State of the Libraries: Kansas

 Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Topeka, Kansas

photo from city-data.com

Carlson, J. (2009).  Woman fights Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library policy.  Topeka      
          Capital-Journal, The (KS).

Last year at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) board of trustees considered the request of a member of the "Kansans for Common Sense Policy" group.  Kim Borchers had lobbied for nine years to have four sexually explicit books restricted for minors.  The state does have a law against exposing minors to obscene materials.  However, under the same law, schools and libraries are defended in making obscene material available to the public.  The case walks the line between censorship and responsibility to protect minors.  On the one hand, libraries should be free from censorship.  As far as I understand, schools act in loco parentis (in place of parents) and therefore limiting students' access to obscene materials would be justified.  However public libraries are under no such compulsion.  Parents retain the responsibility to monitor their children's library check out habits.  On the other hand, things are further muddled by the fact that TSCPL previously caved to pressure to house Playboy magazines behind the circulation desk and make them available to adults only.  Also, libraries often do filter the internet on their children and young adult computers.  Borchers complained that the library policies on obscene print materials are inconsistent with the policies on internet obscenity.  I would tend to agree, but rather than restrict obscene materials, I believe that discontinuing the use of internet filters would be more in line with the library's mandate to provide open access to information.  Along with that, the library should provide educational workshops on safe and responsible internet use for children. This issue calls into question a library's responsibility for its young patrons versus the value of freedom of information. A solution is somewhat unclear since I do not feel that it is in any way appropriate for children to check out obscene books or magazines, but I also believe that public libraries should not limit access to materials under any circumstances.

Library program aids job hunters (2010).  Hutchinson News, The (KS).

The Kansas State Library, located within the state capitol building in Topeka, recently picked up a software program to assist those in search of jobs, seeking to take standardized placement tests, or even pursuing United States citizenship. This kind of program speaks to the librarian's sense of calling and service, of professional responsibility. Librarians should continuously look for new ways to promote equality. As the role of libraries and librarians changes, it is sometimes unclear what the field will look like in the near future. The idea of the “new” library as a community center is an appealing one. In terms of social justice work, the unbiased library seems the perfect venue to “level the playing field”. By providing services to help people better their lives, the library offers equal access not only to materials, but in a larger sense to basic rights: employment, citizenship, education. Education will be an essential part of ensuring that a program like this one will serve the public. Advertising the new programs may not be sufficient. To benefit individuals who need these software programs, the library may need to reach out to patrons who had not previously utilized the library's services. In this scenario, the social aspect of libraries intersects with the technological in a way that could bring real change.

Roggie, A. (1999). Tolerance alliance gives schools books. Intelligencer Journal (PA).

In 1999, the Alliance for Tolerance and Freedom provided seven books on acceptance to each Lancaster, Pennsylvania public school library. One book in particular, called Annie on My Mind, deals with female homosexual characters, and its inclusion in school libraries has caused some controversy. The connection to Kansas is that this same book was challenged in 1995 in an Olathe, Kansas highschool, one of seven challenges since 1988. The ACLU sued the school district for censorship and ultimately the courts found removal of the book unconstitutional. When I consider what professional responsibility means to a school librarian, I immediately think of a calling to provide a broad swath of materials to my students. I believe that each student should be able to find his or her perspective reflected in the books on school library shelves. In addition, students should have the opportunity to be exposed to other cultures, viewpoints, and lifestyles through the variety in their school libraries. The director of the Alliance donated the diverse collection of books specifically for the latter, stating, “'The purpose of these donations is to have several books on the shelves in the library giving students a perspective on diversity they might not have considered'” (1).