Oh, that's harsh! I can assure you, no one "lied" to me. No sir, two advanced degrees from distinguished library schools and thirty years of practice and teaching informed my position. Understanding ALA positions on intellectual freedom is nuanced, more so than most staff and many managers can handle. Indeed, challenges come from "allies" within as much as "enemies" without. It is one matter to have materials available for patrons to read or consult, and to respect the privacy of their information seeking. It is another thing altogether to establish public programs, or simple displays, promoting an issue. Finally, removal of library materials because of "dated" views all too often is a mask for censors, and personal bias in materials selection is legendary.
Oh, that's harsh! I can assure you, no one "lied" to me. No sir, two advanced degrees from distinguished library schools and thirty years of practice and teaching informed my position. Understanding ALA positions on intellectual freedom is nuanced, more so than most staff and many managers can handle. Indeed, challenges come from "allies" within as much as "enemies" without. It is one matter to have materials available for patrons to read or consult, and to respect the privacy of their information seeking. It is another thing altogether to establish public programs, or simple displays, promoting an issue. Finally, removal of library materials because of "dated" views all too often is a mask for censors, and personal bias in materials selection is legendary.