The Effect of Censorship on Collection Development in School Libraries

 Kent, Amanda

Follen, J., Goff, M., & Salazar, K. (2018, May 16). The effect of censorship on collection

 development in school libraries. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3172616&download=yes

Summary:

    Three students from the School of Information, University of Texas Austin, conducted three case studies regarding the effect censorship has on collection development in middle and high school libraries. The article discusses the pressure librarians and teachers feel to keep material on the shelves that serve the students but also worry about offending the parents. With the ongoing complaints from parents to remove books that they feel are inappropriate, librarians tend to self-censorship to avoid conflict. The themes that parents tend to want censored the most are LGBTQIA+ themes, graphic violence, language, drug use, and sexual content. The case studies conducted involve a book that had the N-word, the author of a young adult novel, and the aftereffects that banning a specific book in school causes. The article speaks of the perspectives of the parents, students, and librarians.

Opinion/Thoughts/Evaluation:

    Censorship of books in collections has been an ongoing battle. I found this article interesting because not many resources provide the perspective of the challenger or parent. The article brings up good points regarding the challenger's actions and mindset. I do not believe in book banning and, along with librarians, feel everyone should have access to information. Reading about complex topics brings understanding and empathy, but from the parent's perspective, it has negative consequences such as "bad moral behavior." Another interesting aspect is the acknowledgment that little research is done regarding the child's perspective. The children are usually caught in the middle but are unheard. The article brings up a great point of how children want to read a book based solely on the fact that it is now banned and that those interviewed do not agree with their parents. It is important to understand the mindset of parents so that collection development policies can be implemented that benefit everyone involved.

Potential for trauma in public libraries experiencing book banning and material challenges

Yeon, J., & Dudak, L. T. (2024). Potential for trauma in public libraries experiencing book banning and material challenges. Public Library Quarterly, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2024.2442215

Summary:

        This article highlights the difficulties of working in a library as a result of pressure from patrons or organizations to remove content from circulation. Material challenges are at an all time high over these last few years with the American Library Association receiving over 1,200 materials challenges in 2022, the most they have ever received. Yeon and Dudak view trauma experienced by library workers as an aspect of the job that has been overlooked for a long time because of the perception of library jobs being quiet. There has always been pressure to ban books for one reason or another but libraries are seeing this more than ever. It is not an uncommon occurrence for patrons to walk into a library and yell at the staff about a book they think is not suitable for the library or for children. According to the article a majority of library workers have experienced aggressive and disrespectful behavior from patrons inside the library. The article argues that these interactions can be very stressful for library workers. Additionally, the article highlights how book banning and the censorship of certain materials can be traumatic for members of the community as well because it is a rejection of their identity and experience.

Opinion/Evaluation:

        I found this article to be an interesting insight into libraries as it focuses on an element of working in a library that most people are not aware of. Whenever I hear people talking about working in a library they say it is quiet and not much goes on. I think libraries are like any job where you work with people, there is no guarantee how they will act. This article did well to highlight the stressful side of working in a library and the pressure workers face from patrons, organizations, and the government to censor materials. On top of the trauma library workers face, I think this article makes solid points about the impact book banning has on people in the community. This article shows that it is more important than ever for libraries to fight against book banning and censorship. 

“The library is so much more than books”: Considerations for the design and implementation of teen digital mental health services in public libraries.

Knapp, A. A., Hersch, E., Wijaya, C., Herrera, M. A., Kruzan, K. P., Carroll, A. J., Lee, S., Baker, A., Gray, A., Harris, V., Simmons, R., Kour Sodhi, D., Hannah, N., Reddy, M., Karnik, N. S., Smith, J. D., Brown, C. H., & Mohr, D. C. (2023). “The library is so much more than books”: Considerations for the design and implementation of teen digital mental health services in public libraries. Frontiers in Digital Health, 5, 1183319. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2023.1183319

Summary: 

This study examines the potential for implementing digital mental health (DMH) services for teens in public libraries. Researchers interviewed 17 library workers at a Chicago-area library serving diverse communities to identify implementation considerations. The study found that libraries function as crucial safe spaces for marginalized teens, with library workers serving as “conduits” who guide patrons to resources. Several facilitators for implementing DMH services were identified, including strong leadership support, existing technological resources, the library’s community hub status, and cultural values emphasizing equity and antiracism. Barriers included library workers’ lack of confidence in addressing teen mental health, uncertainty about finding effective resources, community concerns about “library overreach,” and mental health stigma. The researchers concluded that public libraries are promising settings for implementing DMH services, particularly for historically underrepresented teens. They emphasized the importance of co-designing services with teens, developing protocols for high-risk concerns, and training library workers.

Opinion/Evaluation:

Overall, this study makes an important contribution to the field of digital mental health and community-based interventions. By recognizing public libraries as trusted, accessible spaces for youth, Knapp et al. highlight an innovative and socially responsible avenue for addressing teen mental health disparities. Their ongoing commitment to centering marginalized voices and fostering collaboration is particularly commendable. Public libraries across the country are implementing similar initiatives and can greatly benefit from the insights provided by this study.

Collection Gaps: The Detrimental Effect on Archival Collections

  Bowers, J., Crowe, K., & Keeran, P. (2017). “If You Want the History of a White Man, You Go to the Library” : Critiquing Our Legacy, Addressing Our Library Collections Gaps. Collection Management, 42(3–4), 159–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/01462679.2017.1329104

Submitted By: Gracie Petersmeyer

Summary

    In the article entitled "If You Want the History of a White Man, You Go to the Library' by Jennifer Bowers, Katherine Crowe, and Peggy Keeran, the University of Denver special collections librarians, our authors, are actively critiquing their collection is relation to its lack of content regarding Native American voices. 

    "In 2016, the Task Force on Native American Inclusivity [at the University of Denver] provided recommendations for more inclusion of Native American culture, history, and experience in the curriculum; a memorandum of understanding between DU and the Cheyenne and Arapaho nations," (Bowers et. al., 2017, p. 159). The University of Denver, being one of the first universities built when expanding westward, has a long and troubled past with the Native American communities surrounding the institution. The founding of the university was only completed in part due to a massacure of native populations by an early university public figure (Bowers  et. al., 2017, p.161). Over the course of the article, the university librarians determine that their special archives collection is not necessarily lacking in documents regarding the indigenous communities surrounding the university, but they are lacking in materials in their voice. Almost all of the collections are from the perspective a white person rather than the indigenous communities that were actively being colonized. 

    The librarians lay out a plan for how to better their collection as well as reframe the narrative of the topics discussed when from the point of view of a white colonizer. Using aspects of critical race theory and the feminist 'ethics of care' the librarians "critique collecting and cataloging practices, as these are often a continuation of the institutionalized dehumanization of marginalized people," (Bowers et. al., 2017, p. 163). While the librarians can't grow their collection significantly due to funding, they suggest buying a few titles and other materials that focus narrative on indigenous perspective, while working to actively reframe the collections that they already have from a different perspective. They also suggest utilizing online databases that have large collection of primary and secondary sources regarding these topics, such as the Library of Congress or ProQuest. The Indigenous communities currently living today should also be involved whenever possible, as these materials might be sensitive and require approval for use (Bowers et. al., 2017, pp. 167-169).

    When the archival materials are used in classes, for observation or otherwise, librarians should instruct the students to consider other perspectives. Since the current collection is mostly written from the perspective of white colonizers, student's should use other primary and secondary resources provided by the institution for context,  (Bowers et. al., 2017, pp. 172).

Opinion/Evaluation

    Overall, I thought that this article was well thought out and well researched. The librarians' recognize that their collections need to be updated and the perspective needs to be shifted. Their enthusiasm for this shift is evident and it is nice to see and institution that has been so involved in the history of the colonization of Indigenous lands be actively working towards making a difference in the history told. 

    I thought that the librarians' research into different theories of thought and teaching was throughout, as well as the context that followed. I also appreciated the inclusion of the cataloging and archival systems created by Indigenous archivists, even if it is not recognized by the Society of American Archivists. These conversations are important to have and those in power in institutions such as the University of Denver must continue to do better to represent everyone in history. 

    

Integrating Ethics and Career Futures with Technical Learning to Promote AI Literacy for Middle School Students: An Exploratory Study

Zhang, H., Lee, I., Ali, S., DiPaola, D., Cheng, Y., & Breazeal, C. (2023). Integrating Ethics and Career Futures with Technical Learning to Promote AI Literacy for Middle School Students: An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 33(2), 290–324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-022-00293-3 

Submitted by John Cruz

Summary:

    The "Developing AI Literacy" (DAILy) curriculum functions as the focus of this study to evaluate its effectiveness for teaching middle school students about AI literacy. The curriculum structure combines knowledge about AI technical processes with ethical considerations of AI impacts on society alongside instruction about AI career paths and personal connections to AI. Zhang et. al, (2022) implemented DAILy through virtual summer workshops for 25 middle school students who belong to underrepresented STEM/CS groups. The online delivery system utilized Zoom and Google Classroom for teaching sessions because of pandemic restrictions. Students participated in practical Pastaland decision tree exercises and neural network simulations while they explored generative AI applications in arts and media and societal effects. The curriculum structure untied technical learning with ethical investigations and career exploration through activities that applied AI concepts to students' real experiences.

    The researches collected data through pre/post-tests (AI Concept Inventory) along with attitude and career surveys, student presentations, observations, and interviews. The research reveals important findings which show that students developed notable understandings about AI concepts including supervised learning and logic systems. Students successfully recognized machine learning bias while showing understanding of methods to reduce it. Students now view AI as a field which combines personal life experiences with professional opportunities and societal influences and technical subject matter. The participants gained better understanding about AI-related job opportunities.

    The co-development of the curriculum between AI researchers and experienced educators remains significant because it shapes the educational framework for the future. The upcoming modifications will add predictive scenario examples to the curriculum while requiring students to implement AI ethical principles for addressing community problems. The research study points out that participant selection was not random and the student population was particular to this study. The DAILy curriculum teaches fundamental AI literacy elements that include ethical and career aspects to middle school students while demonstrating why sociotechnical viewpoints should be integrated in early AI education programs.

 Review:

    

    The article proposes that future public education systems teach AI literacy to K-12 students with middle school being the essential time for AI understanding development. Public education must teach AI technical aspects while simultaneously teaching ethical, societal, and career implications to prepare students for AI system consumption, creation, and evaluation. Students must learn to critically evaluate the issues of bias, privacy, security, and digital content authenticity because AI technology will continue to penetrate all aspects of daily life. The development of these skills enables students to adapt to AI-driven changes in their workplace and society which prepares them for future careers and makes them better citizens in an AI-affected world.

Crisis Librarianship: An Examination of Online Librarianship Roles in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

 Reed, K. N., Kester, B., Kaufmann, K. F., Homol, L., & Crampsie, C. (2022). Crisis Librarianship: An Examination of Online Librarianship Roles in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), 102530–102530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102530

Submitted by William Suarez

Summary:

    A study that surveyed the members of a library organization for their perceptions of their online roles as librarians. This study placed a focus on any change to online librarianship roles after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns beginning in March 2020. Participates were given a survey that exercises both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The results show that overall, the roles largely remained the same as before the lockdowns. The survey also showed that there were reports of increase in demands due to workplace issues like a lack in resources.

Review:

    This was a very valuable research study as libraries had to undergo a lot of change due to the pandemic lockdowns. I believe this was a much needed study to do as after the lockdown, these changes also provide a change for libraries to reevaluate themselves and adjust themselves according to what their respective communities need. The results prove that this survey was needed after the lockdowns as even though the professional role itself remained unchanged, this change allowed the workers to realize where they were lacking in their ability to do their job, i.e. realizing that they were lacking in resources. 

The Necessity of Embracing Collection Gaps: Moving Towards Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Collecting

Kramer, R. (2024). The Necessity of Embracing Collection Gaps: Moving Towards Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Collecting. RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts, & Cultural Heritage, 25(1), 93–97. https://doi.org/10.5860/rbm.25.1.93

Submitted by Jocelyn A. Guevara

Summary: 

This article addresses issues with ongoing attempts to close collection gaps in libraries. They define collection gaps as a, “lack of materials in relation to a specific theme, event, or historical idea” (Kramer, 2024). Many institutions have created policies to address these collection gaps and diversify the items offered to patrons. However, the author points out that diversity is often misunderstood by librarians and the resulting attempts to diversify a collection can actually be misrepresentative of a group if done incorrectly. Specifically, libraries often address diversity by including items that highlight or focus on the lived trauma, and consequences of that trauma, of a group. Instead, librarians should seek to build collections that close the collection gap by including the various experiences and viewpoints of a group- not just their trauma. In instances where those items cannot be located, the author proposes that institutions should acknowledge the collection gap, and why it exists, instead of spending funding on acquisitions that only focus only on trauma. The article also goes over the value of welcoming underrepresented individuals into the library profession to help develop these multifaceted collections. 

Reflection:

During this course, we focused on community connection and collection development as a direct response to community needs. However, libraries are also a repository for the histories of so many people. As our communities become more diverse, and as our world shrinks, it’s important to make sure those experiences are not erased from the record. While this is generally agreed upon by librarians, it is a much more delicate task to actually create a collection that is considered reflective of a group. Like the article points out, many people tend to focus on large traumatic events, for example slavery in the U.S., but true diversity will also include the art, joy, achievements, and various voices of a group, moment, or concept. To exclude those in favor of trauma is another form of erasure, even if it is unintentionally done. While it is important to survey and connect with the community to provide relevant services, it is also important to create well-rounded collections that reflect the diversity of different groups as well. While I do not work in a library yet, this is a great lesson to carry with me for the future.