This is re the ongoing discussion about politically correct collections, for those people following it.
This is my opinion only, and it may be misguided and idiodic at best, offensive at worst, so please be forgiving and take it with your own measures of salt: although I am among the minority in the library profession, I think censorship is a reasonable exercise. We always censor naturally for personal agendas (we don't buy everything, we don't read everything, we don't allow everything into our mouth or home). When we represent an organization, as in the role of the Librarian, we may also build our collection according to the agenda of the organization. Although the organization (school, public lib, college, whatever) is a combination of different people, they are all generally working towards a defined, common goal/agenda. Relevant to the conversation, if a library is considered "Jewish," no one looking for books there should expect to find Christian or Muslim works. No patron should be upset if other faiths are not represented, because the library is not being billed as a multicultural, multi-ethnic learning center. A synagogue, or Jewish day school, for that matter, etc, is Jewish. If the organization is Orthodox Jewish, they do not need to represent Reform (etc) Judaism. If the school/center is Reform (etc), they do not need to represent Orthodox. (although, the Torah is still a part of Reform (etc) Judaism, and, for research collections even in Orthodox organizations, material from other sects or faiths may be helpful to have on hand.) If libraries choose to offer material alternative to their agenda, because they feel that the material will help their patrons in some way, gazuntaheit. If they feel that their mission or agenda is to expand the minds of their patrons in some way, then they are welcome, to that end, to purchase ANY material that they feel will meet that goal, be it learning hindi or crocheting scarves. But any collection developer(s) can decide what and what not to include in their collection, and are not beholden to "peer pressure" that they should or should not include certain "mind-expanding" material. If they think it is practical for their collection, to address the needs/meet the goals of their organization, fine, and if not, the material will most likely be able to find another welcoming home. Obviously, finding good material is a goal, and sometimes undesirable writers produce good works--or desirable topics obligate the purchase of poorly written works. But in selecting books, both the quality and the content are relevant. Thank you for tolerating this expression of opinion. Only the highest regards for all of you! Lani Droz ========================================================================== HaSafran - The Electronic Forum of the Association of Jewish Libraries Submissions for HaSafran, send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org/
