Project: Social Good
Subject: Book Banning in Public Libraries
Project: Social Good
Subject: Book Banning in Public Libraries
The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Every day, the threat of censoring, controlling, and banning books affects us, our libraries, and our librarians.
Librarians are trained to have balanced collections.
“I like to use my collection to create both windows and mirrors. Windows allow the reader to see new perspectives, while mirrors allow for them to see themselves reflected through the material.”
-A Certified Librarian in Michigan
-A Certified Librarian in Michigan
If someone wants to ban a book, they must first challenge the title, and then go through an extremely difficult process that has an incredibly rare success rate. While difficult, this doesn’t seem to be slowing book challengers down, in fact, they seem as inspired as ever.
In 2022, the United States saw a record amount of book-challenging attempts.
It’s probably no surprise that most book challenges and bans are driven by political opinions. What is surprising, is what we learned about public library funding...
86% of funding for local libraries comes from local sources.
local sources = local opinions
The Problem:
Local politicians and book challengers use funding power to control, censor, and influence the collection of books in their communities without citizens even realizing it.
Public libraries know that defending themselves comes at a cost. If they refuse their funding “guidelines” they risk losing financial support and, at worst, having to close their doors.
Recently, in 2022, a public library in Michigan lost their funding for having 5 LGBTQ+ themed books on their shelves. Today, the library is kept alive by private donations.
Public libraries know that defending themselves comes at a cost. If they refuse their funding “guidelines” they risk losing financial support and, at worst, having to close their doors.
Recently, in 2022, a public library in Michigan lost their funding for having 5 LGBTQ+ themed books on their shelves. Today, the library is kept alive by private donations.
Anyone can report book censoring, challenges, or bans.
So,
why are 97% of book challenges going unreported?
- Since this happens quietly and behind the scenes, many readers don’t know how it’s happening or that it’s even happening at all.
- Book banning doesn’t just attack well-known titles. If you don’t know a book exists, you won’t know if it’s missing.
The Insight:
You can’t report something you don’t know is happening.
While we were disheartened by our new found knowledge, we were also inspired. If local politicians, law makers, and book challengers can find loopholes, then so can we.
The Strategy:
Take a page out of their book.
Utilize the lack of transparency, secrecy, and rule bending tactics used in book banning to enable citizens to advocate for intellectual freedom.
The Idea:
THE BOOK SERVER
A “secret” website that allows anyone with a public library card to change their VPN in order to access books not available in their community.
Reaching People Where They Read
Reaching People Where They Read
OOH placed in common reading areas like the metro, subway, cafes, and coffee shops to increase the awareness of book censoring and challenging.
We wanted to show the effects censoring can have on books by blacking out parts of the story to write a new one. This also encourages the reader to see the book for the story it tells rather than what category of controversy it falls under.
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This shows a summary of Harry Potter, a book often challenged. It has been censored to now read, “An orphaned child uncovers the true reality of his parent’s world.”
Assisting Librarians
Since librarians are on the front line of this issue we wanted to relieve some pressure and provide a way for them to still serve their community.
These book inserts close gaps caused by behind-the-scene book control. They have a QR code that will provide the reader with directions for accessing THE BOOK SERVER.
Raising Awareness
A mysterious blacked-out book vending machine placed in Washington DC or New York City outside places like the Library of Congress or the New York Public Library.
These vending machines give no information about a book other than a short summary for the user to choose from. They can vend a book for free or leave a donation. The book they choose comes with an insert of information about THE BOOK SERVER and ways to further their education on book banning.
How we got here:
First, I spent some time learning about the history of libraries and how they have evolved over time. Then, I researched book banning and its effects on public libraries through sources like the American Library Association and the Office for Intellectual Freedom. I used platforms like Reddit to see how librarians were talking about the issue and anything they have witnessed. I also interviewed librarians to learn more about the inner workings of public libraries and how they handle book challenges. Combining all of our research, observations, and ideas were crucial in forming a strategy to fight book banning.
First, I spent some time learning about the history of libraries and how they have evolved over time. Then, I researched book banning and its effects on public libraries through sources like the American Library Association and the Office for Intellectual Freedom. I used platforms like Reddit to see how librarians were talking about the issue and anything they have witnessed. I also interviewed librarians to learn more about the inner workings of public libraries and how they handle book challenges. Combining all of our research, observations, and ideas were crucial in forming a strategy to fight book banning.
Team:
Kate Coleman (ST)
Alia McDowell (CBM)
Lindsey Evans (AD)
Morgan MacLachlan (AD)
Eli Reece(CW)
Kate Coleman (ST)
Alia McDowell (CBM)
Lindsey Evans (AD)
Morgan MacLachlan (AD)
Eli Reece(CW)
