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Should national library associations consider having a register to record censorship challenges in libraries? Two case studies.
Abstract
Research Problem:
Some national library associations keep registers to receive reports of actual or attempted censorship in libraries. Countries without a register can look at the data shared by overseas associations to predict and understand censorship trends. However, overseas organisations do not capture local trends of challenges, nor challenges unique to a country, its history and culture. The Library and Information Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (LIANZA) does not have a register, and looking at overseas data does not capture local trends unique to their country, particularly challenges around Indigenous Māori. The objective of the study is to examine the benefits of national library associations having a register to collect data on censorship challenges in libraries, what practical considerations there are for setting up a register, and what data would need to be captured to make a register meaningful in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Methodology:
The research took two national library associations as case studies and generated qualitative data through semi-structured interviews via thematic analysis in the style of Braun and Clarke (2006).
Results:
Four themes emerged; that a register was beneficial in supporting staff, added value to a library association, enhanced advocacy efforts, and required certain practical considerations for successful management. Both interviewees recommended library associations have a register as part of a wider suite of resources to support staff by having localised data and knowledge of local trends, and to demonstrate their commitment to intellectual freedom principle.
Implications:
The outcome has practical implications for library associations who do not have censorship registers, such as LIANZA, to consider setting up such a register. Future research could examine the need for a register in non-English speaking, western democratic countries, or could examine trends around challenges towards Indigenous content.
Keywords:
Libraries, censorship, challenges, registers, intellectual freedom, library association(s)
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5860/jifp.v10i2.8337
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