26 September 2008
censorship and politics
I suppose it must be some sort of claim to fame, to have so irritated and galvanised librarians that they set up a blog specifically to resist you getting high political office! The Librarians Against Palin! blog " is for library staff, library lovers, and anyone who cares about public libraries and freedom to read!". As one poster says "Good for you! Whether they're on the far right or far left, those who would censor libraries are to be feared and VOTED AGAINST!"
As with many stories that surface on the net, messages distort, things snowball and truths become harder to pin down, but even reading between the lines it makes disturbing reading. I was particularly interested to read a post dated 8th Sep, by the writer Tess Gerritsen (she produces a good thriller) as guest writer in the "What fresh hell is this" blog by J D Rhoades. The post, entitled "The Librarian who said no to Sarah Palin", mentions that:
"This story has also been covered by a number of other sources, including Time Magazine, the Boston Herald, and School Library Journal. It's been picked up by library blogs. The Frontiersman, the Alaska newspaper covering Wasilla, has provided an article from its 1996 archives detailing the clash."
and also:
"Librarians have always stood up for writers; now it's time for writers to stand up for librarians - even though there will almost certainly be repercussions. No doubt there are some people who will never buy another one of my books because of what I've just written. Perhaps they'll demand that my books be banned from libraries. Perhaps they don't think that censorship is that big a deal. Or they don't mind being told what they can and cannot read. Or they want a woman in the White House so badly that they're willing to take the first one who comes along.
So let me offer an alternative candidate for the White House, a woman who's already proven her courage. A woman who's taken a principled stand against powerful political forces. She even hails from Alaska.
I nominate Mary Ellen Emmons for President."
So maybe... when pigs fly and there is a blue moon...... we will go from having a librarian first lady to having a librarian president?
Lyndsay
BTW - Cilip Update will report in the next issue (due next week).
I have a background in industry working for National Grid Co immediately prior to joining the professional body in 1997. My practitioner experience has all been as a solo, hence a previous job role as Workplace and Solo Adviser for CILIP.
I am now helping to set up the new Membership Support Unit at CILIP with colleagues Kathy Ennis and Angela Frampton. We have a very wide remit so it is an exciting time.
I began my library 'career' as a school librarian (I'm trying to find my badge to prove it!) and have experienced doing freelance information searching as well as setting up an interior design library (complete with brick and wallpaper samples).
My basic passion is the potential for our skill set.
I love North Wales, camping and recently discovered the pleasure of boogie boarding (with wetsuit of course - we are talking Irish sea here).
Little known fact?
I have been supporting the re-introduction of the Welsh Highland Railway since the early '80s. The railway will run through the spectaular countryside between Caernarvon and Porthmadog (including Beddgelert). Well worth a visit.
