Page 25 - BCALA Spring 2018

Are Libraries Neutral?
Have they ever been?
Should they be?
By Kelvin Watson, Broward County (FL) Libraries
BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 2 | 25
(Editor’s note: this is one of three essays submitted to BCALA News from Black LIS professionals
who participated in the 2018 ALA Midwinter President’s Program on library neutrality)
I’ve considered for years the role
of libraries and librarians, that
we don’t allow ourselves to make decisions based on our views, but that we work diligently to make
all resources and information available to library customers. These information sources and resources span a variety of opinions and ideas. My experience started
in the book distribution arena, where we made virtually everything available to cover every interest and walk of life. I believe in the right of intellectual freedom, so regardless of my point of view, I believe there should never be a suppression of ideas. The library is, after all, the place where our citizenry can have access to and discovery of differing views. Being afforded the right
to information and resources on diversity and equity, for example, have helped move marginal ideas from the fringes to the forefront, and this is where I diverge from the posture of libraries and librarians neutrality.
Archie Dick wrote, “In the neutral professional model, librarians
are seen as value-neutral, and objectivity is highly valued; this leaves a greater emphasis on the delivery of information over the result, regardless of the morality of the end product.”
Across the board neutrality gives the information profession, libraries, and librarians, the ability to take a non-stance
on important issues and avoid
accountability by abdicating any ethical responsibility. Claiming neutrality endangers us as an institution by resulting in an unconscious adoption of the values of the dominant political model and framework.
Simply put, colleagues we can’t
be neutral on social and political issues that impact our customers, because, to be frank, these social and political issues impact us as well. I’ve continually witnessed
and participated in a moving away from rigid objectivity and towards a more socially responsible mindset. For example, looking at the equitable distribution of resources and privilege, it is apparent that our libraries even facilitate social services.
The definition of neutrality is
the absence of decided views, expression, or strong feeling, but this definition is not set in stone for the information professional. Though definite values can be applied to it, it is difficult for humans with bias and lived histories to actually adhere to practicing and applying neutrality