I would certainly provide the patron with a "Request for Reconsideration" form and
have him / her fill it out. I would also suggest that they provide for you a list
of the writers (since this is a compilation of different authors' works) that s/he
feels are biased. If the patron feels that the entire magazine (or the editor) is
biased, then I would ask that they cite that information for your "reconsideration
committee" to evaluate and investigate.
This is not something that you can immediately defuse because there is an "agenda"
behind the request. Today it will be Newsweek...then Time...then U.S. News and
World Report...etc. I think that you will need to provide a balance in the media
formats for the patron (and your students) and if s/he refuses to consider your
options, then you will need to ask for additional support (ALA) to assist you in
this matter.
As far as the bias is concerned, I think there is a definite bias in the media;
however, with instruction and education students (and adults) can be taught HOW to
use ALL media to determine their personal viewpoint on an issue. This individual
wants only ONE side of the issue to be provided ---his / her side. This is
censorship.
It is important to remain professional in this and to encourage education and
instruction in the evaluation of media---and by keeping Newsweek and other media
formats on the shelves---you will be able to do your job and support the curriculum.
Just some thoughts...
~Shonda
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
US / Technology Librarian
Fort Worth Country Day School
Fort Worth, TX
sbrisco@fwcds.org
>>> Jan Buchholz <jbuchhol@ESU6.ORG> 10/13/05 11:04 AM >>>
I have just been informed by the administration that our patron did not
accept keeping Newsweek on the rack. He is asking for time at the next
board meeting. Can any of you help me with how to verify if a magazine
is biased or unbiased? Are U.S. News and World Report, Time, and
Newsweek biased in their writing? If so, which bias do they represent.
What could be valid responses to this situation? Thanks
Jan Buchholz
Pawnee City Schools
Pawnee City, NE 68420
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