I would disagree with the comments made by Mr. Moniz.
The ALA statement concludes as follows:
"The American Library Association opposes efforts which aim at closing
any path to knowledge. This statement, however, does not exclude the
adoption of organizational schemes designed as directional aids or to
facilitate access to materials."
The ALA statement, in my interpretation, refers to categorizing
materials in such a way as to prevent their access.
Just my thoughts.
Adam
The ALA statement concludes with
Adam Janowski
Library Media Specialist
Naples High School
1100 Golden Eagle Circle
Naples, FL 34102
E-mail: NHSWebmaster@collier.k12.fl.us
Phone: 239-430-6644 Ext. 390
Fax: 239-430-6673
Library web site: http://collier.k12.fl.us/nhs/lmc/
School web site: http://collier.k12.fl.us/nhs/
>>> "Earl J. Moniz" <earlj@MONIZ.ORG> 02/29/04 10:01 AM >>>
Aloha y'all...
just took a peek at the labeling statement by the ALA...
http://tinyurl.com/25b4c
As much as I dislike their militant approach to librarianship
(strange for a retired master sergeant to say that, eh?),
I thought I'd give them a chance to explain themselves.
The very first statement on this page:
Labeling is the practice of
describing or designating materials
by affixing a prejudicial label and/or
segregating them by a prejudicial system.
Where did those people come up with this definition?
Are they really librarians?
This definition seems more fitting of governmental bureaucrats
with lots of time on their hands.
So, in my mind, if I put indicators on my collection to *assist* myself
and my patrons in finding things, it *isn't* labeling. In our time of
political correctness, it's probably more like "directional assistance"
or "location development practices" . . . but according to the ALA,
it certainly isn't labeling.
My definition includes one perspective from dictionary.com:
la=B7bel n.
--An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of
paper=
=20
or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner,
contents,=20
use, or destination.
--A descriptive term; an epithet.
--A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or
manufacturer,=20
especially a recording company.
--Architecture. A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
--Heraldry. A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar
with=
=20
several pendants.
--Chemistry. See
<http://dictionary.reference.com//search?q=3Dtracer>tracer.
So, you see, to me, street signs are a form of labeling (an item used
to=20
identify a destination as well as the fiction section of the library).
I can't imagine that anyone from the ALA will argue that street signs=20
should be abolished...
Their logic escapes me and convinces me all the more that power
corrupts=20
and absolute power corrupts moronically!
And what about Tables of Contents? Indexes? Keywords? Give me a
break...=
=20
<sigh>
The reasons they provide for their approach?
"1 - Labeling is an attempt to prejudice attitudes and as such, it is
a=20
censor=92s tool."
It is no such thing...
Extending that logic, everyone who would rather live on Oak Street
has=20
pre-determined poor, prejudicial attitudes about those who would
rather=20
live on Pine Avenue? That's news to me.
"2 - Some find it easy and even proper, according to their ethics, to=20
establish criteria for judging publications as objectionable.
However,=20
injustice and ignorance rather than justice and enlightenment result
from=20
such practices, and the American Library Association opposes the=20
establishment of such criteria."
I oppose it as well... and is exactly why I'm not a member... I'd
rather=20
decide for myself...
Extending that logic, where are the brochures about subscribing to
Playboy=
=20
and Penthouse for elementary schools? The libraries are there to
support=20
the curriculum... the curriculum is determined by the local school
board...=
=20
librarians should ignore the objectives and goals of the local school=20
board, the principal, and the school curriculum and go right ahead
and=20
order *enlightening and contrary* items to include in their=20
collections. That's news to me.
"3 - Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections.
The=20
presence of books and other resources in a library does not indicate=20
endorsement of their contents by the library."
Those collections better support the curriculum and not attempt to=20
contradict or expose
any weaknesses in it... either the collection or the librarian goes
...=20
these days, probably both...
Extending this logic, members of the ALA are permitted to speak out
against=
=20
any policy of the ALA since the ALA is not responsible for the views
and=20
opinions of their members. Additionally, members are not expected to=20
support (or even agree with), every (or any), notions, concepts,=20
definitions, or techniques advocated by the ALA. That's certainly news
to=
me.
Aloha y'all . . .
Aloha y'all ... Earl J.
US Army Special Operations Command
History Directorate
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
"Just an old Maui boy with a poor sense of direction...
working his way home - one state at a time -
currently working in the State of Confusion!" =20
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