Intellectual Freedom and the Collection Development Process

Shauna Bailey

 

Reference:

 

Costello, L. (2020). Survey Applies Public Collection Development Librarians’ Support for Intellectual Freedom to Collection Process. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 15(1), 245–247. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29686

 

 

Summary: 

This study used an online survey to explore how 645 Midwestern public librarians’ attitudes around intellectual freedom and demographics influenced decisions concerning collection development. Intellectual freedom around the management of collections was the focus of the survey. It was found that the participants used many tools in the selection of collection materials. Just less than half indicated their library had a policy to assess collection balance, while just over half indicated their libraries did not have a policy in place to ensure a balanced collection. Almost ¾ of respondents felt local communities should influence collection development. Communities' political leanings did not have an impact on participants’ alignment with the intellectual freedom stance of the American Library Association (ALA), though holding an MLS degree did significantly affect respondents' stance and alignment with the ALA. Almost ¾ of the participants felt that collection development should be influenced by the government library funding leadership. A small number of respondents encountered pressure from their coworkers or communities to either purchase or restrict collection materials. Interestingly, almost 40% of respondents felt torn between their professional views on intellectual freedom and their personal values, though, there was support for intellectual freedom and alignment with the principles of the ALA in general.

 Evaluation:

 This article focuses on the implications of intellectual freedom around collection development in public libraries. I found it interesting that most of the participants indicated that their libraries did not have a collection development process in place to ensure a balanced collection. This article suggests collection development without a structured plan will stray off course, something we have also been learning in INFO 266. This article highlights public collection development librarians and their efforts to follow the guidance of the ALA intellectual freedom standards. Continued education for information professionals around intellectual freedom, and the importance of developing guidelines and policies to ensure a balanced collection development process cannot be stressed enough. Maintaining balanced collections, developed while following the principles of intellectual freedom, will ensure that public libraries remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for the communities that they serve.