Copyright Speaker

Copyright laws are a source of endless frustration and uncertainty. The more I study them, the more I realize I still have to learn. Jackie Pierson really helped to give me a glimpse at the areas where I need to focus. I had understood the basics of needing to cite works used as well as asking for permission if you are using longer clips from movies and songs. However, this meant little to me on a personal level, because I rarely used anything that would fall under copyright issues. Now I'm looking at being the overseer of an entire school so it makes me take note.

I have not been in a classroom, so I didn't realize how restricted even Fair Use guidelines are. Of course, I don't think most teachers actually realize this either. Ms. Pierson spoke multiple times of how important it is for us as librarians to instruct our teachers on these issues. I have never worked in a place that really took the time to do it. Most librarians I have seen try not to break copyright themselves, but choose to turn a blind eye toward teachers doing it. They may have a short presentation or even just a handout on the topic at the beginning of the year, but rarely follow up since the topic is so complicated. I guess it really takes a librarian that is well informed to have a staff that is well informed.

I found it very interesting that students have a lot more freedom in their school projects than teachers do (such as being able to use a whole song in their presentations.) I had no idea there were separate rules for faculty and students in the same classroom.

I really struggle with the internet copyright laws regarding linking to someone's website, but I figure that even the 2002 copyright update is probably well outdated when it comes to internet. I would still like to hear the reasoning behind including such a (almost unenforceable) stipulation. I've spent a lot of time discussing this topic since the presentation and I still can't find an answer that makes sense.

I'm not sure that any cheat-sheet will ever be able to really explain this topic to the depths that is necessary to really understand it. I think this is a lifelong learning issue where I will continue to find new information, loopholes, and crazy stipulations. Jackie Pierson's overview left me feeling a lot more informed than I would have expected, but I could probably earn a full degree with the amount of time it would take to really gain a full grasp on the subject. I really do have a new appreciation of Public Domain material, though!

Selection Policy Analysis Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised to see such open and accepting language in our selection policy. Even if it was just following a cookie-cutter design, the policy embraces the library's role as an important source in the instruction of our students. I also think that someone facing a challenged book would have a decent foothold to explain why the material was selected and deserves to be in the collection.

However, I don't think the policy is detailed enough to actually allow a controversial book to survive a challenge. Yadkin County is extremely conservative and openly invites censorship whenever a thought doesn't align with the W.A.S.P. mindset. I think that almost any book with a touchy topic, that a person devoted enough time to removing, would eventually get removed. The words in the policy mean little when they are so vague, and the policy becomes little more than a smokescreen to hide our views that a library needs to be edited to not offend anyone.

I really fear my first challenged book, and our lack of any real support from the selection policy only increases my fear.

Video Reflections

The issue of censorship in general is such a polarizing concept in general, it's hard for me to set aside my Freedom of Speech ideals to really look at it. It would be easy to consider a challenged book as a challenge to you...because many times the person making the challenge will come to view the librarian as an opponent. If both sides get defensive immediately, then battle lines are drawn and any hope of a peaceful resolution will quickly fade. I think every librarian should watch a balanced video such as the one on the NCWiseOwl site on a frequent basis. The video helped me realize that while both sides probably come from opposite ideological camps, the best thing would be to discuss it without bringing those ideals into play. A cool head and an open mind from the librarian may help to diffuse any anger the challenging party may try to bring in. The librarians in the video that had faced challenges were calm and rational in discussing it, but you could see hints of chagrin over how the issue escalated now that they look back at it.

These issues take you by surprise and many times are red hot by the time you even realize they are there. If you are prepared mentally (and are well aware of challenge procedure) then I think you will be better able to handle it. I know that my natural first response would be to attack back, but videos like these help me address the touchy areas to me in a setting where I am not likely to fan the flames.

I feel very passionate in the belief that children have a right to read, and I think many topics parents find offensive are due to an ignorance of the topic. I just need to discuss and debate those feelings and beliefs in a more appropriate setting than when faced with a parent that thinks Harry Potter is a handbook to satanism!