Shannon M. Oltmann

E-Quality and E-Service Equality

Research is divided about the potential of e-service to bridge communication gaps, particularly to diverse user groups. According to the existing body of literature, e-service may increase or decrease the quality of service received. This study analyzes the level of service received by different genders and ethnic groups when public librarians answer online reference queries. Quality of e-service was evaluated along three dimensions: responsiveness, reliability, and courtesy. This study found no significant differences among different user groups along any of these dimensions, supporting the argument that the virtual environment facilitates equitable service and may overcome some challenges of diverse user groups

“For All the People”: Public Library Directors Interpret Intellectual Freedom

Intellectual freedom is frequently seen as a core value of librarianship, especially by the American Library Association, which has issued extensive guidance to libraries about implementing intellectual freedom. Some scholars criticize these documents, arguing that they are unrealistic and do not offer meaningful support to libraries. While scholars question the value of ALA policies, it is unclear whether practicing librarians have similar concerns about the Library Bill of Rights (LBR) and related guidelines. This article describes a study of public libraries and their interpretation of the LBR in their daily practice. To investigate the role played by ALA documents, 15 public library directors across one state were interviewed. In general, the library directors did not directly cite or quote from ALA documents, yet their stances echoed ALA guidance. In addition, library directors frequently discussed the significance of community in their interpretations and implementations of intellectual freedom.

Creating Space at the Table: Intellectual Freedom Can Bolster Diverse Voices

Many of the most challenged books, year after year, feature voices from diverse communities (including those of women, racial or ethnic minorities, and LGBT people). Intellectual freedom protects these voices and protects our right to hear these voices. This essay discusses the definition of intellectual freedom, why diverse perspectives are important, and how intellectual freedom can bolster diverse voices. In turn, this can improve our relationships with one another, increasing empathy and respect, which can be reflected in numerous ways and is particularly important in a divisive political climate.

Variables Related to School Media Center LGBT Collections

Abstract The inclusion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) literature in school media centers can be controversial, but such material can be beneficial in helping LGBT students come to terms with their sexuality and with helping to foster understanding in non-LGBT students. To examine the extent of such collections in school media centers, this research conducted a checklist exercise to examine the holdings of school libraries in two very different states, one in the northeastern United States and one in the southern United States. The study examined variables that may correlate with the number of LGBT books available in the libraries; these variables were size of school enrollment, type of locale, the existence of a fairness ordinance, demographic diversity, and political affiliation.

The public is part of the audience: Information access for citizens, democratic accountability, and climate change science

Information access has been identified by several scholars as an important research area within information science; with intellectual, physical, and social components, genuine access to information can be difficult to secure. According to the theory of democratic accountability, information access is particularly important for citizens in a democracy, who must have access to public policy information—and the information that informs policy decisions—in order to hold their elected officials accountable. This research conducted two case studies into the accessibility of climate change research utilizing qualitative semi-structured interviews. Respondents indicated that citizens’ intellectual, physical, and social access to the information in question was curtailed, thereby hindering their ability to practice democratic accountability. This research extends previous work done in information access and scientific research and demonstrates a need for further investigation into citizens’ access to government and scientific information.

Social Responsibility, Librarianship, and the ALA: The 2015 Banned Books Week Poster Controversy

This article explores the recent controversy over the American Library Association’s poster for Banned Books Week. In particular, this article connects the 2015 controversy to broader historical issues and tensions within American librarianship concerning social responsibilities. The researchers used a qualitative approach, conducting telephone interviews with 26 individuals. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed deductively. The interviews revealed deep continuing tensions regarding American librarianship’s relationship to responsibilities. First, there is some dissatisfaction with the American Library Association and its Office for Intellectual Freedom. Second, there are competing conceptualizations of censorship and how to apply these differing meanings while remaining socially responsible. Third, there is uncertainty about how to appropriately act as an ally, within librarianship, to marginalized peoples.

Analyzing Challenges to Library Materials: An Incomplete Picture

ABSTRACT This research project used Freedom of Information requests to obtain public records from Alabama institutions about challenges to materials in public schools and public libraries. Challenges occur when a patron objects to certain content. In this analysis, we examine the records of challenges. The research questions were as follows: How many challenges occur in public schools and libraries? What is the nature of these challenges? Are there institutional or demographic factors that are correlated to the occurrence of challenges? In this exploratory study, the number of reported challenges was surprisingly low. We investigated whether reported challenges were related to certain institutional or demographic factors, but did not find any discernible relationships. The data suggest that most challenged material is retained, but that librarians may be self-censoring to reduce controversy in their collections.

Intellectual Freedom and Freedom of Speech: Three Theoretical Perspectives

Freedom of speech encompasses not only a right to express oneself but also a right to access information. This right is particularly pertinent to libraries, whose mission is often focused on enabling and expanding access to information. Libraries can support this activity with a theoretical background that draws upon the three predominant jurisprudential theories of freedom of speech: the marketplace of ideas, democratic ideals, and individual autonomy. In this article, each of these theories is explained and then applied to the library context, creating a starting place for further investigation and application of these judicial theories to information access.