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Heterodorx

Librarians Losing Their Spine, with Penny Hummel

Nov 20, 2023
Library consultant Penny Hummel discusses how librarians are suppressing speech and intellectual diversity for the sake of social justice. They touch on incidents where speech was suppressed and emphasize the role of library staff in advocating for marginalized communities. They also discuss challenges in distinguishing fact, fiction, and opinion, the controversy surrounding drag queen story time, challenges to controversial books, preserving privacy and intellectual freedom, the evolving role of libraries, and encourage library activism.
01:21:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Libraries are facing a growing trend of censorship attempts and the suppression of speech, undermining their role as champions of intellectual freedom and access to information.
  • Selective collection development in libraries, influenced by dominant ideologies, limits the representation of diverse viewpoints and undermines the principles of intellectual freedom and access to information.

Deep dives

Challenges in Libraryland: Censorship Attempts and Suppression of Speech

One of the main issues in libraries today is the growing trend of censorship attempts and the suppression of speech. Libraries, which are meant to champion intellectual freedom and access to information, are now facing concerted efforts to ban books, displays, and programs. Some library staff themselves are leading the charge, objecting to certain viewpoints or topics. The dominant culture in libraries now promotes a specific ideology, and dissenting voices, especially those critical of gender ideology, face backlash and career obstacles. This suppression of speech not only harms libraries from within but also damages their reputation and public trust.

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