So, I was looking around for information on libraries and access and discovered a web page by the Anti-Defamation League directed towards libraries who are faced with hate groups who wish to use their public meeting rooms. The issue gained prominence when a racist named Matthew Hale hosted a recruitment meeting in a public library meeting room in 2002. Most of what I have dealt with in this blog has been centered around privacy and censorship but public libraries are also potential public forums. Hate groups are part of the public which the library must serve. While it can be assumed that most librarians disagree with Hale's organization, professional ethics dictate that if a library has public meeting rooms those rooms need to be available to anyone in the community who wishes to use them. I have found that many people who are comfortable defending sexual material or classic novels when they are attacked, find defending the right of neo-Nazi's to exercise their civil rights very difficult. Librarians can defend intellectual freedom, we just cannot force people to use that intellect...
In all seriousness, there are practical concerns when libraries host hate groups. In Peoria, IL Hale's group was confronted by protesters and police were forced to stop the violence that erupted.
Anti-Defamation League. (2002). Public libraries: A new forum for extremists?. Retrieved April 5, 2008 from http://www.adl.org/Civil_Rights/library_extremists.asp
TravellerJonesProd. (2008, January 9). Anti-racist action vs. Matt Hale. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQvsq-qHuQA
3 comments:
This is a tough situation- which is what makes it a juicy ethical topic. I know that as part of the dictates of the profession we should allow everyone equal access to meeting places. I just don't know if it were presented to me in reality, if I would be able to sign off on it. It is troubling and uncomfortable, but I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
I agree with Emily, that this is a difficult decision. Librarians are often referred to as the gatekeepers of information. But, is it our job to keep information out. If the issue was about books, almost everyone would say - of course the library should carry books about neo-natzi groups, both sides of every issue should be represented. As long as appropriate measures could be taken to insure public safety, I don't think it is our job to judge.
I agree with both of you, what a difficult position to be placed in. And I also agree, bubbly, that as long as the public is safe and there is no disturbance of the peace, then it should be allowed- no matter how ignorant the general public perceives them.
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