Line between selection, non selection and censorship of material in a public library

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate how decisions are made between selection and non selection of material in a public library and when non selection becomes censorship. In-depth standardised open-ended interviews were used to collect data from seven selectors in the lower part of the North Island of New Zealand. This research shows that in making selection and non selection decisions selectors evaluate the nature of the item and the context it is being put into. Personal attitudes and experiences are shown to affect the decision making process. 'Putting on your professional hat' and a positive attitude towards intellectual freedom are two attitudes that give rise to a positive affect. Selectors draw a line between selection and non selection at one of three points the law, inciting and extreme ends. Where this line is drawn is influenced by the selector's level of social responsibility. Non selection becomes censorship when the selector's personal feelings on a subject cannot be set aside and cause the selector to not select material because they wish to deny access to it. Using team members and having a passion for selecting are two methods to help minimise censorship by non selection.