Outcome 1A: Describe the historical context and dynamic nature of the core values and ethics of the library and information professions.
In LIS 770 Management of Libraries and Information Centers, we were tasked with researching and examining an issue in librarianship. I focused on our profession’s history of neutrality and sought to understand the reasons why librarians are either for or against neutrality.
I learned that librarians opposed to neutrality want libraries to operate in a way that is more equitable, particularly with regard to human rights. I believe that, because the library is a community center, it is important for librarians to consider the negative impact that neutrality can have on vulnerable members of the community.
Several best practices exist that can enable librarians to serve our communities in a more equitable way, including: purchasing diverse materials and utilizing them in library programming, keeping our doors open during extremely adverse weather conditions to provide a safe haven for our most vulnerable community members, and providing hotspots to students that do not have access to wireless internet at home so they can complete assignments for school.
I learned that librarians opposed to neutrality want libraries to operate in a way that is more equitable, particularly with regard to human rights. I believe that, because the library is a community center, it is important for librarians to consider the negative impact that neutrality can have on vulnerable members of the community.
Several best practices exist that can enable librarians to serve our communities in a more equitable way, including: purchasing diverse materials and utilizing them in library programming, keeping our doors open during extremely adverse weather conditions to provide a safe haven for our most vulnerable community members, and providing hotspots to students that do not have access to wireless internet at home so they can complete assignments for school.
