Re: Policy on dealing with defaced serials at academic libraries? Hulm, Janet 22 Oct 2004 18:28 UTC
I do not agree that using a reserve system for at risk titles is a form of censorship. The patron can still identify the titles in the library's catalog, and the patron can access the information. I agree it is frustrating because it adds an extra layer in the access to that information. However, if the patron can't access the material because it has been mutilated, the situation is even more frustrating. I would argue that vandalism is a form of censorship. Vandals keep others from accessing information. And those who commit vandalism should be held accountable. I think Karrie Yukon's poster which includes a statement from the state's penal code is an excellent idea. Janet Hulm Acquisitions, Unit Head University of Iowa Libraries janet-hulm@uiowa.edu -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Simpson, Sarah Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 12:45 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Policy on dealing with defaced serials at academic libraries? We do keep certain titles behind the desk and have people ask for them, but I do tend to agree it is a form of censorship - I know that I wouldn't usually take the extra step to look at the magazine, especially if there was a line at the desk. I'm sure that a lot of people just decide not to bother if it isn't right there where they can get it. Censorship by inconvenience? We certainly mean to do the exact opposite of censoring by making sure it is available when wanted, but I think it often has the opposite effect of keeping people from reading the title. It's a frustrating situation. Sarah Simpson Tulsa City-County Library -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Carol Morse Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 12:34 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Policy on dealing with defaced serials at academic libraries? We would tend to put those kinds of titles on reserve. That protects the current issue, but not the others. I don't consider it censorship. There is a 2-hour check-out period for everyone. They are less likely to deface when they have to turn it in in 2 hours. I have put 2 runs of titles that tended to "walk" on permanent reserve and the current year of others that are very popular. Think of it as preserving good access for everyone. Carol Morse ******************************************** Address: Walla Walla College Library Periodicals Dept. 104 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324-1159 Carol Morse Serials Librarian morsca@wwc.edu 509) 527-2684; fax 509) 527-2001 ********************************************* >>> cwilson@MMM.EDU 10/22/2004 9:59:23 AM >>> Dear serialists: Here's a nice discussion topic for a Friday... I am wondering if any of you have a policy on how to deal with patrons who deface or damage serials, particularly those of a politically sensitive nature. It was just brought to my attention that someone found a copy of the Advocate in our library with the word 'nasty' scribbled on the cover. I have also previously noticed copies of Ms., Rolling Stone, etc. with missing pages or photos. It's obviously difficult to punish patrons who deface materials unless you catch them in the act, so what are our options? Some libraries(especially public) may put popular or readily-vandalized magazines behind the desk, but this brings up censorship issues. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your input, Kunchog Dolma ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ Kunchog J. Dolma, MA, MLISc Serials/Reference Librarian Thomas J. Shanahan Library Marymount Manhattan College 221 E. 71st St. New York, NY 10025 (212)774-4807