Open AccessCensorproofing School Library Collections: The Fallacy and Futility
Author(s) -
Alvin M. Schrader
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
school libraries worldwide
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2816-3788
pISSN - 1023-9391
DOI - 10.29173/slw7003
Subject(s) - fallacy , censorship , criticism , school library , subject (documents) , opposition (politics) , maturity (psychological) , sociology , epistemology , library science , computer science , political science , law , philosophy , politics
Discusses why challenges to materials in school libraries cannot be avoided. Demonstrates how reader response theory, the multiple readings of text, makes self-censorship difficult. Explains how "censorproofing" by title, author/artist, and subject ignores reader unpredictability and maturity levels. Finds all school libraries vulnerable to criticism, censorproofing is in opposition to professional responsibility, and suggests alternatives.