There are myriad articles discussing how to recognize one's own bias and how to try and diminish it as much as possible in daily work. However, my library (and I'm sure many other libraries in the United States) has had issues with patrons claiming that having certain materials (almost always on a diversity basis) was "pushing an agenda." This perceived bias ends up creating a lot of confusion, as neutrality can be interpreted either as "showing everything" or "avoiding controversy." I chose to explore how to define neutrality, bias, and how to navigate these perceived biases in readers' advisory.
When I looked into it, the ALA said that "showing everything" is the only way to be neutral, and librarians should actively encourage political discourse and not fear controversy. An editorial in PublicLibrariesOnline argued that libraries should be politically neutral, but defined political neutrality as showing information on all candidates and political parties. It did not go into specific politicized issues, though, which is where the issue of perceived bias lies. Another editorial in SchoolLibraryJournal argued that libraries are inherently biased, as they have clear positions on issues like diversity and inclusion that are often highly politicized. Furthermore (they argued), libraries should embrace this bias instead of creating a false neutrality and clashing with their core beliefs.
My conclusion was that this perceived bias wasn't actual bias, in fact it was the opposite. Making recommendations with a diverse set of creators, subjects, and themes reinforces the ALA's definition of neutrality. As long as the chosen titles are based on the reader's initial requests (appropriate genre, appeal terms, etc.), there is no reason to fear recommending them. When the conversation goes from representing "x" and "y" group to "I think you should represent x and y" and "I don't think you should represent y," neutrality is completely lost. You cannot disguise censorship as political neutrality.
OOH- you picked a tough one! I think bias is such a complicated concept because really we all have bias about something or another- and pure neutrality is always impossible. Even algorithms aren't neutral. That being said, I think you are right that perceived bias is usually demonstrate the bias of the person complaining about books and titles. Being as diverse as possible, including as many options as libraries can is never going to be enough- someone will still find something to complain about, but we still have to try. It sounds like you have a great handle on this whole concept- even though it can be a quagmire!
ReplyDeleteNice topic! Being neutral can be very difficult because you have to aware at all times of how what you say or what you suggest could come off as. Thanks for your research!
ReplyDeleteWhat a timely topic in an election year in politically divisive times! :) I always find this topic so interesting because I live in an area that leans heavily to one side of the political spectrum and that doesn't align with my personal political views. In my case, I actually think my library does a pretty good job of representing a variety of political views in their materials and displays; however I'm always curious how many complaints they get about materials representing the minority view. And as someone who hopes to potentially work at the library one day, I am always thinking about how those conversations should be handled as well as recommendations about political materials, so I would be very interested in reading your full paper to see more about the impact of that bias on the RA transaction.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting topic choice. I buy a number of books each year, knowing no one will likely check them out because it isn't the common opinion in my community. I haven't had to answer to those choices as of yet, but I've felt it's important to not only buy materials that I know will leave. I will, eventually, have someone come in that is of a different viewpoint and I don't want them to look at our shelves and think that we're only pushing one side of the coin. I'm thinking mainly of politics in my response, but I certainly think about this topic with the selection of religious materials, racial materials, comic materials as well.
ReplyDeletecomments noted - the paper's grade can be found on canvas
ReplyDeleteYou've done a great job of considering a number of different aspects of this issue. Very thought-provoking! I feel that, even if patrons don't like seeing materials on the political party they oppose, those materials are less likely to generate active opposition than controversial topics like sexuality, mental health, addiction and so forth. Putting a lot of these topics in a special display would be a bit scary. I love that, as RAs, we can suggest these topics based on a reader's expressed genre and appeals preferences.
ReplyDeleteIt's not my job to order books in these areas, but on the subject of diversity I feel there is some tension between wanting to have books about all races and religions, and realizing that most of your patrons are pretty homogeneous and won't circulate the books. With limited budgets, it would be difficult to choose between encouraging diversity and going with what you're sure will circulate well. I'm glad that my library community is becoming increasingly heterogeneous, so that this will become less of an issue.