ALA Members

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Librarians can't live in a bubble. We need to be aware of what is affecting patrons and staff. Talking about decisions like Janus on a forum for librarians helps us understand better how it will affect our field.

------------------------------
Marissa Hause
Director
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 07:46 AM
From: Scott Piepenburg
Subject: Political agendas

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian


Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

While I agree that librarians cannot live in a bubble I will qualify that statement with a word of caution. Our communities have as many diverse political opinions as we have diverse races, religions, and ideas. When librarians put up displays or publicly voice their opinions in support of particular topics or political ideals for the community, they need to remember that the "other side of the fence" is watching. If we are not careful we may alienate those that hold different views than our own thus violating our mission of access to information for ALL of the people in our service community.

For example, I once had a discussion with several of my fellow collection development class students about bias in purchasing materials. We were discussing the purchase of materials on hot button issues such as religion, LGBT community, politics and so forth. Many of the students were adamant about the materials they would and would not purchase on these issues. The discussion was getting pretty heated even though most of them agreed that they were pro choice, pro LGBT, and so forth. I asked them this question, "What does your community believe?" Not many of them could answer the question. I then went on to ask them if they would purchase materials that supported the opposite opinion. Most of them adamantly declared they would not. I told them they were being biased. Suddenly the conversation came to a dead stop. One of them then asked me what I meant. I told them that each of our communities are very diverse. There are many differing opinions and in order for us to remain unbiased and provide information for all of our patrons that we needed to purchase materials from all points of view even if they differed from our own or the "majority" of the community. If they did not do this then they were being biased in their purchasing practices.

I will state the same thing here. Yes, we need to be aware of our political climate. Yes we need to advocate for the continuation of libraries and access to information. But we need to remember that we are to provide that access to ALL of our community, not just those that agree with our political opinions or the opinions of the ALA. If we are going to provide equal access we need to provide information about all of the differing opinions whether we personally agree or not. We are there to provide for the educational, recreational, and informational needs of all of our patrons but we are not there to indoctrinate them to our political beliefs or make those whose opinions may differ from ours feel that we don't welcome them into the library.
I prefer to keep my political views for the voting booth and not my workplace.


------------------------------
Ann
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 08:31 AM
From: Marissa Hause
Subject: Political agendas

Librarians can't live in a bubble. We need to be aware of what is affecting patrons and staff. Talking about decisions like Janus on a forum for librarians helps us understand better how it will affect our field.

------------------------------
Marissa Hause
Director

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 07:46 AM
From: Scott Piepenburg
Subject: Political agendas

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian


Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Regarding the comment that seemed to say that librarians who order "pro-LGBTQ" content should also order materials that show the other side (paraphrasing here):

Being "pro" LGBTQ is a political stance, but it is also an ethical, moral standpoint. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I would of course select materials that can show patrons both young and old that they are being reflected in media. I would not order materials that are blatantly "anti" in this instance. There's information literacy to take into account. Some "anti" LGBTQ content can contain factually inaccurate information.

But really, it's not about politics. LGBTQ people have been historically oppressed and discriminated against in this country. We are a marginalized minority. Are you going to order books authored by the KKK to cater to "both sides?" Content that openly discriminates against and dehumanizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people is actively harmful to our survival, and to our place in society at large. Purchasing that material is not a neutral choice. It is in itself an inherently political act, one that shows your patrons who are LGBTQ+ that their humanity and human rights don't matter to you as much as appearing to cater to "both sides" matters to you.

One side is filled with people who simply want to be free to love who they love, without being assaulted, attacked verbally, banned from businesses. We want to be able to live in a rental without getting evicted based solely off our romantic partner's gender. We want to be able to be employed without being fired simply for being queer.

The other side on this issue believes we should not exist, that we should not have civil protections, that anyone who wants to should be able to discriminate against us in any way they like. They literally believe we are defective and need to be "fixed." If you buy a book that reflects LGBTQ content positively, then turn around and buy a book that depicts conversion therapy as a valid, real, effective program, you are actively choosing to enable discrimination and bigotry against people who just want to love who we love.

That's not a politically neutral choice. If you do that, you are in fact being political, no matter what your intentions are. LGBTQ people have a high suicide rate already due to the heavy biases they encounter in their communities. Hosting that same biased material in your public library is a political choice.

------------------------------
Becca Snider
MLIS, Emporia University
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 12, 2018 09:02 AM
From: Ann Siejka
Subject: Political agendas

While I agree that librarians cannot live in a bubble I will qualify that statement with a word of caution. Our communities have as many diverse political opinions as we have diverse races, religions, and ideas. When librarians put up displays or publicly voice their opinions in support of particular topics or political ideals for the community, they need to remember that the "other side of the fence" is watching. If we are not careful we may alienate those that hold different views than our own thus violating our mission of access to information for ALL of the people in our service community.

For example, I once had a discussion with several of my fellow collection development class students about bias in purchasing materials. We were discussing the purchase of materials on hot button issues such as religion, LGBT community, politics and so forth. Many of the students were adamant about the materials they would and would not purchase on these issues. The discussion was getting pretty heated even though most of them agreed that they were pro choice, pro LGBT, and so forth. I asked them this question, "What does your community believe?" Not many of them could answer the question. I then went on to ask them if they would purchase materials that supported the opposite opinion. Most of them adamantly declared they would not. I told them they were being biased. Suddenly the conversation came to a dead stop. One of them then asked me what I meant. I told them that each of our communities are very diverse. There are many differing opinions and in order for us to remain unbiased and provide information for all of our patrons that we needed to purchase materials from all points of view even if they differed from our own or the "majority" of the community. If they did not do this then they were being biased in their purchasing practices.

I will state the same thing here. Yes, we need to be aware of our political climate. Yes we need to advocate for the continuation of libraries and access to information. But we need to remember that we are to provide that access to ALL of our community, not just those that agree with our political opinions or the opinions of the ALA. If we are going to provide equal access we need to provide information about all of the differing opinions whether we personally agree or not. We are there to provide for the educational, recreational, and informational needs of all of our patrons but we are not there to indoctrinate them to our political beliefs or make those whose opinions may differ from ours feel that we don't welcome them into the library.
I prefer to keep my political views for the voting booth and not my workplace.


------------------------------
Ann

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 08:31 AM
From: Marissa Hause
Subject: Political agendas

Librarians can't live in a bubble. We need to be aware of what is affecting patrons and staff. Talking about decisions like Janus on a forum for librarians helps us understand better how it will affect our field.

------------------------------
Marissa Hause
Director

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 07:46 AM
From: Scott Piepenburg
Subject: Political agendas

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian


Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Original Message------

Regarding the comment that seemed to say that librarians who order "pro-LGBTQ" content should also order materials that show the other side (paraphrasing here):

Being "pro" LGBTQ is a political stance, but it is also an ethical, moral standpoint. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I would of course select materials that can show patrons both young and old that they are being reflected in media. I would not order materials that are blatantly "anti" in this instance. There's information literacy to take into account. Some "anti" LGBTQ content can contain factually inaccurate information.

But really, it's not about politics. LGBTQ people have been historically oppressed and discriminated against in this country. We are a marginalized minority. Are you going to order books authored by the KKK to cater to "both sides?" Content that openly discriminates against and dehumanizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people is actively harmful to our survival, and to our place in society at large. Purchasing that material is not a neutral choice. It is in itself an inherently political act, one that shows your patrons who are LGBTQ+ that their humanity and human rights don't matter to you as much as appearing to cater to "both sides" matters to you.

One side is filled with people who simply want to be free to love who they love, without being assaulted, attacked verbally, banned from businesses. We want to be able to live in a rental without getting evicted based solely off our romantic partner's gender. We want to be able to be employed without being fired simply for being queer.

The other side on this issue believes we should not exist, that we should not have civil protections, that anyone who wants to should be able to discriminate against us in any way they like. They literally believe we are defective and need to be "fixed." If you buy a book that reflects LGBTQ content positively, then turn around and buy a book that depicts conversion therapy as a valid, real, effective program, you are actively choosing to enable discrimination and bigotry against people who just want to love who we love.

That's not a politically neutral choice. If you do that, you are in fact being political, no matter what your intentions are. LGBTQ people have a high suicide rate already due to the heavy biases they encounter in their communities. Hosting that same biased material in your public library is a political choice.

------------------------------
Becca Snider
MLIS, Emporia University
------------------------------

While I agree that librarians cannot live in a bubble I will qualify that statement with a word of caution. Our communities have as many diverse political opinions as we have diverse races, religions, and ideas. When librarians put up displays or publicly voice their opinions in support of particular topics or political ideals for the community, they need to remember that the "other side of the fence" is watching. If we are not careful we may alienate those that hold different views than our own thus violating our mission of access to information for ALL of the people in our service community.

For example, I once had a discussion with several of my fellow collection development class students about bias in purchasing materials. We were discussing the purchase of materials on hot button issues such as religion, LGBT community, politics and so forth. Many of the students were adamant about the materials they would and would not purchase on these issues. The discussion was getting pretty heated even though most of them agreed that they were pro choice, pro LGBT, and so forth. I asked them this question, "What does your community believe?" Not many of them could answer the question. I then went on to ask them if they would purchase materials that supported the opposite opinion. Most of them adamantly declared they would not. I told them they were being biased. Suddenly the conversation came to a dead stop. One of them then asked me what I meant. I told them that each of our communities are very diverse. There are many differing opinions and in order for us to remain unbiased and provide information for all of our patrons that we needed to purchase materials from all points of view even if they differed from our own or the "majority" of the community. If they did not do this then they were being biased in their purchasing practices.

I will state the same thing here. Yes, we need to be aware of our political climate. Yes we need to advocate for the continuation of libraries and access to information. But we need to remember that we are to provide that access to ALL of our community, not just those that agree with our political opinions or the opinions of the ALA. If we are going to provide equal access we need to provide information about all of the differing opinions whether we personally agree or not. We are there to provide for the educational, recreational, and informational needs of all of our patrons but we are not there to indoctrinate them to our political beliefs or make those whose opinions may differ from ours feel that we don't welcome them into the library.
I prefer to keep my political views for the voting booth and not my workplace.

------------------------------
Ann
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 08:31 AM
From: Marissa Hause
Subject: Political agendas

Librarians can't live in a bubble. We need to be aware of what is affecting patrons and staff. Talking about decisions like Janus on a forum for librarians helps us understand better how it will affect our field.

------------------------------
Marissa Hause
Director

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 07:46 AM
From: Scott Piepenburg
Subject: Political agendas

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian


Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Original Message------

Librarians can't live in a bubble. We need to be aware of what is affecting patrons and staff. Talking about decisions like Janus on a forum for librarians helps us understand better how it will affect our field.

------------------------------
Marissa Hause
Director
------------------------------

Original Message------

Unfortunately Elizabeth is all too correct.  It reflects very much what ALA has become, more of a "social issues" and political action group than a professional group serving its members.  The initial comment and thread on the Janus decision is a good example of that.  I am one of those (few) members who would like to see ALA become more focused on member service and less on political action.

------------------------------
Scott Piepenburg
Catalog/Data Librarian

------------------------------

How privileged you must be to walk away from 'politics'. It's almost like politics must not affect your patrons lives, or library funding, or access to information and services, or your fellow library employees lives, or basic human rights.

I literally can't understand in what world ALA could serve libraries and NOT be political. And I'd be furious if it tried.

------------------------------
Sam
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Thank you, Sam Leif! I completely agree with you.

------------------------------
Tova Johnson
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 09:32 AM
From: Sam Leif
Subject: Political agendas

How privileged you must be to walk away from 'politics'. It's almost like politics must not affect your patrons lives, or library funding, or access to information and services, or your fellow library employees lives, or basic human rights.

I literally can't understand in what world ALA could serve libraries and NOT be political. And I'd be furious if it tried.

------------------------------
Sam

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.  I was equally dismayed to see the priorities of ACRL turn into a rabid political directive instead of the professional association with the affirmed value of neutrality I fear librarians have lost sight of.  A relative of mine who is a librarian, attorney and a journalist noticed about this happening to journalism years ago.  If ALA follows the same path, we will soon have many more librarians selecting/de-selecting only materials that sync with their political views and directing patrons only to materials that agree with the librarians' political philosophies.  Yes, I said many more because it is already a practice.  And don't get me started on the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from the award - equal access to information?  De-selecting parts of history that annoy you?  The logical conclusion to this argument would eliminate Banned Books Week entirely.  Or balloon the list to include books that librarians are now themselves banning.  Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups.

------------------------------
Louise Greene
Director, Library Services
Richland Community College
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

​Somewhat related to this discussion, and that is to ask whether there are other alternatives to this list for public librarians to post questions and get feedback and advice from colleagues.    I used to subscribe to publib  but have not been able to find that list to be active.   To whatever extent I'd wish for a list that had a narrower focus that would only bring in social issues of the day as they provide service opportunities or challenges - I am very thankful for this list.  Now that I am subscribed, I plan to use it as a resource to post questions and offer my experiences.  I also look forward to any suggestions about other lists for public librarians.    Thanks.    

 

------------------------------
Paul Ericsson
Branch Manager
Carver County Library System
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 09:46 AM
From: Louise Greene
Subject: Political agendas

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.  I was equally dismayed to see the priorities of ACRL turn into a rabid political directive instead of the professional association with the affirmed value of neutrality I fear librarians have lost sight of.  A relative of mine who is a librarian, attorney and a journalist noticed about this happening to journalism years ago.  If ALA follows the same path, we will soon have many more librarians selecting/de-selecting only materials that sync with their political views and directing patrons only to materials that agree with the librarians' political philosophies.  Yes, I said many more because it is already a practice.  And don't get me started on the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from the award - equal access to information?  De-selecting parts of history that annoy you?  The logical conclusion to this argument would eliminate Banned Books Week entirely.  Or balloon the list to include books that librarians are now themselves banning.  Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups.

------------------------------
Louise Greene
Director, Library Services
Richland Community College

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Original Message------

​Somewhat related to this discussion, and that is to ask whether there are other alternatives to this list for public librarians to post questions and get feedback and advice from colleagues.    I used to subscribe to publib  but have not been able to find that list to be active.   To whatever extent I'd wish for a list that had a narrower focus that would only bring in social issues of the day as they provide service opportunities or challenges - I am very thankful for this list.  Now that I am subscribed, I plan to use it as a resource to post questions and offer my experiences.  I also look forward to any suggestions about other lists for public librarians.    Thanks.    

 

------------------------------
Paul Ericsson
Branch Manager
Carver County Library System
------------------------------

"Neutrality" is not really a thing. If you claim to be neutral you are really just supporting the status quo.

------------------------------
--
Lisa Di Valentino, MLIS, JD, PhD
Law and Public Policy Librarian
Interim Librarian for French and Italian Studies
W.E.B. du Bois Library, UMass Amherst
154 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-3009
ldivalentino@umass.edu

Proud member of the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP/MTA/NEA), the union representing faculty and librarians at UMass Amherst, and supporting public education and labor movements everywhere: umassmsp.org.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 12, 2018 10:50 AM
From: Pamela Withrow
Subject: Political agendas

If these issues divide those of us who have so much in common, then how much more will they alienate our patrons if we don't guard our neutrality?

Original Message------

​Somewhat related to this discussion, and that is to ask whether there are other alternatives to this list for public librarians to post questions and get feedback and advice from colleagues.    I used to subscribe to publib  but have not been able to find that list to be active.   To whatever extent I'd wish for a list that had a narrower focus that would only bring in social issues of the day as they provide service opportunities or challenges - I am very thankful for this list.  Now that I am subscribed, I plan to use it as a resource to post questions and offer my experiences.  I also look forward to any suggestions about other lists for public librarians.    Thanks.    

 

------------------------------
Paul Ericsson
Branch Manager
Carver County Library System
------------------------------

Thank-you for that comment on neutrality as it is often overlooked. It makes me smile to think that we can have a stance without a position.  It is intrinsic to what we do as librarians to be sources of knowledge. I use to collect to support the demographics, but always had this statement ready:  "Here is another way to look at the problem, issue, or whatever. Which one is supported by the facts?" It became the teachable moment as long as the person was not responding emotionally, I sometimes was able to help them define their beliefs. Not those parent-adopted beliefs.

------------------------------
Iris Fiallos
Librarian
Palm Beach State College
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 13, 2018 09:28 AM
From: Lisa Di Valentino
Subject: Political agendas

"Neutrality" is not really a thing. If you claim to be neutral you are really just supporting the status quo.

------------------------------
--
Lisa Di Valentino, MLIS, JD, PhD
Law and Public Policy Librarian
Interim Librarian for French and Italian Studies
W.E.B. du Bois Library, UMass Amherst
154 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-3009
ldivalentino@umass.edu

Proud member of the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP/MTA/NEA), the union representing faculty and librarians at UMass Amherst, and supporting public education and labor movements everywhere: umassmsp.org.

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 12, 2018 10:50 AM
From: Pamela Withrow
Subject: Political agendas

If these issues divide those of us who have so much in common, then how much more will they alienate our patrons if we don't guard our neutrality?

Original Message------

​Somewhat related to this discussion, and that is to ask whether there are other alternatives to this list for public librarians to post questions and get feedback and advice from colleagues.    I used to subscribe to publib  but have not been able to find that list to be active.   To whatever extent I'd wish for a list that had a narrower focus that would only bring in social issues of the day as they provide service opportunities or challenges - I am very thankful for this list.  Now that I am subscribed, I plan to use it as a resource to post questions and offer my experiences.  I also look forward to any suggestions about other lists for public librarians.    Thanks.    

 

------------------------------
Paul Ericsson
Branch Manager
Carver County Library System
------------------------------

Regarding the Children's Literature Legacy Award, removing a person's name from an award does not equate to banning the books by that author. I am amazed at the people who are equating these two things. I support the award name change completely, but I would never want the books removed from libraries, including mine.

------------------------------
Dustin Larmore
Interlibrary Loan/Cataloging Librarian
South Dakota State Library

*My opinions are my own.*
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 09:46 AM
From: Louise Greene
Subject: Political agendas

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.  I was equally dismayed to see the priorities of ACRL turn into a rabid political directive instead of the professional association with the affirmed value of neutrality I fear librarians have lost sight of.  A relative of mine who is a librarian, attorney and a journalist noticed about this happening to journalism years ago.  If ALA follows the same path, we will soon have many more librarians selecting/de-selecting only materials that sync with their political views and directing patrons only to materials that agree with the librarians' political philosophies.  Yes, I said many more because it is already a practice.  And don't get me started on the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from the award - equal access to information?  De-selecting parts of history that annoy you?  The logical conclusion to this argument would eliminate Banned Books Week entirely.  Or balloon the list to include books that librarians are now themselves banning.  Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups.

------------------------------
Louise Greene
Director, Library Services
Richland Community College

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Louise Greene previously wrote, "Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups."

Are you kidding me? "Little Black Sambo?" This is an utterly embarrassing (and racist) comment to see from a librarian.



------------------------------
Karen Whyte
Librarian
Galen College of Nursing
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 09:46 AM
From: Louise Greene
Subject: Political agendas

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.  I was equally dismayed to see the priorities of ACRL turn into a rabid political directive instead of the professional association with the affirmed value of neutrality I fear librarians have lost sight of.  A relative of mine who is a librarian, attorney and a journalist noticed about this happening to journalism years ago.  If ALA follows the same path, we will soon have many more librarians selecting/de-selecting only materials that sync with their political views and directing patrons only to materials that agree with the librarians' political philosophies.  Yes, I said many more because it is already a practice.  And don't get me started on the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from the award - equal access to information?  De-selecting parts of history that annoy you?  The logical conclusion to this argument would eliminate Banned Books Week entirely.  Or balloon the list to include books that librarians are now themselves banning.  Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups.

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Louise Greene
Director, Library Services
Richland Community College

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

It is one thing to be aware of and knowledgeable about political and social issues so that we can inform and serve our patrons. It is another to open a political dialog on a professional discussion group where personal views and values run the complete spectrum of beliefs. We are members of a professional community that is ethically bound to "distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources" and " treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith" (ALA Code of Ethics). A Facebook group is a more appropriate platform for expressing political opinions.

Of course, it is necessary for ALA to be fully engaged with policy decisions, but I, too, feel that statements released by ALA, and the library profession, in general, have conveyed political bias, rather than the neutrality that is expected in our profession. It is a delicate balance that we as information professionals must weight heavily when serving such a diverse public. I, and I'm sure many of you, have served communities where the overall political and social climate is vastly different from my own views and background. However, I have always made a best effort to put community needs first when it comes to my decisions regarding policies, services and collections.

When communicating with colleagues, don't assume that everyone in a shared profession also shares the same personal and political views. That diversity in our profession is what contributes to our abilities to serve our public well and makes our profession so rewarding. Let's keep it that way.

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Dawn Rapoza

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Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 09:46 AM
From: Louise Greene
Subject: Political agendas

I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.  I was equally dismayed to see the priorities of ACRL turn into a rabid political directive instead of the professional association with the affirmed value of neutrality I fear librarians have lost sight of.  A relative of mine who is a librarian, attorney and a journalist noticed about this happening to journalism years ago.  If ALA follows the same path, we will soon have many more librarians selecting/de-selecting only materials that sync with their political views and directing patrons only to materials that agree with the librarians' political philosophies.  Yes, I said many more because it is already a practice.  And don't get me started on the decision to remove Laura Ingalls Wilder's name from the award - equal access to information?  De-selecting parts of history that annoy you?  The logical conclusion to this argument would eliminate Banned Books Week entirely.  Or balloon the list to include books that librarians are now themselves banning.  Next thing I know, you all will be coming to burn my dog-eared, cover-less Little Golden Book Little Black Sambo with the missing pages where I first learned about turbans, tigers and ghee.  So while you are at it, take Epaminondas and Dr. Seuss too.  I've got backups.

------------------------------
Louise Greene
Director, Library Services
Richland Community College

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

I couldn't agree more, it is the sole focus of the organization. It should be dedicated to profession not another voice opining on issues that do not affect how we do our jobs or the obstacles we face daily. What is worse is that as we attempt to reach out to our patrons with the variety of services and programs we offer, the public is distracted by such things as changing the titles of certain awards.

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Julie Wayland
Director
Princeton Public Library
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056

 

Posted with permission of the author.  This was from the ALA Council mailing list:

To My Esteemed Colleagues,

 

I have completed my first term as an ALA Councilor at Large and have begun my second term as a Councilor at Large.  I serve as Chair of the  Committee on Professional Ethics.

We are all passionate about libraries and library services.  That is one reason we are involved with our professional organization.
 

It is important to share our views, discuss issues, and work to improve ourselves, our libraries, our professional organization and our world.   Debating the issues facing us is a healthy and necessary part of the discussion.  Disparaging personal attacks are not.

I would like to share parts of the ALA Code of Ethics http://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.

We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.

We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
 

We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
 

We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
 

Thank you

Sara

 

Sara Dallas

Director

Southern Adirondack Library System

22 Whitney Place

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.sals.edu

518-584-7300 ext 205

 

ALA Council at Large 2016-2018

Chair – ALA Committee on Professional Ethics

Chair – PLA Charlie Robinson Award Jury

ALA Awards Committee

ALA Special Task Force for Sustainability

PLA Leadership Committee

Chair – NYLA Intellectual Freedom Committee

NYLA Continuing Education Committee

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Steven K. Bowers
Executive Director
DALNET
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Original Message:
Sent: Jul 11, 2018 11:25 AM
From: Julie Wayland
Subject: Political agendas

I couldn't agree more, it is the sole focus of the organization. It should be dedicated to profession not another voice opining on issues that do not affect how we do our jobs or the obstacles we face daily. What is worse is that as we attempt to reach out to our patrons with the variety of services and programs we offer, the public is distracted by such things as changing the titles of certain awards.

------------------------------
Julie Wayland
Director
Princeton Public Library

Original Message:
Sent: Jul 10, 2018 10:28 AM
From: Elizabeth McClain
Subject: Political agendas

I am dropping off this list.  It has turned into a political sandbox, far away , in my opinion from what it was intended to be.

 

Liz

 

Liz McClain

Head of Adult Services

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave.

Glencoe, Il  60022

847.835.5056