a discussion post on “Censorship” (LINK). This was for my LIBR 233 class School Library Media Center class. The instructor gave us question prompts on “intellectual freedom,” censorship, and several other related topics. I feel strongly about censorship in any context. In the post I draw on my experiences for thirteen years teaching biology and health education, mostly to high school students. On the one side, many parents are grateful that you are presenting age-appropriate, accurate information to their teens; on the other hand, there are still a few parents who would prefer not to have that information imparted to their child. As I told many high school classes, California and Texas are the two big states influencing the content of school textbooks. California has a broad health education program, giving students age appropriate, accurate information from which they can make informed decisions. They rank 36th out of 50 states (2005) with 53-66 pregnancies per 1000 for girls between 15 and 19 years old. Texas teachers can only teach abstinence to prevent pregnancy. Texas ranks 47 out of 50 states with 80-93 out of a 1000 (2005). New Hampshire is #1 with the lowest rate. Which method of instruction do you think works better? I also discuss banned books. This discussion post shows my competency at discussing censorship.
My third artifact is a discussion post from LIBR263, Literature for Children, ages 5 – 8. I review the book Heather has Two Mommies, by L. Newton (LINK). I discuss the process the author went through to have the book published, why it is controversial (portraying non-traditional family structure), and the importance of having this kind of book to represent diversity in the library. There are good reply comments from some of my classmates. This post shows my competency at writing a review on a controversial book and my efforts to promote awareness of diversity in the library collection.
Conclusion
The profession of librarian stands for upholding freedom of information, access of information for everyone, respect of diversity of all kinds, professionalism, social action, looking out for the Public Good, creating strong bonds with our community, and maintaining the trust and privacy of the patron. In addition, librarians model lifelong learning and are current on their knowledge of communication and search technologies.
References
American Library Association. Code of ethics. (1995). Code of Ethics. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 218-219. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (2004). Core values of librarianship. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 215-217. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (adopted 1953, most recently revised 2004). Freedom to read statement. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 225-228. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (1999). Libraries: an American value. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 231-232. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (adopted 1948, most recently revised 1980). Library bill of rights. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 220-224. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.American Library Association.
Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada. (1955). Student’s bill of information rights. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 229-230. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
Jones, B. (2010). Wikileaks and its relationship to ALA. Accessed 09/28/2012 at http://www.emergingissues.ala.org/wikileaks/wikileaks-and-its-relationship-to-ala/
Levenson, K. (2010). Can the library be an effective resource to support the learning of homeless children? Focusing on Contra Costa County and Alameda County libraries. Unpublished. MLIS program, San Jose State University.
Mottsinger, C. (2007, June 14). Libraries offer more services to the homeless. USA today news. Accessed 09/27/2012 at http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-13-libraries_N.htm
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2012). State comparisons (from 2005). Accessed 09/27/2012 at www.thenationalcampaign.org
United Nations. (2012). The universal declaration of human rights. Accessed 09/27/2012 at www.un.org/en/documents/udhr.
libr advocacy
LIBR 233, Library Advocacy
libr advocacy
censorship
LIBR 233, censorship, libraries, reflections
censorship
LIBR 263 discussions board contributions
For Competency A, please focus on the post and its responses for 9/13/2010. I wrote a review of the controversial juvenile picture book (JPB) Heather has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman. It is a book about a non-traditional family where the mothers both have professional careers but otherwise their family is much like anyone else's.
principles of library and information professionals and their role in the
promotion of intellectual freedom;
Explication
Intellectual Freedom
This topic of ethics and intellectual freedom is very timely, as we hear news reports of President Obama’s stance on the movie The Innocence of Muslims while its contents cause riots across the Islamic world. He said that while the content of the movie is vulgar and insulting, he would not ban it. Even if he could stop its spread across the Internet, he would not because the United States is founded on the principles of intellectual freedom.
As I was rereading the American Library Association’s (ALA) Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and other documents on intellectual freedom, I noticed that “intellectual freedom” was mentioned in every document but was not defined as a term. I did some research on the World Wide Web (www) and found that Article 19 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines intellectual freedom:
Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
- this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Librarians have a core code of ethics set out by the ALA that includes issues of privacy, free access to information, diversity, professional conduct, social action, actions for the Public Good, and promotion of education among others (ALA, 2004, p. 215). These issues apply to the librarian’s professional conduct whether the entity is a public library, a public or private school library, academic library or some kind of special library.
Freedom of Access
The use of computers and the internet is allowing most people more freedom of access to information. However, when forced to rely on the limited business hours of most libraries today, someone who works until late in the evening or lives far from the closest library might have a hard time using its resources. Most libraries now have a web presence where one can freely access the catalog, subscription databases, reserve books and in some cases consult with a reference librarian via email or chat. This still limits people who do not have access to the web, i.e. people too poor to own a computer, to pay to use an internet café, or people who are not fluent in English as most library websites are in English language. This is an area where we as librarians could improve our services.
I made the suggestion of increased evening hours in my paper on how libraries can better serve homeless children (Levenson, 2010). I can also envision a mobile computer lab travelling to homeless shelters or soup kitchens for a few hours a day. The driver/librarian could assist people with job applications, social service applications and other information needs. Other issues of homelessness include obtaining a library card. How do you establish residency if you do not have a utility bill or rental agreement?
Historically libraries have had a somewhat adversarial relationship with the homeless (There are complaints that their difficulty in maintaining cultural standards of hygiene and some forms of behavior may disturb other patrons. They may make a mess trying to bathe in the lavatories). On the positive side, it is interesting to see the additional services San Francisco Libraries and other libraries now offer the homeless. They have a web page on accessibility (http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000002501) with a wonderful range of services for the homebound, the homeless, people with disabilities, learning differences and seniors. In addition, San Francisco Libraries have two staff members who aid the homeless in finding services. Other libraries are following suite http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-13-libraries_N.htm).
Everyone should be able to access information resources. Services such as interlibrary loans and Link Plus allow people to pick up desired materials from distant libraries at their local library. Children and young people should also have access to information resources without the censorship of adults.
Wikileaks is an interesting emerging issue for the ALA (http://www.emergingissues.ala.org/wikileaks/wikileaks-and-its-relationship-to-ala/).
It is website and media outlet acting as an intermediary for people to release sensitive information. The United States government sees its leaks of diplomatic communications and other documents as illegal. The site cites Freedom of Information and the public’s right to know the contents of various documents. Their mission is expressed as upholding Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (see above). Librarians generally uphold their right to disseminate information but should they make information the government deems illegally procured available to the public? This upholding Freedom of Speech, but should a line be drawn somewhere? What should the policy be?
One exception to freedom of information is the circulation of pornography. This is a touchy topic, as different people would class some material pornography where others would not (for example, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned as pornographic as was Joyce’s Ulysses). I am not sure if the ALA has a definition as such. “I know it when I see it” may not always be sufficient not to stock an information resource.
Libraries should have a set policy for handling complaints about books. It is helpful to have a prepared form for the patron to complete.
A change in reference referrals and reader’s advisory is that we do not recommend books. We suggest books. We assist people in locating books, which will speak to them personally.
Privacy
After the events of 9/11 there was an effort by the government to access personal records of what people check out at the library in the name of national security. Fortunately, librarians across the United States stood firm in their ethical stance. What one accesses from the library is private. Most libraries destroy their individual circulation records within a month or so of check out.
Diversity of Community, Diversity of Materials
It is important to stay abreast of changes in the ethnic mix of the community. The library should have a mix of materials of interest to the different sectors of the community, just as we have materials catering to different age groups and levels of reading. In a subject area, e.g. American politics or economy, it is important to cover all the major viewpoints, to have a balanced approach. When there is a large population speaking another language than English, it is good to have access to books and media in that language.
Artifacts
My first artifact is a discussion posted for my LIBR 233, School Library Media Centers class. The instructor gave us prompt questions on advocacy. My post was entitled “Give Dessert or Push the Veggies” (LINK). It was about the selection of books and media for school libraries. Should we order what is most requested and popular or what aligns best with the school curriculum? If the budget allows, one should order both kinds of books. Our goal in the school library is to engender a lifelong interest in books and learning. Reading is for instruction and enjoyment. It is up to the librarian to communicate with teachers as to which books would most help support their coursework. As funds are always in short supply, it is up to the librarian to advocate for the purchase of books to benefit the students. At times, a parent may complain about a book in the collection, seeking to protect their child from whatever deficiency they perceive in the book, and to protect other people’s children as well. It is up to the librarian to have a complaint procedure in place. Preferably, the parent must read the book and describe what exactly bothers them. Then a library advisory board will review the complaint for a decision. The librarian advocates in favor of free access to any reading material a child wants to read. This post demonstrates my ability to discuss advocacy in favor of free access to materials in the library.
My second artifact is a discussion post on “Censorship” (LINK). This was for my LIBR 233 class School Library Media Center class. The instructor gave us question prompts on “intellectual freedom,” censorship, and several other related topics. I feel strongly about censorship in any context. In the post I draw on my experiences for thirteen years teaching biology and health education, mostly to high school students. On the one side, many parents are grateful that you are presenting age-appropriate, accurate information to their teens; on the other hand, there are still a few parents who would prefer not to have that information imparted to their child. As I told many high school classes, California and Texas are the two big states influencing the content of school textbooks. California has a broad health education program, giving students age appropriate, accurate information from which they can make informed decisions. They rank 36th out of 50 states (2005) with 53-66 pregnancies per 1000 for girls between 15 and 19 years old. Texas teachers can only teach abstinence to prevent pregnancy. Texas ranks 47 out of 50 states with 80-93 out of a 1000 (2005). New Hampshire is #1 with the lowest rate. Which method of instruction do you think works better? I also discuss banned books. This discussion post shows my competency at discussing censorship.
My third artifact is a discussion post from LIBR263, Literature for Children, ages 5 – 8. I review the book Heather has Two Mommies, by L. Newton (LINK). I discuss the process the author went through to have the book published, why it is controversial (portraying non-traditional family structure), and the importance of having this kind of book to represent diversity in the library. There are good reply comments from some of my classmates. This post shows my competency at writing a review on a controversial book and my efforts to promote awareness of diversity in the library collection.
Conclusion
The profession of librarian stands for upholding freedom of information, access of information for everyone, respect of diversity of all kinds, professionalism, social action, looking out for the Public Good, creating strong bonds with our community, and maintaining the trust and privacy of the patron. In addition, librarians model lifelong learning and are current on their knowledge of communication and search technologies.
References
American Library Association. Code of ethics. (1995). Code of Ethics. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 218-219. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (2004). Core values of librarianship. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 215-217. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (adopted 1953, most recently revised 2004). Freedom to read statement. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 225-228. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (1999). Libraries: an American value. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 231-232. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
American Library Association. (adopted 1948, most recently revised 1980). Library bill of rights. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 220-224. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.American Library Association.
Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada. (1955). Student’s bill of information rights. In Haycock, K. & Sheldon, B. (eds.) The portable MLIS: insights from the experts, pp. 229-230. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.
Jones, B. (2010). Wikileaks and its relationship to ALA. Accessed 09/28/2012 at http://www.emergingissues.ala.org/wikileaks/wikileaks-and-its-relationship-to-ala/
Levenson, K. (2010). Can the library be an effective resource to support the learning of homeless children? Focusing on Contra Costa County and Alameda County libraries. Unpublished. MLIS program, San Jose State University.
Mottsinger, C. (2007, June 14). Libraries offer more services to the homeless. USA today news. Accessed 09/27/2012 at http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-13-libraries_N.htm
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2012). State comparisons (from 2005). Accessed 09/27/2012 at www.thenationalcampaign.org
United Nations. (2012). The universal declaration of human rights. Accessed 09/27/2012 at www.un.org/en/documents/udhr.
libr advocacy
LIBR 233, Library Advocacy
libr advocacy
censorship
LIBR 233, censorship, libraries, reflections
censorship
LIBR 263 discussions board contributions
For Competency A, please focus on the post and its responses for 9/13/2010. I wrote a review of the controversial juvenile picture book (JPB) Heather has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman. It is a book about a non-traditional family where the mothers both have professional careers but otherwise their family is much like anyone else's.
