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Shonda, I find this a very interesting question, and would love to know how the opinions fall out. I'm afraid I would weigh in on the side of leaving your collection as it is, largely because the implications go far beyond your particular library. I am sure the Koran is placed in many libraries, and I cannot believe all of them arrange special placement for it. Also, what of other books of other religions? I would imagine many have traditions or beliefs that are similar. Are libraries to start making exceptions in shelving for all of them? In the end, I think the Koran is in your library, and most other libraries, as a book, rather than an object of religious veneration. If it is there as a book, I think it must be treated as a book, like other books. All books in the library should, and I think are, treated with equal respect. If the Koroan is, in and of itself, too sacred to be treated as book, then perhaps it shouldn't be in the library, in the same way that other religious icons are not in libraries, but are in churches. Just some preliminary thoughts on the issue. Again, I would be interested in other opinions. Good luck, Linda Lucke Linda Lucke Learning Center Director Butterfield School Libertyville, IL LLucke@d70.k12.il.us Happy are those who have learned to laugh at themselves, for they shall never lack for amusement! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brisco, Shonda" <briscos@TRINITYVALLEYSCHOOL.ORG> To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 3:20 PM Subject: [LM_NET] Unique situation I just had a student who came into the library and wanted to let me know that our copy of the Koran (297.1) was located on the lowest shelf of bookcases near his feet. In his religious experience (he tells me that) the Koran should not be at the ground level or near the feet.... The section which begins at the shelving top level with the 292's....ends 6 shelves later at the bottom row with the 297s...that is where the Koran is located, as it just happens. Although I can adjust shelving and move books to accomodate the student, this is the first time that I have been asked to move an entire section in order to make a religious book fit the "teachings" of its followers / readers. While I see his point, I also tried to explain that the library isn't arranged according to a specific religious doctrine (and I won't go into those who worship cataloging and Dewey), but that it was arranged according to the DDC--and it just happens that this book's call number ends with a number which happens to end at the lowest shelf--which is ground level. I also tried to explain that within the library, we try to remain neutral in all areas and provide the students and teachers with the information they need, but that our classification and arrangement within the library isn't something that we can modify for one or two items---unless we have a special display case....which we don't. I'm not sure that this will become an issue...but wanted to see what others thought. I'm not adjusting shelves yet, but if (or when) the time comes, it might be nice to offer additional justification for why we are remaining "neutral" on this type of issue rather than observing the requirements for the followers of this religion and moving an entire shelf of books to allow this book to "rise" above the ground floor level of others with the same call number. I am certainly open to ideas and understand what he is asking, but this is rather unique and possibly a politically / religiously correct issue that might become nasty if some believe that I am discriminating...which I'm not... Ideas, comments, solutions...? ~Shonda Brisco Trinity Valley MS / US Librarian Fort Worth, TX briscos@trinityvalleyschool.org -------------------------------------------------------------------- All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------