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Political correctness

Vincent, John (2000) Political correctness, in Muddiman, Dave, Eds. Open to All? : the Public Library and Social Exclusion, chapter 14, Vol.3, pp. 94-105. London: Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries.

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Abstract

This paper begins by discussing the history of debates around “political correctness” in public libraries, notably in relation to the social relevance of children’s stock in the 1960s and 1970s. Developments up to the 1980s are described, followed by a discussion of the reaction to these, which was often negative. The current decline in concern with matters such as racism and sexism, in relation to library stock, is then discussed. It is concluded that stock selection principles should be restated in the context of accountability to the local community, and further recommendations are made (May 2000).

Keywords:collection and stock development, public libraries, political correctness, sexism and racism stock selection, United Kingdom
Subjects:E. Publishing and legal issues. > EE. Intellectual freedom.
E. Publishing and legal issues. > EF. Censorship.
B. Information use and sociology of information. > BD. Information society.
J. Technical services in libraries, archives, museum.
C. Users, literacy and reading. > CC. User categories: children, young people, social groups.
F. Management. > FG. Local government.
D. Libraries as physical collections. > DC. Public libraries.
ID Code:5476
Deposited By:Muela-Meza, Zapopan Martín
Deposited On:23 January 2006
Alternative Locations:http://www.seapn.org.uk/workingpapers/vol3wp14.rtf
All fields:Show all fields

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