Collecting Sex Materials for Libraries |
| |
| Authors: | Michelle M Martinez Erin Cassidy Kat Landry Mueller Lisa Shen Molly Thompson Zach Valdes |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Research &2. Instruction, Newton Gresham Library, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texasmmartinez@shsu.edu;4. Access Services, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas;5. Technical Services, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas;6. Instruction, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas |
| |
| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis article analyzes data gathered over a year-long survey of library employees' opinions of sexually related materials in library collections. Surveys generally examine patron attitudes rather than the attitudes of library employees, whose attitudes and beliefs can have a strong effect on the collection. The researchers discovered themes in the data, such as varying definitions and differences between pornography and erotica, legality issues and misconceptions, differing perceptions of censorship dependent on library type, and a possible lack of acceptance of non-heteronormative material. The survey and analysis serve as a contribution to the ongoing discussion of appropriateness of sexually related materials in libraries. |
| |
| Keywords: | collection development sex materials censorship librarian attitudes |
|
|
