Banned
Books Week Library Display
Mentor(s): Cynthia Comer
Department: Reference & Instruction Dept.
Aspects of librarianship related to the project: Intellectual
freedom, Public relations
Number of openings: minimum 2, maximum 4
Estimated length of project: 4 weeks
Hours/day: 1-2
Dates available: July-September 2002
Preferred skills/knowledge: a good eye for creating an
attractive, eye-catching display
Additional comments: This project will carry over into
the first month of the fall semester, as the exhibit itself will
not be mounted until the 3rd week of September
Description:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom
of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably
to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
-The First Amendment
"Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of
their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment."
-The ALA Library Bill of Rights
This project entails planning, creating, and mounting an informational
display in the Main Library during Banned Books Week, which will
take place September 22-29, 2001. This annual event has a number
of co-sponsors, including the American Library Association, the
American Booksellers Association, and the National Association
of College Stores (located right in beautiful Oberlin, Ohio).
BBW "celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express
one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox
or unpopular" (Banned Books
Week web site at ALA: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/). Librarians
have been engaged for years with issues of intellectual freedom
and protection of First Amendment freedoms. Challenges to materials
on the shelves of public libraries, in particular, are a common
occurrence. The most frequently challenged books in 2000 were
those in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, for their alleged
occult/Satanism and anti-family themes. BBW is designed to draw
attention to challenges made by others to our right to read and
our right to information.
Steps in this project will include, but are not limited to, researching
BBW; obtaining information or kits to assist in developing the
display; reviewing the library's exhibits policy; reserving exhibit
space and equipment; planning, creating, and obtaining materials
and handouts that will be part of the display; developing signs,
labels, etc.; resolving any logistical issues that may arise;
mounting the display on or near Sept. 22; removing the display
on or near Sept. 29. Students will work as a team and will select
one person to coordinate and assume overall responsibility for
the display. Depending on the level of participation and interest,
other ideas for promoting BBW on campus may be possible.
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