[Publib] RE: Censorship?

[Judy Anderson]

Who are you and how are you to decide what a child can and cannot read? Or 
anyone for that matter?

What if it is a kid at a Christian school doing a paper on devil worshippers 
for class? Would it be okay then?

We don't know the individuals enough to pass that kind of judgment. That's 
why it is up to the parents to decide.

If you had a suicidal patron (and how you would judge that without doing a 
psych interview is beyond me), why don't you also show them books on 
recovering from depression. Or why have the book in the library in the first 
place. Just censor it in advance and save yourself the trouble.

Judy Anderson
Oregon
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>From: "Mark Furukawa" <mfurukaw at lakeco.lib.in.us>
>To: <publib at webjunction.org>
>Subject: [Publib] RE: Censorship?
>Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:28:02 -0500
>
>You make me tired.
>I've been a 'professional' librarian for over 30 years, and have not 
>managed
>to see black-and-white so clearly as most of you who have so far responded
>to this question (and like questions previously).
>
>The flip side of your blithe "I'm not in loco parentis" is "it takes a
>village to raise a child." Do you watch a toddler step into a busy street,
>turn your back saying "it's not my child, let the parent watch out"?
>
>We need to be more than merely ivory tower archivists. We need to
>acknowledge we are part of our community and participate in helping that
>community thrive.
>
>When next an obviously upset patron (child or adult) comes to you asking 
>for
>a book on how to commit suicide, I am reassured your professionalism will
>impel you to, with no compunction, give him what he asks with no thought to
>watching the obituaries. Since he didn't ask, I'm sure you won't bend your
>professional ethics to suggest a suicide help-line. After all, it's not 
>your
>responsibility as a librarian to judge how the patron might use the
>information. By all means, do not judge - DISCERN!
>
>I have not managed to leave my humanity at the door when I go to work. When
>I do, it will be time for me to ask one of you for information on suicide.
>No, on second thought, at that time I will ask you for information on how 
>to
>"do a Columbine". Don't wonder why I'm asking. Don't hesitate to give me
>what I'm asking. By the way, is there hunting/fishing store nearby?
>
>Excuse me while I throw up. This is one of those times when I am ashamed to
>be labeled a 'professional' librarian.
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------
>Mark Furukawa
>http://ballz.ababa.net/markfurukawa/index.shtml
>      May I deal with honor,
>      May I act with courage,
>      May I achieve humility.
>                 from "Straight"
>                 by Dick Francis
>

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