censorship as viewed by small bible colleges christine gaskin valdosta state university march 13,...
TRANSCRIPT
Censorship As Viewed By Small Bible Colleges
Christine Gaskin
Valdosta State University
March 13, 2011
Thesis
A difference in view between secular and bible colleges raises the question of censorship. This difference provides a forum for discussion of the validity of those views. It is important to have a collection development and challenge policy already in place in the event that a challenge may arise.
American Library Association
Challenge censorship
Support free expression and access to ideas
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm
Background Study
Subject has been covered by the Association of Christian Librarians
When questioned ACL members are still interested
Noted lack of policy on Bible College Library Websites
Questions
Why are there opposing views on censorship between the secular community and the Bible College community?
Is the Bible College view valid and does it contribute to academic freedom?
What are the best policy suggestions for settling censorship challenges?
Opposing Views?
Secular College Library
Support college curriculum
Provide diverse and comprehensive collection
Bible College LibrarySupport college curriculum
Provide diverse and comprehensive collection
College Mission
Secular CollegeEducate students for better employment opportunities
Bible CollegePrepare men and women for Christian life and service
Contributors
Faculty and Staff
Students and Parents
Board and Church Members
Beginnings
Worldview Born good
Influences on the child cause ill effects
Christian ViewBorn wicked
Child must be taught morals
Avoid Misunderstanding!
Provide Collection Development Policy
Offer to explain
Move to Challenge Policy if necessary
Challenge Policy Tips
Require written challenge
Include identity to be considered
Inform challenger of protocol
Research
Interview volunteers requested through the ACL communication line
View web pages from a variety of Bible College Libraries
Obtain and evaluate library policies
Find supporting articles
Proposed Outcomes
To clarify the position taken by Bible Colleges
To find Bible College Libraries have adopted Collection Development and Challenge Policies
To provide tips to good censorship challenge policies
Conclusion
There is a necessary difference between secular colleges and Bible Colleges
Librarians uphold standards of intellectual freedom and challenge censorship
This means fostering all ideas, not just those of which we agree
Future Research
Due to the small sampling there is the possibly that it does not represent an accurate assessment.
Further research could be made by including a larger selection of Bible Colleges and by expanding the field of study to include secular colleges as well.
