Censorship : Is it really necessary in libraries for children?
For many years, adults have attempted to screen children's eyes from literature they feel might be 'harmful' to them because of its reflections on religion and politics, or it's sexually explicit, dark or supernatural themes. The censoring of literature, however, can often be seen as limiting the child's learning and development, and the decision of what should be allowed access to children is often difficult when also considering the library community's reactions. People have stopped going to extremes such as burning books and libraries, taking more time to decide what the literature will provide the community. Organisations such as ALIA (Australian Library and Information Agency) and ALA (American Library Association) promote the right to information, and 'the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinions, even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them' (American Library Association, 2013). Books, however, are still being challenged and added to 'banned books lists' in a hope to keep not only our own children but other children safe too.
Librarians should by no means allow children to view or read pornographic or violent materials in the library. I do not condone that sort of action. But how does a librarian determine what is appropriate for the community to view or read outside of these parameters? I asked the staff at my local library if it were possible to ask a few questions regarding censorship in libraries, and they almost ran for the hills. They briefly explained all that I'd need to know is on their website, and they wouldn't be able to answer questions regarding this in person. But why is the action of censoring material and websites from our children such a huge deal? Let's face it, we want the best for our children and for them not to be reading inappropriate materials, but 'well written and age appropriate fiction can provide a means of increasing their awareness and understanding' (The Children's Book Council of Australia, 2012).
Censoring material in libraries is not always going to work either, as 'you've just advertised the fact that something is there you don't want them to see' (Farquharson, 2008). Is it not more appropriate to be open with children about the subject matter they are reading and answer questions they may have honestly, rather than shuffle literature such as Harry Potter into a locked cabinet hoping no one will ask why?
American Library Association. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned
Farquharson, M. (2008). The Looking Glass : new perspectives on children's literature, Volume 12, Issue 2 The Looking Glass, May/June. Retrieved from http://www.the-looking-glass.net/index.php/tlg/article/view/87/73
The Children's Book Council of Australia. (2012). Retrieved from http://cbca.org.au/awardsfaq.htm
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