Library Review: The banning of books in libraries

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to focus on the correct attitude of the librarian when selecting fiction.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the banning of books in libraries from the context of what was perceived as a moral decline in the literature at the time that the article was written in 1928.

Findings

The author's view is that no novel written has sufficient quality to be a source of trouble between a public library and its people. It should be bought if the reviewers praise it enough; it should be circulated freely until someone objects; and in that event it should be withdrawn from the open shelf, but it should be left in the catalogue. The person who wants it will ask for it, and if that person is of mature years, may be allowed, without question, to have it.

Originality/value

The article provides information of a historical nature, of value to information professionals.

Citation

Berwick Sayers, W.C. (2007), "Library Review: The banning of books in libraries", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 3, pp. 194-196. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710735975966