Self-Censorship: Reflections on an Inside Job

This June I’ve been thinking about the opposite of PRIDE. About what it means to feel hesitation and insecurity during basic library experiences. Ordering a book. Picking up a book. Putting a book back on display. Even though I’ve seen plenty of nervous twelve year olds looking for materials that this might apply to, this isn’t speculation about patron behavior. It’s about self-censorship.

Truthfully, I don’t have to try super hard to remember what it was like to be a nervous twelve year old, and maybe that’s part of why I love children’s librarianship. This month I’m thinking about self-censorship as an anticipatory strategy to navigate (and avoid) the stress of pushback and material challenges.

To that end, I want to offer a quick take on some pressure points in library services to consider what the path toward self-censorship looks like. How deeply does it invade my thoughts? Where does it come from?

Intellectual freedom doesn’t just happen because the library doors are open. Not unlike a seedling or a young mind, intellectual freedom requires daily support and nurturance. Here are a few guideposts I’ve used to reflect on how self-censorship takes root.

• Buyer Beware: How well does collection growth and purchasing reflect community needs?
• Circulatory Systems: Am I promoting or avoiding books and events that seem like they may face challenges?
• Hidden in Plain Sight: Am I changing displays because I’m worried about potential complaints or because I think they can be improved?
• To Keep or Not to Keep: When weeding, am I looking for reasons to keep or to discard frequently challenged titles?
• Model Train: Imagine that nervous twelve year old is going to base their next choices on your actions. Then ask yourself, “am I modeling the best version of service to patrons and peers?”
• Yes or Know?: Discretion is professional skill that involves assessment, appraisal, and decision but self-censorship comes from a slightly different place, one that chooses because of what’s unknown.

Self-censorship may start in the mind, but it happens in the real world. And self awareness moves the needle from thought to action, beyond “good intentions” toward better services. For more reflections on self-censorship, check out more posts from the Intellectual Freedom and ALSC blogs.

This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies I. Commitment to Client Group 1 and 2. II. Reference and User Services 1, 6, and 7. IV. Collection Knowledge and Management 2, 3, and 9. VII. Professionalism and Professional Development 3 and 4.