Censorship

E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way

E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way
Exorbitant costs and restrictive licenses are obstructing libraries’ efforts to resist book bans via access to e-books.

“The ultimate aim is to try to get five or six state laws passed, and then hope that the federal government says, ‘Okay, this is a mess. We’ve been kicking the can down the road for 30 years on this digital copyright stuff. It’s time for us to look at this and say, libraries have a vital function. We need to carve out special exemptions for them and make the terms under which they get books more fair.’”

March 10, 2024 by Censorship EBooks

Ten Stories That Shaped 2023

It’s time yet again to take a look back at the memorable library stories from the past year.

Two themes dominated headlines in 2023: attacks on libraries; and the rising implications of generative artificial intelligence.

10. Misplaced Classified Documents

Fallout over politicians from both parties mishandling documents continued to make news early in the year.

9. Attacks on Librarians – Kirk Cameron

In a peculiar bid to paint himself the victim of library policies, Kirk Cameron staged conflicts over his right-wing children’s books and related library events.

8. Generative AI – Audio Books and Music

Continue reading…

December 15, 2023 by AI Censorship Stories Of The Year 0

How librarians, kids and the country are paying for the ongoing rancor : NPR

It’s been a year since the start of what one librarian here calls "The Troubles." That's when once-boring meetings of the Livingston Parish Library Board of Control started devolving into bitter brawls over books that some consider to be too sexual and harmful to kids. Meetings have been laced with insults, interruptions and the kind of profanity that would probably get you kicked out of the library.

The plot thickens: The battle over books comes at a cost

August 11, 2023 by Censorship Public Libraries

John Green book pulled from young adult shelf at Hamilton East library

Author John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" has joined hundreds of books that are no longer on Hamilton East Public Library's teen shelves thanks to a new policy that targets books deemed not "age appropriate."

Green, who lives nearby in Indianapolis, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to respond to HEPL's policy and decision, saying moving the book is an embarrassment for the city of Fishers.

John Green book pulled from young adult shelf at Hamilton East library

August 10, 2023 by Books Censorship Public Libraries

Michigan Library Association begins campaign to combat book banning

The Michigan Library Association is starting a new campaign to rally against book banning.

MI Right to Read is a six-month campaign designed to build a coalition of people in support of libraries. It comes at a time when people nationwide are calling for the removal of books that deal with themes of sexual orientation and gender identity.

"What we saw in the last couple of years is a more coordinated effort by outside groups to ban certain types of materials," said MLA President Scott Duimstra.

August 6, 2023 by Censorship Public Libraries

Florida teacher fired over viral video of empty library shelves after DeSantis branded it a “fake narrative”

Florida teacher fired over viral video of empty library shelves after DeSantis branded it a “fake narrative”
Teachers and librarians have shared images of empty bookshelves following a directive from Duval County Public Schools

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/florida-teacher-fired-ron-desantis-book-bans-b2285004.html

February 20, 2023 by Censorship School Libraries

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