Intellectual Freedom Group 2.

7
Amanda McCoy, Becca Paquette, Ashley Swan, and Tad Twidwell

Intellectual Freedom in Prison Libraries!

Get the facts straight.

There were budget cuts to the statewide prison system and the prison librarian was told to cut back on buying new books. As a result, the Warden offered to donate his own personal books in an attempt to make up for the loss. The prison librarian faced a dilemma: the books were primarily Christian-themed. He was ethically conflicted, especially after the Warden stated it would help the prisoners learn religion. The librarian made the ethical choice that he wanted a more balanced collection for his library and that he would refuse the wardens offer. He did this out of respect for the prisoners intellectual freedom and his social responsibility to the balance of the collected works.

What is the moral dilemma?

The prison librarian faced budget cuts, and had to turn to donations to fill his shelves. When the warden proposed his collection of Christianity-themed books, the librarian felt that the balance of the collection was compromised. The prisoners have a right to a diverse collection and multiple points of view.

Evaluate the moral dilemma. What are the issues?

Accept the wardens books
Acquisitions funding has been cut; more books are needed. The warden is the boss; this professional relationship must be maintained.

Do not accept the wardens books

The librarian has worked for a balanced collection; accepting the wardens books would upset this balance. The prisoners have a right to a collection that presents a balanced view of all religions.

Test the solution: Will it stand?

We feel that there is a reasonable solution for all involved in this issue.
The prison librarian should choose a selection of titles from the Wardens collection instead of taking all of the donated materials. The Warden will still get to see some of his Christianthemed books donated, and the library collection will remain balanced. We believe that all libraries should be allowed to operate with a balanced collection, whether the patrons are prisoners or children or anyone else.

Photographs
First image - http://isucceedbook.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-nothing-beats-agood-drama/attachment/the-shawshank-redemption/

Second image - http://www.washingtonstatewire.com/home/5443more_than_6400_budget_cutting_ideas_from_state_employees_%E2%80%93_s tay_tuned_for_some_eye_openers.htm

Third image - http://prisonlibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/10/library-snapshotday.html

Fourth image http://crazyfunnyfarm.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html

Fifth image - http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/fullimage.asp?id=18265

All internet sites accessed February 28, 2012