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