Are public libraries slanted or balanced with regard to religious views / secular views?

Question

I was collecting some books on graphy theory and math and noticed in the 'science section' a 'science' book called THE REPUBLICAN WAR AGAINST GOD which had an elephant on the cover mooning the reader

I asked the reference librarian if she could find me a book on intelligent design or creation science that balances the view and she only found one in the entire New York Orange county. Rampapo system which she ordered... is this really acedemically balanced...

does a book with an elephant moonning the readers snubbing creation views which looks more political than full of carely thought fairly represent the comunities views.... is it difficult in the northeat for libraries to represent Christian world views.

should libraries be a forum for all ideas, including AHEM Chrstiians or should they only represent secular views

note: they did not buy the book for me... they found one copy of a book in two counties
the book was an "intelligent design book" which does not explain geology ro suffering which is not the same as a "creation science book" which has a more Biblical view... related but not the same

Answer 1

Great Point!!! I've experienced this too... This is just another piece of evidence for the discrimination of Christians... I bet if you asked the Librarian for a book on Islam or Judaism or Atheism there would be thousands

Answer 2

As I library, I am a staunch opposer of censorship. I feel that we learn better when the information is out there and available, unfortunately, some times, I am chained to what is available to me via the publishers, and what is approved by my superiors..

Being a librarian for Toronto, I work in a truly diverse neighbourhood with five churches within a stone's throw away, but also a mosque, and a Hindi Temple... Keeping a fair balance is so essential, not only for my profession, but for my community. I am committed to delivering information in all formats, meaning from all points of view no matter how unpopular it is.

With that being said and done, it is hard to keep one's bias out of selecting, but it also depends on the industry. I've seen some catalogues where the publishers only offer one point of view on a certain topic, it can be very frustrating from both ends of the spectrum... We are very much dependent on the publishers for our range of topics; for keeping to their title's release dates; and the costs. It sounds like such a mangerial answer, but here's how it works for us.

I recommend to a committee about which book we should order, and based on the need for the book, the cost of the book, and how well previous book of that nature or by the author determines whether or not we acquire the book. I cannot speak to New Orange County system, but I can speak to my process.

a) go to your local university library (I know that some allow non-students to become members of the library or at least browse the collection).

b) Check out your library's interlibrary loan policy... I assure you the books are out there somewhe

Answer 3

Most libraries cannot afford to buy or store every book printed. The Library of Congress acknowledges every book printed. What books are purchased are decided by a committee, which usually involves local citizens. If you want your library to change some of it's choices look into what things you can do to change it. The bottom line is which book are most efficient at serving the community. My public library is fine, or I'm close enough to a large city to find what I want. Can't you get to a larger public library?

Answer 4

Well Intelligent design is new when more of society writes books on it the library will reflect the society it is in.
Most people are logical and intelligent therefore there will not be to many creationist books.
How many bibles were in the library did you look im sure there were alot of them. You dont meniton that because looking at the whole truth would prove you wrong.

Answer 5

I actually have finished so in the previous and likely will income this back. no count number how well suited 2 all and multiple seems, they're not in any respect going to agree on each and every thing. inspite of if both individuals of a pair percentage a normal faith, they're likely to nevertheless have really diverse interpretations and critiques concerning that faith. It does truly make it extra ordinary if both individuals of a pair agree on some effortless effortless beliefs; It makes it extra durable if both beliefs conflict in practice. A courting should be in accordance to openness and mutual appreciate.

Answer 6

well... libraries have fought against censorship (done by the Christian Mothers) for a super long time. I worked in the main public library of the city I grew up in for 2 and half years... There was two rows dedicated to Christian literature, while there was only half a section for occult and other alternative beliefs. Of course, science is a broader subject and has a larger section. Sorry, but the church has its own library... I think that Public Libraries should remain completely open and available to every subject.

Answer 7

If they offered to order the book for you I really can't see any bias on the libraries part. They can't be expected to have a copy of every book that has ever been printed.

Answer 8

*They shouldn't be , but unfortunately they wre, usually it is here in the bible belt South that hides or refuses to carry pagan themed books because they are demonic, according to the perveted Christian view. But what do you expect from the State that loves Hillary clinton and is pushing for her to become the first woman president? This reflects the liberal views perfectly. I think it is safe to say that is an "ABSOLUTE" democratic state.*