Pathfinder Journal Articles

1. Publication: Children’s Literature in Education. Title of article: “‘Not Censorship but Selection’: Censorship and/as Prizing.” Found using Academic Search Premier.

“Abstract: This essay calls for a fresh critical approach to the topic of censorship, suggesting that anticensorship efforts, while important and necessary, function much like literary prizing. The analysis draws especially on James English’s recent study The Economy of Prestige. There are two central arguments: first, that the librarian ethic of “selection”––introduced by Lester Asheim in 1953 as a counterpoint to censorship––has contributed to the unfortunate construction of the censor as a “moron”; and second, that anticensorship efforts more generally tend toward uncritical canon-making, attributing value to books simply because they’ve been censored or (more typically) challenged.”

Kidd, K. (2009). “Not Censorship but Selection”: Censorship and/as Prizing. Children's Literature In Education, 40(3), 197-216. doi:10.1007/s10583-008-9078-4

2. Publication: None could be found. Title of article: “Banned Books and Their Universal Availability.” Found using Academic Search Premier.

“Abstract: An essay is presented about efforts by the American Library Association (ALA) to promote banned books in the U.S. According to the author, the banned books being promoted by the ALA are readily available almost anywhere in the U.S. The Banned Books Proclamation made by the association every Banned Books Week is examined.”

Banned Books and Their Universal Availability. (2008). Journal of Access Services, 5(4), 597-609. doi:10.1080/15367960802175067

3. Publication: Community and Junior College Libraries. Title of article: “To Read or Not to Read: Understanding Book Censorship.” Found using Academic Search Premier.

“Abstract: The controversy involving the challenge and possible banning of books has existed since the first person set pen to paper. These challenges have historically been based upon political and religious differences, but as time has passed, have become increasingly more to do with sex, race and culture. With these issues facing libraries, the role of the librarian, or library media specialist, has been that of an advocate of basic freedoms in expression, intellect and the right to read. Several organizations have also stepped up to the plate to inform and protect these rights. Works, considered classics by many, have been up for debate, brought through the legal system, and have been placed on banned books lists by many establishments. Only through education, communication and empowerment can the issue of censorship be resolved.”

CONNELLY, D. S. (2009). To Read or Not To Read: Understanding Book Censorship. Community & Junior College Libraries, 15(2), 83-90. doi:10.1080/02763910902832222