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You are so right, so many paraprofessionals and LMT's see themselves as 
gatekeepers. I've been fighting a contingent in my district that hide behind 
"selection" to censor. I gently remind them that we have a responsibility to 
observe the ALA Code of Ethics.

Joy Millam
Library Media Goddess/Teacher
Valencia High School
Placentia, CA 
714-996-4970 x3250

http://www.vhstigers.org/library/mrs_millam.jsp?rn=3833

"Libraries are not made; they grow." - Augustine Birrell



-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications on behalf of Chris Getty
Sent: Wed 10/31/2007 10:31 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: Golden Compass and the ALA Code of Ethics
 
Kudos for reminding everyone!  Too bad the code of ethics is not an oath
we swear to!  I get dismayed at librarians who consider themselves
"gatekeepers"  in all the exclusive and protective senses of the word.
I prefer to see myself as a "concierge" serving others by connecting
them to resources, -- "opening doors" in a wider sense.
Chris Getty

"Access to knowledge is the superb, the supreme act of truly great
civilizations. Of all the institutions that purport to do this, free
libraries stand virtually alone in accomplishing this mission.".

-Toni MORRISON
American novelist (1931-)

Christine B.Getty
Librarian/Media Specialist
Plainwell Middle and High School
Plainwell, Michigan 49080
cgetty@plainwellschools.org

>>> Doug Johnson <doug0077@GMAIL.COM> 10/31/2007 11:20 AM >>>
Hi folks,

Given the recent discussion of The Golden Compass and our individual
reactions toward it (interesting reading, BTW), it might be a good time
to
review The American Library Association Code of Ethics
<http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm>,
especially items II and VII.

I.     We provide the highest level of service to all library users
through
appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service
policies;
equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to
all
requests.
II.     We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist
all
efforts to censor library resources.
III.     We protect each library user's right to privacy and
confidentiality
with respect to information sought or received and resources
consulted,
borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
IV.     We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
V.     We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness
and
good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the
rights
and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
VI.     We do not advance private interests at the expense of library
users,
colleagues, or our employing institutions.
VII.     We distinguish between our personal convictions and
professional
duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair
representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of
access to
their information resources.
VIII.    We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and
enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the
professional
development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of
potential
members of the profession.

Regardless of our own religious values or personal tastes, we should
fight
to keep Pullman's books on our shelves. As well as C.S. Lewis's books.
As
well as any writing that has been critically and positively reviewed.

Our profession needs to handle this one better than they did _Lucky_!

All the best,

Doug

Doug Johnson
Director of Media and Technology
Mankato Area Public Schools
Box 8713, 1351 S Riverfront Dr.
Mankato MN 56001-8714
Phone: 507-387-7698 x 473
E-mail: doug0077@gmail.com
Web: www.doug-johnson.com
Blue Skunk Blog: http://doug ( http://doug/ )-johnson.squarespace.com/

³Thou shalt not² might reach the head, but it takes ³Once upon a time²
to
reach the heart. Philip Pullman

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