Friday Follow-up: Library Bill of Rights Guides Member Libraries’ Tough Decisions

This mission statement from ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom sets the tone for today’s Friday Follow-up. The Library Bill of Rights serves as the fundamental doctrine of librarianship. It is a record that should be incorporated into all STLS member libraries’ policy manuals and referenced regularly by librarians and trustees. Quite honestly, it guides us through our toughest challenges by embracing our core values.

Last week, I attended a trustee book discussion at Howard Library (Steuben County) with representatives from several member libraries. They came together to discuss the book, “Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries for Today’s Complex World “by R. David Lankes. Author and Professor David Lankes was very kind to join us via Skype. And STLS Trustee Development Consultant Margo Gustina did a superb job of leading the discussion.

During this meeting, Mary Ann Thomas, trustee at Southeast Steuben County Library, informed me of an act by one of our member librarians that solidified my ongoing respect for her work. She is a colleague and friend, but after hearing her story, it evident she is a virtuous librarian.

 Here is my interview with Pauline Emery, library director Southeast Steuben County Library:

Me: In March 2013, speaker and activist Conner Habib was scheduled to talk at Corning Community College as part of the school’s sex health week initiative, but was cancelled last minute due to his involvement in the adult film industry.

The Southeast Steuben County Library decided to host Mr. Habib’s talk to ensure college students could hear him speak. Why did you think the library needed to provide space for his talk?

Pauline: Students from the college’s LGBT community were frantically looking for a space that would host Mr. Habib’s talk. Maryalice Little books our meeting rooms and she came to me with their request. I have always seen the Library Bill of Rights as the guiding beacon to all library policy. When we received this request I knew it had the potential to be a “hot button” issue and I knew we would be requesting our first round of public tax support. Those two items were of big concern, but I felt our duty was first and foremost to uphold intellectual freedom. Many staff and board discussions followed but we all stood together.

Me: What do you think would have happened if the library didn’t host this discussion? Would the community or college students be at a loss?

Pauline: I feel the event might have taken place in a private residence had we not hosted it. Larger venues were not responsive to the students.

Without a doubt the students and community would have been at a loss, had this program not taken place. It was one of the best programs I have ever attended. It was standing room only and people of all ages, races, sexual and political backgrounds were in attendance. And by the way, Mr. Habib, just happens to be an activist for anti-censorship and LGBT rights. He has taught and spoken at hundreds of campuses around the country. People in attendance were thanking the library for hosting it. One person stated “thank you for giving them a voice.” There are moments in your life when you are certain that what you do matters and that program mattered.

Me: It is my understanding some community members were upset about the library’s decision to host this discussion. How did you react to this situation?

Pauline: Some community members did confront me regarding the library’s choice to host the program. I explained the Library Bill of Rights. I used the example of how, one year a program that promoted a pro-Palestinian movie received complaints from some members of the Jewish community. The library responded by offering our space to host a pro-Israeli film. That example did turn some people around. You will always have those that want to censor and silence. Libraries are here to allow for the free flow of thought, materials and ideas.

Me: Was there a positive reaction from community members or college students despite the minority who protested?

Pauline: Yes, I received two emails from out-of-state saying thank you. After Mr. Habib’s program a patron in attendance handed the library a $500 check. She is the person who stated “Thanks for giving them a voice.” We forged a good relationship with the college students and we started seeing them in the library more and more. It was funny, they felt we were Bad A** Librarians for doing our job….which makes me laugh.

Me: Clearly you referenced and exercised the Library Bill of Rights in your decision making. As a librarian, do you feel this policy holds you to an ethical standard? And have you referred to it throughout your career?

Pauline: Time and time again it has guided me when making decisions. I do think it holds you to an ethical standard and honestly that is not always easy. You must be fair and check yourself. You have to keep your personal ideology out of it. You must host programs that you may not personally agree with. I always say unless they are a Hate group or doing something illegal they can use the space as outlined by our policy rules.

Me: Do you have any advice for other member libraries that might be challenged for providing materials and information presenting all points of view?

Pauline: If you can take a library class on Intellectual Freedom… do it! If you can’t, go to the ALA website and read their materials or try to go to the New York Library Association Conference and attend some of the wonderful forums provided. I think it is essential for directors to educate themselves regarding Intellectual Freedom.Once you do that, it is then time to guide your board into accepting the Library Bill of Rights. It serves as your backbone policy. Ours is a noble profession and freedom of information is essential.

I want to thank Pauline for taking the time to answer my questions. For more information on the Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom, please enjoy these links. Another highly recommended resource is, “Our Enduring Values: Revisited – Librarianship in an Ever-Changing World” by Michael Gorman.

Enjoy your August 20th weekend, STLS member libraries.