Well said.
I'd only add that every item we add ( or delete) to the collection is
evaluated through our district selection policy. When a patron has a
concern about an item, the test is to see if it fits to those
established standards.
It isn't a question about whether it is biased or not, or its specific
point of view; it is about keeping a collection that maximizes learning
(why we would have books for full range of reading levels), provides a
full range of information (sex, birth control, abstinance, teen mothers,
teen fathers), and presents a range of informed opinion and point of
view (religion, philosophy, current issues)
Robert Eiffert
Librarian, Pacific MS Vancouver WA
pac.egreen.wednet.edu/library beiffert@egreen.wednet.edu
Librarian in the Middle Blog: beiffert.net robert@beiffert.net
Shonda Brisco wrote:
>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
>
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
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/
* 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home