Understanding Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
Intellectual freedom is essential for a democratic society, allowing individuals to seek and share information without restrictions. Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to diverse ideas. Censorship, on the other hand, suppresses information deemed objectionable by certain entities. It is important to differentiate between censorship and individuals making informed decisions regarding content access.
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Intellectual Freedom Questions & Answers!
What Is Intellectual Freedom? 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.
Why Is Intellectual Freedom Important? Intellectual freedom is the basis for our democratic system. We expect our people to be self-governors. But to do so responsibly, our citizenry must be well-informed. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas.
Why Libraries? Libraries provide the ideas and information, in a variety of formats, to allow people to inform themselves. Librarians (and teachers!) are professionals. They purchase and teach content based on education best practices Remember. . . Libraries are part of the community. But librarians have the power to exercise their own judgment regarding what goes on in their library.
Today we will. . . Discuss a few different terms that are thrown around a lot Talk about what is currently going on in the world of intellectual freedom (in Idaho) Discuss YOUR questions, comments and situations
What Is Censorship? Censorship is the suppression of ideas and information that certain persons individuals, groups or government officials find objectionable or dangerous. It is no more complicated than someone saying, Don t let anyone read this book, or buy that magazine, or view that film, because I object to it! Censors try to use the power of the state to impose their view of what is truthful and appropriate, or offensive and objectionable, on everyone else. The censor wants to prejudge materials for everyone.
What is Censorship NOT? A parent refusing to let his or her child see a certain film, read a certain book, etc. Although: children do have certain free speech rights A teacher choosing age-appropriate books for his or her curriculum A private organization or individual refusing to showcase material that does not reflect their beliefs A librarian choosing not to buy material after considering the library s collection
Collection development is not censorship Collection development is inclusive Censorship is exclusive Unless the decision is based on a disapproval of the ideas expressed and desire to keep those ideas away from public access, a decision not to select materials for a library collection is not censorship.
Also. . . A patron who tells a librarian about his or her objections to a certain material is not necessarily trying to censor the material. Opportunity for conversation! A patron who approaches a government body or other authority and tries to get material removed IS attempting censorship
What are common reasons for censorship? Objectionable material LGBTQ content Violence Foul language Religious content Racist/sexist material Obscene material Pornography
Thats great. But arent there some materials that really should be censored? Let s talk about the difference between pornography and obscenity
What is pornography? I know it when I see it. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, 1964 Material created with the intention to arouse the viewer; explicit material does not exist within larger story line, broader theme, etc. Debbie Does Dallas v Anti-Christ (Lars von Trier) Barely Legal (magazine) v. Michelangelo s David statue
Porn By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/ w/index.php?curid=4740 5504
NOT Porn By J rg Bittner Unna - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wiki media.org/w/index.ph p?curid=46495986
What is obscenity? LEGAL TERM Obscene material is illegal to create or possess Three requirements: Appeals to a prurient (or morbid, unhealthy, etc.) interest in sex Depicts sexual acts in an offensive way Lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value
But what about the children? The primary responsibility for rearing children rests with parents. If parents want to keep certain ideas or forms of expression away from their children, they must assume the responsibility for shielding those children. Governmental institutions cannot be expected to usurp or interfere with parental obligations and responsibilities when it comes to deciding what a child may read or view.
How can libraries help parents? Libraries can be extremely helpful, providing information about parenting, open communication between parents and children, how to communicate with caregivers and the parents of your children s friends about your rules, and the opinions of various organizations representing a wide spectrum of points of view about materials for children. If a child borrows something from a library which that child s parent believes is inappropriate, the parents are encouraged to return the item and make use of the expertise of their librarian to locate materials they prefer, among the hundreds of thousands of choices most public libraries make available.
Recent Events Meridian (2014), The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian Language, anti-Christian, references to masturbation, racist Protest Coeur d Alene (2015), Of Mice and Men Language, too dark A Birthday Cake for George Washington Pulled by the publisher
What would you say to a patron who objected to a book on display?
What have you done/wanted to do to promote intellectual freedom in your library?
What can the Intellectual Freedom Committee do to help you?
What can I do? Stay informed. Know what is happening in your state legislature, local school and library boards, and city councils. Keep up with your Intellectual Freedom Committee! Annah Hackett, annahhackett@gmail.com Read our newsletter! Let us know what happens in your community! Check out these additional resources
