Next, they are going to discuss "library neutrality," or rather how phrase is often misused and used to justify some of current #fuckery including book bans and censorship. Host mentioned speakers responding to some book, but spoke too fast and I missed title. #USBookShow. (c)

Next, they are going to discuss "library neutrality," or rather how phrase is often misused and used to justify some of current #fuckery including book bans and censorship. Host mentioned speakers responding to some book, but spoke too fast and I missed title. #USBookShow.

The editorial in question (may be paywalled, if need be, ask your local librarian or I may be able to get for you) https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/opinion/battle-library-neutrality.html

Speaker: "One person's or family's norms are NOT the norms of the country."

And those fundamentalist bigots need to learn that.

#USBookShow

(OK, interesting as the "Libraries are Essential" session is, they needed to break it down vs. a 2hour or so recording which is what they have going.- Finally had to run for a potty break LOL) 🏃🚽

On nice thing, this is recorded so can catch anything I miss later.

#USBookShow

(I may not live tweet everything. There are lot of good points at fast pace, but I am taking notes, and I will have a blog post summing things up later). #USBookShow.

"Information access for all MEANS for all." Our librarian profession needs to keep working on this. Like the public at large, there ARE some librarians who need to do their work, serious work not just performative. DEI work is meant to be ongoing, not "trendy." #USBookShow.

"You can't point to somewhere else and say it can't happen here."

This is why you need vigilance and standing up and fighting against bigots, fascists, fundies, etc. #USBookShow

One thing librarians can do: read (or reread) and act upon our professional Code of Ethics (see ALA: https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics), which is pretty clear on things like intellectual freedom and resisting censorship. You may or not agree with ALA, but this is clear. #USBookShow

Nailed it, one of the librarians stated: "ALA needs to do more than make a statement." #USBookShow.

Preach it, sister!

Next, the political activists, like from @EveryLibrary to explain the political scene and what can be done. #USBookShow

TBH, think more librarians, as well as others, should be listening to me, including some of my academic library brethren who think this will not happen to us.