Find, read analyse a peer-reviewed journal article.

Topic: censorship

In this activity the peer reviewed journal article: “Middle School Teachers and Picture Books: The Notion of Censorship” by Kathleen Lilliss will be analysed.

In the article the author address and debates the issue of censoring children’s literature which depicts social issues such as gender, race or ethnicity with concerns motivated by the belief that the text might frighten or corrupt children by reading it. Moreover there may be a feeling that the text is inappropriate for their age group (Lilliss, 2010, p. 9).

Censorship in children’s literature depends on many diverse reasons but it is believed that philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that books could contribute to the corruption of children’s minds and that in order to preserve their innocence they should not be taught to read until age 10 (Lilliss, 2010, p. 10).  Lilliss also states that the aim is to select a book is based on the quality of writing, illustrations and total impact, whereas the aim of censorship is to exclude based on content that is considered objectionable (2010, p. 10). Books that may be deemed objectionable by some provide opportunities for readers to observe experiences that differ from their own. A book about refugees or childbirth may be confronting but will open the door for communication and engagement to better understand concept that is unknown to them. Lilliss (2010, p. 14) adds that if teachers practise censorship, they fall short in educating children to understand their own beliefs and be able to assess the world in which they live.

What did I learn?

By analysing the journal article it was learned that censorship is a multifaceted issue. Information professionals face many challenges in defining the line between censorship and selection. As library professionals it is our responsibility to promote collections without restrictions, have access to resources freely and oppose censorship (ALA, 2015).

How was the activity relevant to your professional practice as a librarian for children or young adults?

The activity was relevant to my professional practice as a children's librarian because after reading the article I questioned parts of my knowledge in regards to censorship versus selection.  Moving forward it should be remembered that selection approach to a book is positive, it is assessing its value whereas censorship approach is negative, looking for a way to devalue it. “The selector has faith in the intelligence of the reader; the censor has faith only in his own.” (Asheim, 1953).

Were any gaps in your knowledge revealed? How might you fill those gaps? 

In order to fulfil these knowledge gaps, further investigation into censorship through exploration of websites, journal articles and a better understanding of the moral and ethical issues information professionals are facing.

References

 ALA, (2015). Labels and rating systems. An interpretation of The Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8657 

Asheim, L. (1953). Not Censorship But Selection. Wilson Library Bulletin , 63-67. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorshipfirstamendmentissues/notcensorship

Lilliss, K. (2010). Middle school teachers and picture books: the notion of censorship. Literacy Learning: the Middle Years , 18 (3).