Personally, I need more information to discuss this issue, assuming it is one IFRT would act on.
Here are the questions I have:
- Are there any news articles? Or blogs by professors/librarians?
- And is there any info on how this fits into what is the norm at Hong Kong libraries?
- Are these academic or public libraries? Are they funded by private or public money?
- What are the laws regarding access to information in Hong Kong?
- Where is this coming from? Is it a few wrong-headed folks or is this part of a coordinated approach by city leaders or Chinese leaders?
- Is this something that has been happening all along? Or is this a new development? Or is it an increase in what has been happening all along?
Because while the mainland is cracking down -- and it is awful -- I doubt that Hong Kong was a place of unfettered access to information. I'm guessing not, for many reasons, history of the imperial control both Chinese and British, etc.
I have a professional acquaintance who teaches journalism all over the world and she tells interesting stories about teaching in China. She has a translator who is pretty loyal to accuracy and tells her that the person provided by the Chinese government speaks after she does to tell students that she lies when she talks about the First Amendment and restrictions on prior restraint. She confirmed this with students who speak English.
I'm not saying that removing books isn't something we should speak up about. What I'm saying is I need more context.
And yes I'm a librarian and I could research this issue but it's the middle of summer reading, which just as we finished planning in March, we had to turn around and reboot because COVID. Everything is virtual. So I am three times as busy as normal.
Cheers. :-)
------------------------------
[Marta] [Murvosh]
[Teen Librarian]
[Sno-Isle Libraries]
[She, her, hers]
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: Jul 08, 2020 12:06 PM
From: Christopher Drew
Subject: Hong Kong libraries censoring books by pro-democracy activists
A little new here. Does IFRT or ALA have a policy or record of making international statements?
------------------------------
Christopher Drew
Circulation Supervisor
Springfield-Greene Co. Public Library
Original Message:
Sent: Jul 07, 2020 02:46 PM
From: Wanda Huffaker
Subject: Hong Kong libraries censoring books by pro-democracy activists
Howard,
This is my feeling, I believe that IFRT is a place for discussion. I used to be a person who would speak up and speak out, but I have found over time I have been wrong. I need to hear many sides, and a lot of information, so I would like this year to find ways for this Round Table to be a forum for discussion. If for no other reason, than when I call an Executive Board meeting I feel like I am educated enough to speak out, or vote. So, by all means, feel free, to lead a discussion.
Wanda - chair, IFRT
------------------------------
Wanda Huffaker
Librarian
Salt Lake County Library
Original Message:
Sent: Jul 06, 2020 08:06 PM
From: Howard Besser
Subject: Hong Kong libraries censoring books by pro-democracy activists
Hong Kong public libraries will review whether certain books violate the stipulations of the National Security Law.
Al Jazeera, July 5, 2020
Shouldn't ALA weigh in on this?
------------------------------
Howard Besser
Professor
New York University
------------------------------