In my Monday night class we were talking about the Children's department in the library and the best ways to keep younger patrons safe in the library. One of the other students started talking about a library in Wisconsin that is in danger of being shutdown. She heard the story on the local news while visiting the state for the week end . Unfortunately I couldn't find an Internet article about the story. I have e mailed to ask what news station so hopefully I can provide more information later.
The details of the story is that the library has a pornography room. Because of space issues the room is located in the children's department! The room is monitored and only adult patrons are allowed to visit the room. But how well can the room be monitored and wouldn't its location make younger patrons very curious about the room?
This made me think about the rights of the library. Are they allowed to have a room with this type of materials in the library? If they are allowed, is the room protected under IF policies?
After hearing the story I wasn't sure where I stood. At first I felt the room should never be allowed so close to the children's area and why would the library even need a room with only adult materials. Next I thought about IF and the need to serve all patrons. If it gets you into the library and reading , doesn't that support most libraries missions?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Post #9
Dr. Ball briefly mentioned in class last week the issue of lead in library books. I was a little late in getting the info . Here is an article with the main details. I didn't realize the threat until a friend who works in the children's department of a library, suddenly started talking about her plan to hide books and that certain classics always belonged in the library no matter what legislation said. She is definitely an advocate for IF and meant business if the legislation that goes into affect next year did take books off the library's selves. Fortunately the legislation will not affect libraries and books will stay on the shelves.
This got me thinking about other peoples reactions to the lead found in toys and books. I was at an Easter egg hunt this past week end and one of the kids participating got a match box car in his egg. His mother snatched the car out of his hand and began to inspect it. She then very loudly said if its made in China its going in the trash! I just kept thinking do you know how many products are made in China?
What should librarians say to patrons with these fears? It is their right to no longer allow products made in China in at home . But what about toys and books at the library? Could a patron who is loudly expressing their concerns cause other patrons to become concerned? I liked the example of in order for the lead in library books to be ingested by a child they would have to lick it repeatedly. Could you tell this to a patron or do you need to stay neutral and only voice the libraries policy?
This got me thinking about other peoples reactions to the lead found in toys and books. I was at an Easter egg hunt this past week end and one of the kids participating got a match box car in his egg. His mother snatched the car out of his hand and began to inspect it. She then very loudly said if its made in China its going in the trash! I just kept thinking do you know how many products are made in China?
What should librarians say to patrons with these fears? It is their right to no longer allow products made in China in at home . But what about toys and books at the library? Could a patron who is loudly expressing their concerns cause other patrons to become concerned? I liked the example of in order for the lead in library books to be ingested by a child they would have to lick it repeatedly. Could you tell this to a patron or do you need to stay neutral and only voice the libraries policy?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Blog post # 8
The other day my mom called me very excited about an article she was sending me from my hometown newspaper.( my mom may be the only person I know who still loves to send mail, she constantly cuts clipping out of the paper to send) . She said they are shutting down the bible trailer! The bible trailer is a trailer that parks outside of the elementary schools in my small town and if you have a signed permission slip you can visit the trailer for a bible lesson. I'm from a small conservative town and the bible trailer has been supported by the community for many years. I attended the bible trailer in the first grade and so did my 32 year old sister. Recently a local judge voted that the trailer went against church and state laws. This was a big shock to most members of the community. Here is an article about the school corporation meeting .
It has a few weird typos but I'm pretty impressed it was available online.
This got me thinking about libraries and the community they serve. My hometown community has supported the bible trailer program for years . Our library is very conservative and follows the unspoken guidelines the community creates. IF is an important practice to have in your library but I feel many communities would not support the idea. The group that has the loudest voice tends to make the rules.
It has a few weird typos but I'm pretty impressed it was available online.
This got me thinking about libraries and the community they serve. My hometown community has supported the bible trailer program for years . Our library is very conservative and follows the unspoken guidelines the community creates. IF is an important practice to have in your library but I feel many communities would not support the idea. The group that has the loudest voice tends to make the rules.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blog post #7
I just read an article that gave me hope for Intellectual Freedom in schools! The article
is about Delphi high school and three books used in an English class that were challenged by parents. The books are Bobbie Ann Mason's "In Country," Chris Crutcher's "Chinese Handcuffs" and Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye." The best part about the article was that the students fought for the continued use of the books. They felt the discussions they had because of the books were so important.
I remember the books I read for English in high school and remember not being passionate about the books . I also felt as though I didn't gain any knowledge from the assigned books. The students were successful , the board voted to keep the books. It was great to read about students and teachers defending their Intellectual Freedom in the classroom.
is about Delphi high school and three books used in an English class that were challenged by parents. The books are Bobbie Ann Mason's "In Country," Chris Crutcher's "Chinese Handcuffs" and Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye." The best part about the article was that the students fought for the continued use of the books. They felt the discussions they had because of the books were so important.
I remember the books I read for English in high school and remember not being passionate about the books . I also felt as though I didn't gain any knowledge from the assigned books. The students were successful , the board voted to keep the books. It was great to read about students and teachers defending their Intellectual Freedom in the classroom.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Blog post #6
This week I was having trouble finding something to blog about. I started a general search for articles about libraries and I came up with this article about the ILA selling an Obama license plates that will benefit summer reading programs ( and other library programs). This article doesn't really have a lot to do with IF but I thought it was a very resourceful way for the ILA to raise funds.
Next I found an article about IF advocate Senator Pell . He worked on creating legislation for education and libraries from 1961 to 1997. He was also made an honorary member of the ALA for all of his efforts and attended this years ALA conference in Denver ( did you get a chance to see him Dr. ball?). Usually what I hear about senators is not very positive and certainly not about the impact they make on education or IF. Unfortunately he died this year at the age of 90. But sounds like he spend lots of time during his 90 years as an advocate for IF. That's a tall order but hopefully we will all get a chance to do our part for IF.
Next I found an article about IF advocate Senator Pell . He worked on creating legislation for education and libraries from 1961 to 1997. He was also made an honorary member of the ALA for all of his efforts and attended this years ALA conference in Denver ( did you get a chance to see him Dr. ball?). Usually what I hear about senators is not very positive and certainly not about the impact they make on education or IF. Unfortunately he died this year at the age of 90. But sounds like he spend lots of time during his 90 years as an advocate for IF. That's a tall order but hopefully we will all get a chance to do our part for IF.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Blog post #5 part two
The new covers for adults also made me think about Orca Soundings. They are books designed for teens with a lower reading level. They feature short sentences , simple vocabulary and plots that would interest teens. A few are pretty scandalous and a library friend of mine talked about they often get challenged. Here is a link to one I think is a little scandalous. But if it gets teens reading?!
Charmed
Charmed
Blog Post # 5
I found this article because of the title Harry Potter gets a bootleg makeover
I'm a very big fan of Harry Potter so I thought I would read it and see what had happened to my favorite wizard. An American designer posted new covers for the Harry Potter Books for adults who wanted a more grown up cover. The writer of the article was not allowed to show the link to the covers. According to to the writer they were great covers featuring penguins and only subtle hints about the book's title such as a snake coiling around a sword.
I understand why these covers cannot be shown- although I am a little sad because I'm really interested now! It got me thinking about patrons who like children / young adult books but are shy to check them out because of the covers/ implications that go along with the books. Other adult covers have been made and sold for Harry Potter in the UK. I remember buying one with just a simple picture of train when I studied abroad. I also remember reading about how well they sold and how often the more adult covers were read on public transportation.
Is this something that would be beneficial to libraries? I love children and YA books and have no trouble checking them out and reading them around others. What about other patrons who may have a lower reading level or would be drawn to the books with a more adult cover? Would a new cover attract more readers and patrons or should they just man up and admit children and YA books are ok with them?
I'm a very big fan of Harry Potter so I thought I would read it and see what had happened to my favorite wizard. An American designer posted new covers for the Harry Potter Books for adults who wanted a more grown up cover. The writer of the article was not allowed to show the link to the covers. According to to the writer they were great covers featuring penguins and only subtle hints about the book's title such as a snake coiling around a sword.
I understand why these covers cannot be shown- although I am a little sad because I'm really interested now! It got me thinking about patrons who like children / young adult books but are shy to check them out because of the covers/ implications that go along with the books. Other adult covers have been made and sold for Harry Potter in the UK. I remember buying one with just a simple picture of train when I studied abroad. I also remember reading about how well they sold and how often the more adult covers were read on public transportation.
Is this something that would be beneficial to libraries? I love children and YA books and have no trouble checking them out and reading them around others. What about other patrons who may have a lower reading level or would be drawn to the books with a more adult cover? Would a new cover attract more readers and patrons or should they just man up and admit children and YA books are ok with them?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blog post #4
I've noticed that Facebook has been a popular topic for this weeks blog posts. I had already thought about this idea and decided I still wanted to blog about it . Sorry for the Facebook repetition! Recently Facebook took down pictures of mothers breastfeeding. This ruffled a lot of feathers! This article from the LA Times talks more about it.
Both of my sisters recently had babies and are breastfeeding. They were both bothered by the removal of the pictures. Although neither one likes to breastfeed in public places. One of my sisters is a nurse and will pump in a special area at work. She often complains about how excluded she feels during her break time.( the special area also used to be a closet so not alot of space is available) This made me think about the library. IF is usually promoted at the library and lots of mothers visit with their children. Does breastfeeding factor into this? In many museums a new mother room is available for breastfeeding. I thought of the libraries I have visited during my lifetime and could not remember a special area for new mothers.
If a mother does breastfeed her child in the children's department, would this cause patrons to complain or children to ask questions their parents do not feel comfortable answering? I do not currently work in a library or have children so I can't use my life experience to answer this question. When I worked in a school we had a few teachers who would pump in the teacher's lounge. I personally had no objection but a few teachers complained and a special area was created. Having to go to this special area would take away from the little free time they had during the day. It seemed as though the mother's freedoms were being taken away. On the other hand if you find it offensive or if it makes you uncomfortable isn't it your right to complain?
Both of my sisters recently had babies and are breastfeeding. They were both bothered by the removal of the pictures. Although neither one likes to breastfeed in public places. One of my sisters is a nurse and will pump in a special area at work. She often complains about how excluded she feels during her break time.( the special area also used to be a closet so not alot of space is available) This made me think about the library. IF is usually promoted at the library and lots of mothers visit with their children. Does breastfeeding factor into this? In many museums a new mother room is available for breastfeeding. I thought of the libraries I have visited during my lifetime and could not remember a special area for new mothers.
If a mother does breastfeed her child in the children's department, would this cause patrons to complain or children to ask questions their parents do not feel comfortable answering? I do not currently work in a library or have children so I can't use my life experience to answer this question. When I worked in a school we had a few teachers who would pump in the teacher's lounge. I personally had no objection but a few teachers complained and a special area was created. Having to go to this special area would take away from the little free time they had during the day. It seemed as though the mother's freedoms were being taken away. On the other hand if you find it offensive or if it makes you uncomfortable isn't it your right to complain?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Blog post #3
Yesterday in one of my classes we broke into small groups and talked about different groups of patrons at the library. This made me think about the homeless population and their rights at the library. This group is usually viewed as undesirable and the few librarians I know usually talk about them as a problem in their library.
For a person who is homeless the library may in fact be one of their most valuable resources. Many jobs applications are only online and information is available about current issues and problems. Also most of the shelters available have time limits such as only being open during certain hours. The library provides a safe environment to go during in between times.
When I lived in Chicago and worked as a nanny , I would often go to story time during the day. The library housed two groups during this time normally. Kids and their caretakers and the homeless. The services provided and treatment of the two groups were as different as night and day. The librarians created programs and were always available to answer questions that the kids and their caretakers had. The homeless seemed to be merely tolerated and services / programs were not provided.
How can this problem be addressed? The homeless tend to make other groups at the library uncomfortable. Mental illness is an issue that tends to affect the homeless, this can result in usual behavior that would make others in the library uncomfortable. But they also have the same rights as other patrons and may need the support from the library more than others.
For a person who is homeless the library may in fact be one of their most valuable resources. Many jobs applications are only online and information is available about current issues and problems. Also most of the shelters available have time limits such as only being open during certain hours. The library provides a safe environment to go during in between times.
When I lived in Chicago and worked as a nanny , I would often go to story time during the day. The library housed two groups during this time normally. Kids and their caretakers and the homeless. The services provided and treatment of the two groups were as different as night and day. The librarians created programs and were always available to answer questions that the kids and their caretakers had. The homeless seemed to be merely tolerated and services / programs were not provided.
How can this problem be addressed? The homeless tend to make other groups at the library uncomfortable. Mental illness is an issue that tends to affect the homeless, this can result in usual behavior that would make others in the library uncomfortable. But they also have the same rights as other patrons and may need the support from the library more than others.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blog Post #2
The other day I was checking my gmail account. I had just read an e- mail from a friend and in the e mail they talked about watching Full House on tv. After I read the e- mail I went back to my inbox and noticed an add for Jesse and the Rippers t shirts. I was freaked out! Does google read my mind now? I sent an e- mail to the friend who was watching Full House ( since I decieded to write about this I'm wishing a much cooler show was the subject of the e- mail!). They immediatly responded with yes google scans your e- mails so they can post ads that might interest you it was the term of use you signed.
Hmm the terms of use I signed . I remember this I checked yes I agree without reading a word of it. In fact I do this often. I always just assume I have no choice because I want to use the service and if I don't agree I can't use the service. I have have been limiting my own IF!
From now on I'm going to make sure I read before I check accept. I'm also going to investigate my options if I do not agree.
Hmm the terms of use I signed . I remember this I checked yes I agree without reading a word of it. In fact I do this often. I always just assume I have no choice because I want to use the service and if I don't agree I can't use the service. I have have been limiting my own IF!
From now on I'm going to make sure I read before I check accept. I'm also going to investigate my options if I do not agree.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
IF Posting #1!
Intellectual Freedom is not a topic I know very much about or feel very strongly about.Hopefully by the end of this class I will be ready to throw elbows & be well educated about IF!
The first thing I did was research IF. I went to the ALA website ( http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/index.cfm) and read about challenged books, ALA's mission and the OIF blog (http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/) . I have alot to learn & I can't wait for Banned Book Week!
After this I talked to a few of my friends and family because I wanted their opinion / thoughts on IF. I started with my friend who teaches 7th grade English. She feels very strongly about IF and wants everyone no matter what age to be able to choose what they want to read.Unfortunately her opinion does not count at her school.She went on to talk about how hard she had to fight for her class to read The Giver.( not exactly a scandalous book!)
Next I called my mom's friend who has been a librarian for over 15 years. She also feels strongly about IF ( how has everyone's strong opinion not rubbed off on me?!). She talked about her biggest challenge, IF over selection. She often struggles when choosing/ approving new materials not be be swayed by her own personal views and opinions.She also has to consider the conservative small town she works in. often community standards win over IF.
Last I talked to my Nana who's opinion is always interesting.She enjoys a good smutty romance novel and as long as the book isn't hurting anyone you should be able to read it. She also told me to find out how my teacher felt about IF and agree with her.Best way to ensure I get a good grade.
My next posting will be based on a current article and how it relates to IF. I hope this post is ok. If it isn't I will be happy to create another post based on an article. I just wanted to get a few more facts first and explore the topic of IF.
The first thing I did was research IF. I went to the ALA website ( http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/index.cfm) and read about challenged books, ALA's mission and the OIF blog (http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/) . I have alot to learn & I can't wait for Banned Book Week!
After this I talked to a few of my friends and family because I wanted their opinion / thoughts on IF. I started with my friend who teaches 7th grade English. She feels very strongly about IF and wants everyone no matter what age to be able to choose what they want to read.Unfortunately her opinion does not count at her school.She went on to talk about how hard she had to fight for her class to read The Giver.( not exactly a scandalous book!)
Next I called my mom's friend who has been a librarian for over 15 years. She also feels strongly about IF ( how has everyone's strong opinion not rubbed off on me?!). She talked about her biggest challenge, IF over selection. She often struggles when choosing/ approving new materials not be be swayed by her own personal views and opinions.She also has to consider the conservative small town she works in. often community standards win over IF.
Last I talked to my Nana who's opinion is always interesting.She enjoys a good smutty romance novel and as long as the book isn't hurting anyone you should be able to read it. She also told me to find out how my teacher felt about IF and agree with her.Best way to ensure I get a good grade.
My next posting will be based on a current article and how it relates to IF. I hope this post is ok. If it isn't I will be happy to create another post based on an article. I just wanted to get a few more facts first and explore the topic of IF.
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