We are on Week 6! This week’s readings focus is on weeding, self-censorship, internet filters and crude language.
Let’s start with summarizing our reading! Create an acronym of one of the following themes listed above (based on the article(s) you read. If you would like to share an acronym you have created, please do so! We would love to see what you create.
Discussion rules:
**Please respond to one question and reply to two (these responses can be from your forum or in another forum by asking a question about articles you didn’t read).
1) In “Filters
Work: Get Over It”, Auld writes, “This article isn’t an argument for the
deployment of filters on a library computer. Rather, by documenting the
efficacy of filters in my library’s real-world experience.” Do you think
internet filters are more of a hinder or a benefit to students? Should the
federal government be able to tell libraries that they help fund, what sites
their patrons can access?
2) Gail Dickinson used the analogy of spoiled milk to compare weeding. I think that put things more in perspective for me but yet it still seems to be a hard thing to do for librarians. Discuss the barriers to weeding.
How would you explain to your principal the benefits of weeding? What lengths would you go to stress the importance of weeding?
3) In the article “Dirty Little Secret”, self-censorship is discussed as being rampant and lethal. On page 2 of the article it states “Self-Censorship is controlling what you say or do to avoid offending others, but without being told officially that such control is necessary.” What are the challenges of self-censorship? How can we put our own “collection agendas” in check so that we don’t fall into this category and jeopardize the intellectual freedom of others?
Enelda Mata and Stacey Royal
Question#2-
ReplyDeleteI liked the analogy of comparing weeding to spoiled milk. As I read it I was thinking how much it makes sense, that if something is no longer useful that you need to get rid of it (and not give it away either.) I think some barriers to weeding could be that it would be difficult for a librarian giving up books and throwing them away. As a librarian we like to collect books so it can be hard to do the reverse and get rid of them. Another issue is that weeding fiction is harder than nonfiction. If information in a book is outdated than you know you should get rid of it, but fiction doesn’t have those facts that can make the book irrelevant, so it’s more subjective. Another barrier to weeding can be outsiders, such as administrators and the public, and how they can view it as librarians wasting money by throwing books away, not realizing how important weeding is for a library.
I would explain to my principal that weeding is necessary so that the library has the most current information accessible to the students. I would also stress that weeding is important to keep the shelves from getting overcrowded. If the shelves are too full then it is harder for the students to look through the books and they could be missing out on some really good choices. I would also point out to my principal that as we move forward in time there are better works than some from the past. Another issue is that some books just start falling apart over many years of use. And if I had to stress the importance of weeding to skeptical people I would first refer them to my Collection Development Policy where the procedures for weeding library books would be in place. Then I would obtain and present as many articles and information on the benefits of weeding the library. I would invite a committee to join in on the weeding process so they could see firsthand why it is necessary.
I was very excited to read this article and it was extremely helpful to me in my new librarian position. My school library has not been weeded in many years and I have started some weeding but it is an overwhelming experience especially not knowing what exactly I should weed. I love these specific guidelines in this article and will be implementing these guidelines and strategies immediately. When I came into the librarian position there was a lot of organizing to do. By the time I got all the books back in order on the shelves they were ridiculously full, there were even books stacked on top, which was not acceptable. I had to move many books and sections around to get them to all fit, so it’s not so overcrowded, but it still needs weeding. I did take pictures of the shelves before it was reorganized and “stuffed,” and fellow colleagues that I have worked with for many years are amazed at the changes. I am very lucky that my principal has been very supportive and complementary of the improvement of the library this school year.
Amy -- I agree weeding fiction is harder than nonfiction. At this time, my junior fiction section needs a complete weeding overhaul and I break out into a sweat thinking about getting rid of titles. But, some of my shelves are so jammed packed , I couldn't fit a new title in even if I wanted to. And, it think it makes it more difficult for students to find the book they want because they can't see beyond all the book spines with a particular call number. Looks like you are in a similar situation with your weeding. I'm glad you have the support of your principal. You will have the knowledge and insight that your community will trust when it comes to weeding.
DeleteAmy
DeleteI agree that if something is no longer useful you must get rid of it. Too many times people struggle with getting rid of materials because they always think, "I'm going to use it next year." That year comes and goes and still nothing. If its garbage, throw it out. Definitely, don't give it to teachers to have as resources in their classrooms. The last thing we need to be doing is misleading or misinforming students.
I have to admit, I was one of those outsiders. I would see books thrown away and think what a waste. Now I'm thankful I see the bigger picture.
Amy and Lana,
DeleteSo true, I can see where weeding fiction would be more difficult than informational books. Both of you mentioned that your library was "stuffed" with books. I had never really thought of a library having and overflow of books! I can see why weeding SHOULD take place if we are to make room for new collections. As a future librarian, this article has given me some guidelines to follow. In addition, I feel that keeping the lines of communication open with administration is the key to support.
Sandra
Great feedback ladies. I too am very excited to share what I learned with my head librarian. This year we are starting the process of accreditation, so one of our goals is to do a complete inventory check of what we have and don't have in the library. If something is no longer good, get rid of it, just like that spoiled milk. :o) I think this analogy was perfect, but has some exceptions. I'll explain more in my post below.
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DeleteI think it's great Amy that you have begun the process! It is our professional responsibility to do it!
DeleteI was so "inspired" by this article that I shared the article with the current librarian in my school. I have been in the same school for almost 11 years and I don't think it has been weeded since I've been there. This is her first year as a librarian and she agrees it is definitely time. The books are very worn and she has found outdated material that is of no use to anyone. I agree with Melissa about seeing the bigger picture!
People look at me as I've lost my mind when I get rid of old books or throw some really decrepit ones away. I know personal libraries allow for more liberties with regards to weeding but still, out dated/damaged resources just take up more space that could be used to house newer and more relevant materials. Last year I got rid of 50 books from my own personal stash and it cleared things up considerably. At my old school the library staff got rid of 2500 items from their collection and replaced many of them with newer books of the same title and included new additions as well. The kids loved it, they checked out the newer books just because they looked like something they would want to physically put their hands on. Granted not everything is aesthetics, but it helps.
DeleteI am not yet a librarian, but I agree that throwing away books would be a barrier when weeding a collection. I have to compare weeding a collection with cleaning out my closet. I always think, "I'll wear that eventually," or "I'll fit back into that one day," and end up with a cluttered mess. I imagine that an unweeded library collection also turns into a cluttered mess. Outdated and unused materials can provide students with unreliable information while also making it harder to search for useful materials.
DeleteI agree with the fact that as librarians, the actual act of getting rid of books is probably what tugs most at our hearts....But in your case Amy, I can definitely see that it was a definite must, as you inherited someone else's baby. By the time the bookshelves are crowded and are even piled, it could be that no weeding has probably taken place in a long time. My hat goes off to you on working on your MLS while being in the drivers seat already. :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest barriers to weeding I see are the following, but not limited to, budget, disposal, and myself (the librarian). You may have a section in desperate need of weeding, but you don’t have the finances to replace the books. Also, once you weed, where do the books go? If they are nonfiction titles that are outdated or in poor condition, where do you send them? It feels wrong to throw them in a dumpster, but if they have outlived their usefulness, what are other options? Also, I count myself as a barrier. Sometimes I feel if I don’t have something my community wants because I weeded it, I feel like I’ve done a disservice to my community. I actually had an experience with this last year when I weeded the books of a particular author. I had multiple copies of each title and because the shelf was overcrowded, I took each title down to one copy. Unbeknownst to me, 1st grade was going to do an author study on this author’s books. This study was new to the curriculum and I hadn’t checked the curriculum maps for the grade. A few weeks later, I had a mad rush of 1st graders on that shelf and not enough copies to go around. Lesson learned: check with grade levels for new or possible curriculum changes before weeding.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad this topic has come. Here is my situation: Our school is currently working with with an architect to redesign our library. We are moving toward more of an “academic center” concept. Based on the proposed shelving we will be purchasing, we need to weed around 7,000 titles! This is ontop of the 10,000 titles we weeded last year. I feel like many of these titles will come from my section, since the lower school books take up more than half of the current shelving. I will need to weed every section (E fiction, E nonfiction, J Fiction, and J Nonfiction) and it must fit in within the new limits of our proposed shelving. I feel like the nonfiction is where I will make the biggest impact. I must have a strategy and guidelines in place before I start this process. My head of school has put her trust in me to make the best decisions for our community. If I did need to justify why I must weed the collection, I would start with explaining why it is important to have a balanced collection, which includes the most current information among other things. In addition, I would point back to the curriculum maps from each grade level to show how the collection does and does not support current curriculum needs. This is a very big responsibility and one that I take to heart.
Lana
DeleteThanks for the heads up! I can see how not having enough of a particular book on the shelves can cause a problem for you and the 1st graders. What luck! It just happened to be the area of the collection you weeded. Thank you for sharing that experience with us. I agree and see how oneself can be a barrier to weeding. I'm learning through our readings that in order to have a well-developed collection we must take the time to weed.
Wow, that sounds like a tough task. And here I was nervous about doing a good job weeding about 60 to 100 titles. I love how you can support the need for the resources in your library and connect it to the curriculum and the needs of the students. You make an excellent point!
Just a thought about the books that are nonfiction and outdated in content: Instead of throwing them, turn them into beautiful works of art. Pinterest has a lot of interesting things you can do to old outdated books. Or even better, give them to the Art teacher to use as projects for the kids. That way you are not throwing them away and you are giving them new life. Especially since their information is no longer accurate and you would not want to give books like that away.
DeleteThat's a tough situation to be in Lana. I can definitely see that happening to me and just standing there with that blank "what have I done" stare. I agree with you on checking with staff and examining curriculum changes that would occur before weeding titles from a collection. I wonder if maybe sending out a survey to faculty and staff about what they use or what they would like to see in the collection would help out with weeding and help prevent any issues like you experienced...
DeleteJasime,
DeleteI like your idea about using outdated nonfiction books for art and other projects; giving them "new life."
Lana,
Although I'm not in the library yet, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. The curriculum is something we must keep in mind when developing our collections.
Sandra
Sandra, I am glad you do. I was a bit afraid it would be considered sacrilegious in a group of book lovers like us. But hey, its better then them being thrown away. :)
DeleteOur school did something similar last year with books that had been weeded. During April, for poetry month, students could pick up book pages, and use them to make found poems. They turned out really neat.
DeleteQuestion2:
ReplyDeleteI was not familiar with the term weeding in reference to library resources. In the beginning of class we were asked to display our collections and that is when I realized that in order to have a well-developed collection, you must perform weeding periodically. That was a revelation for me because I never stopped to think about the process of having books on a library shelves. Much less having to take damaged, worn, or outdated books off the shelves. I never realized the librarian has so many responsibilities in maintaining the libraries collections. I’m currently in a classroom, but I believe the biggest barrier to weeding would be a lack of funding to be able to purchase resources for the collection. There are so many budget cuts being made, that I can see where not having enough money can become an issue for weeding. Another barrier to weeding is the idea of actually throwing away books. Nooo! However, I changed my mind quickly after reading Dickinson’s article, she states, “…creates the opportunity to spread dangerous and misleading information” (p.24). At first I thought weeding was a waste of money. After this weeks readings, I understand that weeding is extremely important to maintain accurate and up-to-date information in our collections.
I would present my principal a detailed explanation of why weeding is important and how by not doing so can impact the library in a negative way. I would emphasize the importance of maintaining a collection that has the most updated information to meet the need of our patrons. I would demonstrate how some books become so worn and over used that it is simply time for replacements. I would stress the importance of removing materials that are no longer being checked out to make space for newer materials that will get the student’s attention. Overcrowding can be a big problem on library shelves and we need our students to have access to all the resources the library provides.
I will go to whatever length necessary to help my administrator understand the purpose and importance of weeding the libraries collections. I would not put myself in a situation to jeopardize my job, but I will stand up for what is right. I would provide evidence (articles/books: for example “Crying Over Spilled Milk”) that would support the importance of weeding libraries collections. I’m very blessed to be working with such a supportive principal. Our library hasn’t been weeded since we moved to our new campus 3 years ago. I’m looking forward to practicing my weeding skills. Love the article because it gives you a detailed explanation of how to approach weeding. Definitely using it when I begin weeding at my campus’ library.
Melissa - it sounds like you are I are having a similar experience with concepts in this class. I never knew how much knowledge and understanding librarians needed to perform their job. Didn't they just check in and out books? I can't believe how wrong I was. It's sad that budgets act as a constraint on how we maintain our collections. It's the kids that miss out when we can't replace book or buy new ones. You make some excellent points!
DeleteI agree Melissa with the initial thought of throwing books away. It's easier for me as well once you truly understand the purpose and how it benefits the library as a whole. Especially since it is our professional responsibility.
DeleteI am learning a lot in this class about the job of a librarian as well. Weeding was definitely a new concept for me. I have become great friends with the current librarian (which happens to be her first year as a librarian) and am amazed at what she has to do. I have begun to tell others about me going back to school to become a librarian and I have gotten responses like "you have to go to school to learn how to check books in and out?" I laugh to myself because they just don't understand the knowledge that it is needed.
I agree as well. The detailed steps that are included in the article give a great plan and prospective for the "Weeding Process." When I first started the article, I felt overwhelmed, but by the end, I felt like I could do this well. :) Great insight.
DeleteThe devil is in the details. Melissa you are right on in explaining how the details are crucial in explaining weeding to those who help us develop our collections.
DeleteQuestion 2
ReplyDeletePart of my routine for the weekly readings is taking notes. As I began to reading this article, I wrote the word “WEEDING” in my notebook. Then key ideas popped in my head and instead of taking my usual notes, I ended up with this:
W -Weekly -15 minutes, once a week to weed
E - Examine your shelves a small section at a time
E - Expel outdated material
D –De-selection and Decisions- using M.U.S.T.Y. C.R.E.W.
I – Information-keep it current, no “spoiled milk”
N- Normal part of library routine
G- Gather support and discuss with committee
Before reading this article, I never even thought of how libraries “refreshed” their collections. Come to think of it, in the past my librarian has given me sets of Encyclopedias, novels and other books for my classroom and I thought, “Wow that was nice of her.” Well now I can make the connection here, she was “weeding” her collection. Of course she didn’t tell me that, but then again, I never asked. You know teachers love free stuff. It all makes sense now.
I can see where weeding would become a “barrier” of some sorts, seeing as I still have those “freebees” that I got from the library. Every year I unpack my classroom collection for the new school year, I had to examine and expel a couple of my books due to “wear and tear,” and that’s because some of them had be taped and re-taped! As a librarian, I know it would be a different story. Although it would be difficult to part with some part of my collections, I know that to have a well-developed collection, “spoiled information can no longer be counted as books,” so weeding must occur. (Dickinson 26) “It is the responsibility of a library media specialist to weed.” (Dickinson 26) As long as the lines of communication are open with administration, I don't foresee a problem.
Sandra
Sandra, I love your acronym poem. :o)
DeleteSandra,
DeleteI love your acronym.....so creative!
You hit the hammer on the nail Sandra. Communication. If we as librarians communicate our need to those who have the ability to support us, weeding and refreshing our collections should be a task that is not necessarily problematic.
DeleteThank you fellow classmates! I agree James, communication is key!
DeleteSandra
Great Job on the acronym!
DeleteThe article was definitely an eye opener because I love getting free stuff. Especially books, I'm sure all teachers do. I never stopped to wonder why the librarian was giving away all these great resources. She was WEEDING her collection! I'm glad I know that now.
Sandra,
DeleteI agree that as teachers it is hard to get rid of things....I, like you tape and retape books in my personal library in order to extend the use of the source. But I also agree, that when we become librarians, we will have to adhere to a completely different set of rules and although it may be painful to do----A weeding we must go!!
Okay, it seems like "weeding" is the topic that spoke to all of us so far. :o)
ReplyDeleteLast year was my first year in the library. I also have four electives I teach per semester, so technically I’m only in the library 20 hours/week. Anyhow, I have come to love my new position. I thought I would for sure miss the classroom setting, but to be completely honest, I don’t really. I mean I still get my fill with the electives, but it’s different from being in the regular class. So, if my principal offered me the opportunity to go full-time in the library, I would do it in a heartbeat. :o)
I am fortunate enough to live in an affluent area with 1) a nice budget, 2) large sales at our book fair, and 3) a slew of volunteers. In fact, my head librarian sometimes buys books without even reviewing them to see if they would be appropriate for our library. Anyhow, last year, one of my first projects was to help review books that she already purchased and to see if 1) we need to keep them in the library where the publisher placed them, 2) we need to change them to young adult and keep them in the library, or 3) delete the books from our system. We had about 8 scholastic boxes full of these books. I thought it was going to be an impossible task, but with the ability to review books with Titlewave and other sources, I quickly went through the boxes. One thing that surprised me though was when we found a book that I did not approve; my librarian would tear the book apart and throw it away. I am not sure if any of you have witnessed this first hand, but for me, it made me cringe. Especially since some of these were BRAND NEW books. Some of the books, I could not bear to let go, so I asked her if we could offer these to the teachers. She responded that if we I did not find the book appropriate for the library, it definitely should not be in the classroom library. I never really had thought of that.
NOOOOOOOOO! Were you in shock when she tore these books up in front of you? What an unexpected response. I don't know what I would of done in that situation.
DeleteOMG.....I think I just lost my lunch....she tore them up? It would have been bad enough to put them in the trash, but she went all out. May I ask--Why were you finding that these books were not appropriate for the library? age, content??? What puzzles me is aren't we supposed to purchase books that we think are a good fit for our collection to begin with?
DeleteAs I think more about this situation, I remember that my head librarian never threw away brand new books, but more older books that we found from the previous library managers that we found inappropriate.
DeleteLana, I was definitely in shock.
Yilsa, I honestly don't recall what was so "inappropriate" about these books. I also agree, we should only order books that we find are a good fit. However, sometimes my head librarian orders these books on another person's recommendation and once it comes and we review it further, we realize it's not a good fit.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteLike I mentioned in my previous reply, I disagree with Dickinson when she says, “books and other resources that do not qualify to remain in one library media center collection do not qualify enough to be in anyone else’s collection either...” This year we have weeded many books, by removing and deleting a lot of duplicate and older books. These books were boxed up and donated to a brand new Catholic school in the area. We finally delivered these books last week at an inservice staff development meeting. The next day my principal recognized both of us on the announcements and through an e-mail. It was a great feeling, but of course we did not decide to do this for the recognition, but because it helped us as much as it helped them. Since this new Catholic school did not have many resources at all, they were grateful to have what we were getting rid of. Maybe this is a unique circumstance, but I cannot see how this can be applied in other places as well.
Now, to finally answer your question… some barriers to weeding. 1-Time- From what I have heard last year at the TLA Conference, I am realizing my position working part-time in the library while we still have a head librarian is quite the oddity. I met some librarians who are even split their time between two or more campuses. My head librarian has many other duties, so before I came along, she would have to close the library if she was in a meeting or doing something else. So, I am realizing that time can be an issue. However, with Dickinson’s advice of taking 15 minutes/week it can be a lot easier of a task. 2- Fear- I can imagine how fearful some librarians might feel of throwing away books. In fact, last year I remember reading an article about a library that had disposed of2, 500 books. I thought this was crazy and absurd, but now I realize it is a very important thing to do. 3- Overwhelmed- When I joined the library staff last year, it was pretty well maintained. However, many times my head librarian has told me that when she started here how overwhelming it is.
Willfully getting rid of material
End of old and unused books
Examine the shelves carefully
Deciding what should stay and what should leave
Investing 15 minutes a week is all it takes
New books being discovered on shelves
Golly, that was easier than I thought, you’ll think to yourself.
Cristofer,
DeleteI love it....acronym.....
I think it's awesome that you were able to give to another library in need! It makes me think of the saying one man's junk is another man's treasure :-) I'm sure the school will review the books to make sure it is appropriate to put in their library.
DeleteI love that you were willing and able to help out a new school. That is wonderful.
DeleteHowever I disagree with your views on getting rid of books. I understand that there are book that you are getting rid of because you have too many copies are they are just not used anymore, and those I feel you should share and give to others. However the books that are coming off your shelves because they are inaccurate and out dated in their information, I feel it is a disservice to give those books to someone else. It is propagating incorrect information. I know that you were likely talking about the first group, but I wanted to challenge you anyway. :)
I'm going to have to agree with Jasmine on this one Cristofer. If a book is relevant and there are just many copies that could be of use elsewhere then by all means give them away so they could be of use. However outdated books with information should be thrown out because they are of no practical use. Despite this though, I still do cringe when books are just tossed out. Book lover reflex I suppose.
DeleteAlthough I agree mostly with the article on not giving the books away, I think there are some exceptions too. My library also had many copies of the same books and when there was some weeding a while back they were up for the taking. But these were fiction books, which is different from nonfiction. If you are discarding them because of out of date information then those should definitely be the one's to throw out. It is hard to just throw out the fiction books that are weeded because of an excessive amount. So I think it comes back to some judgment (and common sense) on the librarians part.
DeleteWe give our weeded books to a school that serves underprivileged students. However, we only give them fiction books. If I weed a nonfiction book, I hate to say it, but it will be discarded. I agree with James in the "cringe" effect when weeding, and I guess I will be going into convulsions here in May when we have to weed 7000 titles from our collections.
DeleteCristofer,
DeleteExcellent acronym!
That was such a nice thing to do in helping out a library who was in need, as long as the materials weren't outdated! Wow, 2,500 books is a lot, but now I understand the importance behind weeding our collections.
Ok, I need to more diligent in checking this.... Jasmine and Jimmy, let me clarify when I say older books, I don't necessarily mean "out of date" I just mean older books that we no longer need/want. So, I don't think we gave any "out of date" books to the other school. Jimmy, I still do cringe when throwing away older books even when they are falling apart. :o) Amy, we never discard duplicate books, unless it is falling apart and beyond repair.
DeleteLana, good luck with your weeding.
Melissa and Jackie, thanks for the compliments.
Question 1
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in the library working on undergrad papers I would always notice that many people who didn’t even attend the university would come in and use the computers for their own personal whatever. Yes the university computers were protected for the most part by user log ins but every now and then (most of the time actually) students would just leave and not log themselves out. And in enter the non-students. Most of the time people would just check out stuff on the news or play games, but every now and then you'd have that one guy just checking out hard core porn with the sound up. 99.9 percent of the time these guys were thrown out instantaneously but I always wondered why the university didn't just block out the porn and other websites that were graphic in nature. I questioned it every time an incident occurred like that. This was a school, why would stuff like that even be allowed to be searched?
I asked a librarian about the issue and was told that since it was a public institution they didn't bar any sites or filter the internet what so ever as they didn't one, want to limit a student's research capabilities and two, since they were receiving money from various sources they couldn't filter out what they saw fit. Again, didn't understand it at the time. When I finally did, it was because I was taking a course on human sexuality and lo and behold I had to write a paper on some pretty graphic material. Being the broke college student I was at the time I had no internet so I had to rely on the school's resources. Luckily nothing on the internet was restricted so I could look into my topic freely and easily without hitting barriers that could've made my life a lot more difficult for that class.
What I'm trying to say here is that libraries (as sources of information and research centers) with internet filters can hinder the learning of students who are trying to move forward in their own learning process. For example, my school has such a stringent filter that when I looked up "Hitler" to find Hitler Youth texts and Nuremberg laws, I kept getting blocked because Hitler was a search that yielded "hateful" texts. Well, you could imagine my frustration when I couldn't lesson plan properly while at work. Then I thought about my students, how were they supposed to adequately research using a resource that was so heavily restricted? How were they supposed to find good and authentic information when a search wouldn’t even allow them to google "Nazi Germany"? While these elements aim to protect our students it is in my opinion that they are limiting them to the knowledge they could potentially receive and earn from themselves. Providing blocks on an education via internet filters is like going to the gym and telling people they can't use the free weights, only the machines. How is one to realize their full capacity as a learner in this way? They can’t.
As far as the government is concerned, I am torn. As law makers they decide what we have to teach and what to leave out. Money from the government is vital to many of our school's survival, especially libraries, but it's just irksome to think some big wig upstairs is telling me what I can or can't do in my library. I don’t know, this part of the question perplexes me, I'd like to hear what others think.
And sorry for breaking up the weeding stream, this one spoke to me more.
DeleteWow! What excellent examples of how censorship can affect instruction and learning. I still feel that they are needed in some capacity in elementary and middle school, but there has to be a limit on what is filtered out. How can we expect our students to grow and be prepared for the world around them when they cannot access information on Hitler? World War II is an important part of our history. It makes you wonder what else our students are being blocked form researching.
DeleteHey James. I only skimmed this article, but you make some really great points. Our school has pretty stringent internet filters too. Sometimes if I keep getting a blocked domain, I have to get on my phone and turn off the wifi so I can access the site. It's pretty hard to do research from a phone. I can empathize with your frustration as a teacher trying to plan a comprehensive lesson, especially on significant historical event in our world's history.
DeleteWe have some fairly stringent internet filters too. For heaven's sake, the kids can't even search "socks" because it is too close to "sex." I get it, I do: keep the kids from potential harm, or ending up on the news because a student saw something objectionable on the internet in your school. This was actually a topic on the news not so long ago, but I digress. However, this is a problem sometimes when students need to do research, as James said. Last year, when I taught juniors, their research papers were written over controversial topics. One such topic had to do with sex offender rights after incarceration. I had several students interested in the topic, but ultimately had to change it because "Light Speed," which is the name of our filter, blocked it. I just think more should go into what is blocked to "protect" the children, rather than a blanket that may leave pertinent information out.
DeleteAs I mentioned in my own post, we also have filters (which do not slow the kids down), but we also have procedures to unblock websites that teachers, students, and/or parents feel are legitimate sources of information. Do you guys not have that option? Isn't there anyway for you to let the central office know that you need access to that site? We were even able to explain why we needed to have access to Netflix when we found so many lower elementary resources were available there. If you don't have this procedure in place maybe you could see about instituting it. I'm not sure how things work in Texas, I'm speaking from my experience in Alabama. :):) Good luck! :)
DeleteMy school doesn't have these procedures, unfortunately. I can get youtube on my school laptop where the students can't, and that's about it. I can't even read a news article that I may come across if the word breast is in the title. That happened last year when I was looking at an article about breastfeeding.
DeleteMandy, I'm so sorry about that. I think we must be spoiled over here. Maybe there is someone you could talk to about considering it. I have contacts here in my county that could talk someone through our website reconsideration process. Let me know and I can get you their info! :):)
DeleteThanks, Michelle. I don't even know who I would have to talk to about it here, as it would be a district thing instead of just a school thing.
DeleteNo problem! Ours is at the district level too - they are just good people to know! :):)
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ReplyDelete#3 In reading "A Dirty Little Secret," I found that I was surprised by how much self censorship takes place, but more scary, I identifies with the reasons Librarian give for self censorship. I really would like to say I know for a doubt that I would not use fear of being reprimanded as a reason for not giving access to a specific book or topic, but I cant honestly say that. Eeek, I feel like a terrible person admitting that.
ReplyDeleteThis article and the YouTube video "I am not a pornographer" really helped me put into prospective where I stand and what I need to change about my views on collection development. It is not fair to a well written book or its author to leave it off of our shelves simply because we are afraid of a challenge. Yes, it is hard not to fear the worst, but we really need to step up and be an example of literary freedom, rather then the opposite. We need to use discretion, but we cannot shy away form what we are here to do. I think the way I can help myself to not self censor it to have a game plan for those controversial books. I need to prepare myself ahead of time for the debates and the questions so I have a solid defense of why they are allowed in my collection. Having this plan, I think I would be much more willing to include those books which would cause a stir in the community.
You know, I felt absolutely horrible after reading "A Dirty Little Secret" and watching that YouTube video. The other day I was hanging out with a colleague and I said (don't judge me too hard now guys, I was talking with my foot in my mouth) "Yea, man just don't put up too many of the banned books and I'll be alright". The context was in dealing with members of the community and not causing too much of a ruckus. I didn't think anything of it, after all I was just chatting with a buddy. But after reading this I realized just how of a horrible statement that really was. I think as human beings we stray away from causing trouble and want as much peace as possible, especially at work. But like you said Jasmine, we need to prepare for the debates and questions so we can have those literary works of art on our shelves. They are just as valid and important as anything else that doesn’t cause a stir and they deserve our attention. This article and video really made me think. I hope I have the gall in the future to stand up for what I really believe in.
DeleteI realize that I have been self censoring the last few weeks with a particular book. I looked it up on commonsensemedia.org and it said it had graphic violence. I pulled it aside because I wanted to read it first since my 3rd and 4th graders would be the community group checking it out. I felt like if I was going to defend this book, I needed to read it and make sure I had read all the professional and non-scholarly reviews. I had a similar situation last year, but to my surprise, I didn't have one challenge or even negative comment on the book. I was being overly cautious, but it never hurts to be ready just in case. You make a great point James.
DeleteI agree that we definitely need to prepare for debates, but I wonder how often that will be an issue in our various areas. In fact, this was something I discussed with the librarians on my campus, and one of the librarians told me that in her 11 years in our library, she has only had one challenge. That seemed crazy to me in light of the John Green challenges that I read about this past summer. Anyway, I like the idea of preparing ourselves, just in case there is a challenge, but to try to avoid self censoring.
DeleteMandy, my librarian was the first one to bring to my attention the notion of self-censorship when I first started talking to her about week four's subjects. She too has been in the library for more than 10 years and she hasn't had a single challenge, in fact she said that she thinks that we have only had one in the whole county in that time. She disabused me of the notion that we had very reasonable parents and great librarians that know exactly how the selection process should work. She very quickly informed me that the lack of challenges are evidence of the degree of self-censorship that goes on in our county! I almost think that maybe we need to measure our level of success at having a diverse collection by having at least one challenge somewhere along the way - I mean really, if we haven't offended someone are we really doing a good job at being diverse? I know that we haven't come so far in society that we quietly let the opinions of others be voiced even when we don't agree with them. So do we take a lack of challenges as a sign of a lack of diversity? I'm not sure, but maybe by the time we finish this class I'll be brave enough to find out! :):):)
DeleteLana,
DeleteI never really thought of it that way, but it's so true, the lack of challenges must be evidence that we do censor. As Whelan states, "Self-censorship. It's a dirty little secret that no one in the profession wants to talk about or admit practicing."
It's like James said,"as human beings we stray away from causing trouble and want as much peace as possible, especially at work." I have to admit, that would be me. I'd rather have peace over trouble, but in this case as a future librarian, as Jasmine stated, I'm going to have to "be prepared for those debates and questions" so that I can readily defend my collection.
We just finished drafting a "Reconsideration of Materials"form and a written a policy that addresses this very issue. As a future librarian, this puts me more at ease if I were to ever defend a book. We cannot reject a book because of its subject matter. Whelan's statement, "That very book you thought was inappropriate may be the one that turns a child in the direction that he needs to be going or gives a child quiet hope about a situation,"(30) really spoke to me. As I child growing up in a conservative, Christian home, I had a lot of questions left unanswered, but thanks to books, I was able to read what I needed to answer those questions.
Sandra
Michelle, right? The second best piece of information my librarians have told me about being a librarian is that our library should be so diverse in content that you have no idea how they feel about any subject. The patrons shouldn't know that whether we are democrats or republican, pro-life or pro-choice, etc.
DeleteWOW Mandy! What an AH HA moment - I love it! This will definitely be one of the notes I keep taped to my wall as a constant reminder! Thanks for passing it on :):)
DeleteAfter reading the article "Dirty Little Secret" and bringing to light the self censorship that happens in the library. It really made it seem even more wrong that a librarian would be the one to censor material. Librarians are supposed to provide all kinds of information and resources. I agree with James that it seems to be done to keep the peace and not start any trouble. But it goes back to having a good plan in place and sticking to policy and what is age appropriate and there shouldn't be a worry (in a perfect world.) This course sure has given us the ammunition to back up what are the best library practices. I hope we all leave this class brave enough to really practiced what we have learned.
ReplyDeleteOops, my comment above was supposed to be a response to Jasmine and James. Sorry.
DeleteYes Amy, We will need to be very brave in this field. I never realized how much, but I am excited for the challenge. Its actually quite empowering to realize how much impact we have/will have.
DeleteYou wouldn't know it, but this is a "Take 2" for me. I had a post completely written today during my 24 minute lunch period, and when I went to publish it, it somehow disappeared. I was heartbroken. Anyway, here I go again.
ReplyDeleteI liked the spoiled milk analogy, actually. I thought it put things into perspective. If the materials aren't doing their "job," they need to be removed from it. The library should be current, and reflect the current library needs. The biggest barrier I see to weeding is time. When you are running a library, there are a great many things that have to be done, and not enough time to get it all done. Yeah, it's great that the article says to devote as little as fifteen minutes a week, but I have seen what all the librarians at my school do, and I wonder where that fifteen minutes is going to come from. As to writing a letter to the principal to justify the weeding, I have to ask: are there really principals out there who are opposed to this? Am I naïve to ask that? I guess because in the sheltered life I live, teaching in the school where I teach, I can't imagine a principal saying to the librarians that they have to justify what they need to weed. Our librarians have a great deal of autonomy, for the most part, so it is hard for me to envision otherwise.
Mandy, I agree that finding the time to weed, even 15 minutes can be difficult. It seems that the day of a librarian is always jammed packed: teaching classes, sitting in meetings, inhaling our lunch in 20 minutes or less. I guess that is where self discipline really comes in. I hope we all can start implementing a little bit of time for weeding each day.
ReplyDelete2) I have never thought about how important it is to weed a collection until taking this class. Before reading the week 6 articles (and sneaking a peak at the week 7 articles), I had the mentality that “bigger is better” when it comes to a library collection. However, I now have an understanding of why unused and outdated materials should be removed and replaced with updated information. An unweeded collection can provide readers with unreliable information while also making a library appear cluttered since smaller libraries can have limited space. I am not currently working as a librarian, but I feel like one of my greatest barriers in weeding would be finding the time. I tend to procrastinate non-preferred tasks, so I would have to put forth extra effort to make weeding part of my regular routine rather than make it a summer project. I really like the author’s suggestion of taking only 15 minutes to weed each week. Who wants to add extra work and stress over the summer when weeding can be done continuously throughout the school year? Not me! I feel like my current principal would be very supportive and understanding of keeping the collection up to date. If I ever work with an unsupportive principal, I would explain the importance of keeping information current since outdated materials provide unreliable information and provide research based articles if necessary. I agree that the idea of using weeding as an instructional tool for students would help to “relieve the political pressure rather than exacerbate it” (p. 24). I would also follow Dickinson’s advice by asking to store the unused books outside of the library. If no one notices the books are missing, I think it would be easier for a principal to let them go.
ReplyDeleteMegan - you used the word that was shouting in my mind as I read this article - PROCRASTINATION! This is my greatest issue with just about everything in my life and I am terrified to think of the repercussions of my terrible habits in regards to my hopefully future library!! I can see every bit of the necessity for weeding and I also agree with you that I would not want to be using my entire summer doing something I could have kept up with so easily during the year. I will have to put it on my phone with some kind of obnoxious alarm tone so I am forced to remember and not put it off! :) I also really like the author's suggestion of having the kids help out as an assignment! Our librarian sets out fiction books once or twice a year for the kids to "purchase" - 5 books for a quarter! I like the fact that they are not being thrown away and the kids feel very good about being able to "buy" books to take home. I haven't actually seen her having to dispose of any of the non-fiction books, I'll have to ask her if they are riding around in her trunk or if she is able to keep up with the weeding well enough that it isn't an issue for her! I have images of me with an overflowing trunk of books that I had to weed and couldn't force myself to dispose of!! Hmmm - maybe that is why she changed from a coupe to a mini-SUV!! :):):)
DeleteWhat a great idea to cheaply sell the books that are no longer useful for the library! It would make me feel so much better about 'throwing them away' if some of my kiddos could take them home for recreational reading; especially the students who couldn't otherwise afford to buy books.
DeleteMe too, Megan! There is nothing better than to see a little one come to you with this little stack of books and tell you all about having bought them and how they are going to help the other kids at home read! That was when I was in kindergarten :) now that I'm in fifth grade, they aren't quite so verbose but I see them smiling and stashing them in their backpacks to take home. It really is much better than throwing them in the dumpster. A lot of the kids at my school don't have food in their houses over the weekend - on Fridays it is an all day project for four 6th graders and the counselor to distribute backpacks with food in them to the kids who really need it for the weekend. Knowing that they don't even have food I know for a fact that they don't have books so it really is wonderful when Cheryl can make this happen. We also have an awesome thing that happens during our Spring Book Fair. There is a couple that comes down from up North somewhere (I say it this way because they wish to remain anonymous) to live at the beach, a.k.a. Snowbirds, and they donate enough money for each of our students, Pre-K through 6th, to purchase a book at the book fair, not for their class library but to take home! That is just the most wonderful gift, I think, that anyone can give my kids!! Of course we now have kids that just expect this every year as their due, but that is a completely separate subject!! It is still awesome! :):)
DeleteMegan,
DeleteI agree. I procrastination a lot I must learn how to use my time wisely.
I am having to post this as a comment and a reply to my comment because it is too long - sorry guys!!
ReplyDeleteIn response to question #1 – When I first started reading this article my mind read the title with a completely different emphasis than what the author intended. In my mind it said: “Filters do work – so find a way over them!” My county is in year four of a 1-1 computer initiative. The county decided to begin with the high schools and over the last few years we have moved down through the middle schools and last year we finally made it all the way down to the elementary schools, including the Pre-K classes. Pre-K through 2nd graders all have an IPad that is kept at school in a class set. All 3rd-12th graders have a MacBook Air that they take home with them every night and weekend. We have over 7,000 student computers in use. We have had internet filters in place long before the first machine was issued to the first high school student. We have had them since the first computer was installed on a school campus and from that first day it only took the high school kids hours to figure out how to use proxies to get over and around the filters. Looking back, I wish we had started with the lower grades and moved up for just this reason; maybe we would have had a small window of time when there weren’t so many issues. The elementary kids are still rule followers for the most part and want to use resources the way the teachers teach them to use them. The problem now is that when they get on the bus and home where the older kids are, the older kids are showing them all of the “tricks” to get around all of the rules that have been installed to keep them from being exposed to an excess of porn and violence. Like the article said, no filter is going to be fool-proof but for the most part they do the job they were intended to do and that is simply to minimize the exposure to the hard-core stuff. These kids are not being blocked from finding information they need to do research for their classes. If they do find that a site is blocked that is relevant to their class, there is a process for reviewing the site and unblocking it.
I understand that this is not speaking exactly to the question, but in my county the school libraries no longer have “student” computers – maybe one, at the most two, mostly just to use the library catalog or to take an AR test for the younger kids who don’t bring their IPads to the library. The kids are no longer using computers that are considered “Library” computers for research and schoolwork or even to read the e-books that are available for checkout from our library.
In most schools in the county, the librarian IS in charge of all of the computers at the school, but only as far as reporting/requesting maintenance issues per machine, server issues, and general IT services in the building go, not for decisions about access to content or monitoring the effectiveness of the filters. At my school, because I have an IT background, I am in charge of these things and when/if Cheryl retires and I am hired as the librarian, I will continue this job in that capacity. The school Principals and their assistants have the horrible job of monitoring the security program we have in place that identifies all infractions of the policies in place by the filters. I believe that we spend way too many school hours having to address these infractions. There are hundreds of pages per school, per week of these. There are many false positives that appear on the report, but still…this just illustrates the point that even with the filters, the kids still get to the pictures and text we wish they weren’t exposed to. I’m sure that somewhere there is a legitimate need to look up Japanese Tentacle (no, not a typo, not testicle, tentacle) Porn, I just can’t think of one in a public school setting.
The thoughts that I have been having since reading this article are –
DeleteCan I really argue against the use of these filters, even if I disagreed with their use, when the computers themselves are rarely even in the library? They are always in the kid’s possession, in the classroom, and that being the case, don’t we then have to treat them as classroom resources rather than library resources? Now that I am aware of these distinctions it makes things so much more difficult. Where do my responsibilities end and the classroom teacher’s begin in this case? How is access to the internet any different than having a diverse collection? Isn’t the internet the ultimate diverse collection? Is it my job as a classroom teacher to limit that resource; as a librarian? - even if I am at an elementary school? As far as the internet goes is there a difference between it and books? (oops – I think I already thought that one!)
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to sift through my ramblings. Lots to think about, and I’m not sure where I will end up with these thoughts. I am very glad to be in this class and to have these issues brought to the forefront so I can start pondering now, rather than having to make a snap decision down the road without having the chance to consider things from more than my own point of view. I agree with everyone, having a plan and thinking through these issues ahead of time will be the greatest advantage I will have when I get the chance to have my own library. Thanks everyone!! ☺☺
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ReplyDeleteQuestion #2
ReplyDeleteAfter reading “Crying Over Spilled Milk”, I had an eye opener. I think that the greatest barrier that exists is time. Although I know that Dickinson indicates that weeding should not take more than 15 min. a day to do and that by taking one shelf per day makes it easier, I still say time is an issue. Being realistic, I know how hard it is for my librarian to do everything on her own, our district does not provide library aides, so she is solely responsible to shelf books, check out, check in, prepare and deliver lessons, assist with finding sources, etc., etc. and it is very hard for her to find any extra time during the day to do the things she must do. She has confessed that at times she goes without eating and that even during her conference period she works on shelving books and other duties as the library is always being visited by students. I completely and truly believe that materials that contain outdated information should be removed from the shelf almost immediately. We live in an ever changing world and must be able to maintain the most current information out there for our patrons. But weeding simply because the book has not experienced much circulation seems to tug at my heart strings. I think that one thing that we should ask ourselves as soon to be librarians is-“Have we tried to promote these lonesome books?” If and when attempts have been made to promote them, but no interest seems to arise, then I would think that definitely books must be weeded.
If I had to explain to my principal the benefits of weeding, I would have a talk with my administrators and have reference materials on hand in order to substantiate my claims. I would focus on the fact that although it is difficult to see materials being removed and discarded from the library, sometimes it is just and necessary. I think that one very important thing that I would do to stress the importance of weeding would be to actually take them to the library and have them be a part of weeding a shelf in order for them to see for themselves what in essence weeding entails. By having them personally experience the weeding process, I think that they would feel a bit more at ease about the procedure.
-Yilsa DLS
We
Encourage you to
Evaluate your collection to
Deselect any
Items
Not circulating or outdated
Git-R-Done!
Week 6 Wrap up...
ReplyDeleteThank you for your contributions in week 6! Kudos to Sandra, Cristofer and Yilsa for sharing your acronyms! Awesome!
I believe we have definitely learned that we have a professional responsibility to weed. The weeks readings have given us more insight into our daily practices (or future daily practices for us upcoming librarians) Self censorship is something we have to be careful and "mindful" of so that we are providing our students with diversity. One lingering question would be about filters. "How do we protect our children and at the same time protect and uphold the First Amendment rights?
Question#2
ReplyDeleteWeeding is the process of cleaning out the outdated material. I believe that a good librarian knows the importance of weeding to keep a functional library. Information is being updated often, so I don't believe there are any barriers on weeding other than, personally preference and funding. Weeding should be an ongoing process and doesn't take much of your time weeding helps keep the library appealing and resourceful. As a future librarian, my goal will be to weed out outdated material so the shelves from getting overcrowded. As for me spoiled milk it is an item I don't want to keep in my refrigerator, so I will think of weeding as my refrigerator.
In the weeding process I will include the principal and teachers. I will stress why weeding is important. The library books will be given to teachers for classroom library.