[Cross-posted]

LIBRARY SURVEY: STAFF CENSORSHIP
http://www.law.yale.edu/library/survey/
[submission period ends: May 30, 2003]

The problem of censorship in libraries is a recurring topic for research
papers, conference programs, organizational policies and other statements
that support the delivery of information to those who seek it. I am
researching the occurrence of censorious behavior on the part of library
staff. There are many situations in which personal belief or opinion affects
the availability and delivery of information. This behavior exists apart
from procedural guidelines and policy regulations.

In addition to seeking general information about staff, policies, and
organizational behavior, I am interested in the awareness of civil rights in
the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides a set of
standards that govern objections to work requirements and employers'
accommodations to such requests. Once an objection is made, it is the
responsibility of the employer to decide to accommodate or not to
accommodate because of undue hardship.

I seek the opinion of colleagues and professionals in the field of
librarianship regarding these subject areas. Thank you for taking the time
to fill out this survey on library staff censorship.

Stephanie Schmitt
Yale Law Library

Censorship -- The change in the access status of material, made by a
governing authority or its representatives. Such changes include: exclusion,
restriction, removal, or age/grade level changes.
-- American Library Association [Adopted by the Intellectual Freedom
Committee at the 1986 American Library Association Annual Conference]

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Stephanie Schmitt, Mgr of Serials Services
Yale Law Library, PO Box 208326, 127 Wall St.
New Haven, CT 06520 USA
v. 203.432.7440 | f. 203.432.7940
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