91��ý

Are Libraries Neutral? Have They Ever Been? Should They Be? The question of neutrality in librarianship is an old one. 91��ý’s 1939 Code of Ethics for Librarians calls for unbiased “recommendations”. This is seen in the 91��ý Library Bill of Rights principles that present the library as content neutral, open and accessible to all. A group of 91��ý members from academic library, public library, and library education backgrounds will engage the issues during a formal debate, with two speakers in the affirmative and two in the negative, followed by commentary from a reactor panel and a conversation with attendees, moderated by 91��ý President, Jim Neal. The following questions will be explored with the aim of challenging our thinking and practices:

• Were libraries ever neutral?

• Has the time come to question neutrality?

• Are libraries through their practices, collections, services and technologies able to be neutral?

• Can libraries be neutral as part of societies and systems that are not neutral?

• Rather than neutral, should we advocate for a distinct set of values?

• How can we do so and maintain trust in our communities?
  
  

The 91��ý President’s Program will take place on Sunday, February 11, 2018, 3:30 – 5:30pm at the 91��ý Midwinter Meeting.

Early advance rates are available through December 13, 2017, Noon (Central). Applicable resources include, and .

Ways to stay in touch and get updates include: ; (@alamw18 and #alamw18); ; ; and

Related Links

, ,