We have experienced similar problems. If the vandalism proves to be
ongoing then we place the targeted item at our Circ desk so that the
material has to be checked out. I agree with the idea that vandalism is
a form of censorship. As well, given budget cuts, fiscal restraints and
the high cost of many resources, I think the staff here have a
responsibility to protect our investment in the collection for our
entire community (as much as is reasonably possible).

Glenda Garbutt
Coordinator, Serials and Acquisitions Department
DePaul University Libraries
2350 N. Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, IL
60614

(773) 325 7855
FAX (773) 325 7592

ggarbutt@depaul.edu

>>> janet-hulm@UIOWA.EDU 10/22/04 01:28PM >>>
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