Censorship and the Challenges of Library Services Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionArticle 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) as cited by IFLA (2011) states:Everyone has right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.The concept of intellectual freedom involves protecting rights of all individuals to pursue types of information they want and to read anything that interests them. Attempts by a member of community to remove materials from a library collection or to restrict access to them may be most common challenges to intellectual freedom that a small library will face.The origins of intellectual freedom can be traced back to Socrates - that famous philosopher, who believed in value and benefits of free discussion. The American Library Association (ALA) has been interested in intellectual freedom for a long time, with first Library Bill of Rights written in 1939. The Library Bill of Rights has been modified several times over years with most recent version available from ALA web site. While Library Bill of Rights does not provide legal protection (legal protection comes from First Amendment), it does provide a set of principles to guide libraries and librarians in dealing with issues of censorship and intellectual freedom. For a variety of resources related to intellectual freedom, such as information on how to deal with community concerns over library materials and role of librarians in intellectual freedom and Internet (Washington Library Media Association, 2013).Intellectual freedom advocates oppose censorship, which places ... restrictive controls on dissemination of ideas, information, or images transmitted through any communication medium. (American Library Association's World Encyclopedia of Library and Information Services). Censorship of ideas and information has been practiced in various forms throughout history, starting with earliest civilizations. Today, censorship is practiced in many ways, both obvious and subtle.Conceptual meaning of censorshipCensorship is seen as control of information and ideas circulated within a society. Reichman (1988) as cited by Famous (2011) sees censorship as the removal, suppression or restricted circulation of literary, artistic or educational materials on grounds that they are morally or otherwise objectionable in light of standards applied by censor. Yet, as he points out, virtually any decision made by school board members opposing what is taught, used and learned in school can be viewed as It could also be seen as examination of books, plays, films, television and radio programs, news reports, and other forms of communication for purpose of altering or suppressing ideas found to be objectionable, harmful, or offensive. Censorship can be prior or post (Famous, 2011).Prior censorship. This is when an information material is being banned or censored before publication. This may be done by publishers, government and its agencies, organizations, individuals, religious or other associations, etc. and may be done by force or negotiations.Post censorship. This is when an information material is banned or censored after it has been published. Some good examples are banning of Tell magazine publications during military regime of General Sanni Abacha and banning of Satanic Verses novel in 1989 written by Salman Rushdie; in which a global death sentence was placed on author by late spiritual leader of Iran Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini but in 1998, succeeding government of Iran under leadership of Mohammad Khatami lifted death sentence.Also, in view of Lau (2009) censorship can occur anytime a book or other library material is removed from its intended audience. Libraries often face challenges from patrons who desire to have material they find offensive removed from collection. …

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