Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Maureen, Like many things, this comes down to very local and context-driven decision-making, in which you need to balance a LOT of considerations. I faced a request more than a decade ago for an extremely hardcore pornographic film that, after careful consideration, I declined. The faculty member was pleased with the thoughtfulness and fairness of the process, and agreed with the ultimate rationale. As I recall, some of the important factors were: -This was a single film for a single course, and therefore not related to a major part of our curriculum. -Legally, we would need to prevent circulation to/viewing by minors. Since many of our freshmen enter at age 17 (or even younger), and we have no user type or such in our catalog system that distinguishes these students, we would not be easily (if at all) able to ensure our compliance with the law. (If you haven't checked your state's laws in this regard, you will want to do so. This may clear up the question of what is porn? as well as how you would need to deal with certain materials.) -We are a state institution. We would wish politically to tread carefully when adding materials of this type (and certainly not use state-appropriated, taxpayer-funded monies with which to do this). While we could perhaps devise a way of limiting use to those 18 years old above, creating a special collection, workflow, and processes unlike those for any of our other content, the cost (and potential consequences of error) would be great. My final decision was therefore based on cost - not of the material, per se, but overall cost of providing the access. Just as I might deny a request for a DVD that costs, say, $3,000, I turned down this request. Again, the faculty agreed with this line of thinking. Had my university been starting a major new program in Porn Studies, well, the costs and risks might have seemed reasonable. Like I said, these are always local and contextualized decisions. I hope this helps. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 4:44 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: What is porn? Russ Meyer is certainly not porn. Some of his films such as Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill. are considered works of art. They have been screened at many art cinemas and are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The same could be said about the films of Radley Metzger who just had a retrospective of his work at Lincoln Center. Then there are the early films of Fred Halsted. Hardcore sex, yes. But also art. They too are part of the MOMA collection. Meyer's films feature large breasted women but these women are always strong and usually have it over the guys. His films can also be violent but in the end good always triumphs. i think to not include these films is nothing more than pure censorship. On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 2:10 PM, Stanton, Kim kim.stan...@unt.edu wrote: We have purchased a few items per faculty request for instruction/ scholarly research. The only issue we have had (and just once) was someone checking out an item without understanding what it was. We now prominently add a note to our public catalog record that prominently says Adult content, graphic sex. or whatever is appropriate. Other than that, these items are treated like all other materials in the collection. We have closed stacks, but circulate for use outside of the library. Good luck, Kim Stanton Head, Media Library University of North Texas kim.stan...@unt.edu -- *From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu on behalf of Gisele Genevieve Tanasse gtana...@library.berkeley.edu *Sent:* Friday, November 14, 2014 2:16 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? I have purchased porn in response to instructional requests (most of which have come from our Gender and Women's Studies department). I have even repaired a pornographic VHS tape for an instructor. Much like racist cartoons, Nazi propaganda and most reality TV, inclusion of porn in the library collection should not be interpreted as a stamp of approval on the content. I recommend giving a courtesy head's up to your acquisitions/tech services staff and be sure you are ready to respond, citing intellectual freedom/instructional freedom, to any complainers. You might also consider letting whoever you report to know in advance, so they are also prepared in case you do receive a complaint. If you have viewing stations, I would recommend working with your staff to identify the best location to seat someone studying porn in order to reduce the likelihood of catching a passerby off guard.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
What was the film? What kind of university was it? A Catholic one? What does extremely hardcore pornographic mean? I can see people worried about a public library (and I think that isn't good librarianship anyway) but a college? This is pure censorship and not good librarianship. Sorry to sound so harsh but this puritanical approach really burns my ass. it is our job to get materials to the people we serve. And not just the majority or what the majority thinks we should provide. I think you are dead wrong Darby. On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 10:58 AM, Darby Orcutt dcorc...@ncsu.edu wrote: Maureen, Like many things, this comes down to very local and context-driven decision-making, in which you need to balance a LOT of considerations. I faced a request more than a decade ago for an extremely hardcore pornographic film that, after careful consideration, I declined. The faculty member was pleased with the thoughtfulness and fairness of the process, and agreed with the ultimate rationale. As I recall, some of the important factors were: -This was a single film for a single course, and therefore not related to a major part of our curriculum. -Legally, we would need to prevent circulation to/viewing by minors. Since many of our freshmen enter at age 17 (or even younger), and we have no user type or such in our catalog system that distinguishes these students, we would not be easily (if at all) able to ensure our compliance with the law. (If you haven't checked your state's laws in this regard, you will want to do so. This may clear up the question of what is porn? as well as how you would need to deal with certain materials.) -We are a state institution. We would wish politically to tread carefully when adding materials of this type (and certainly not use state-appropriated, taxpayer-funded monies with which to do this). While we could perhaps devise a way of limiting use to those 18 years old above, creating a special collection, workflow, and processes unlike those for any of our other content, the cost (and potential consequences of error) would be great. My final decision was therefore based on cost - not of the material, per se, but overall cost of providing the access. Just as I might deny a request for a DVD that costs, say, $3,000, I turned down this request. Again, the faculty agreed with this line of thinking. Had my university been starting a major new program in Porn Studies, well, the costs and risks might have seemed reasonable. Like I said, these are always local and contextualized decisions. I hope this helps. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 4:44 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: What is porn? Russ Meyer is certainly not porn. Some of his films such as Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill. are considered works of art. They have been screened at many art cinemas and are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The same could be said about the films of Radley Metzger who just had a retrospective of his work at Lincoln Center. Then there are the early films of Fred Halsted. Hardcore sex, yes. But also art. They too are part of the MOMA collection. Meyer's films feature large breasted women but these women are always strong and usually have it over the guys. His films can also be violent but in the end good always triumphs. i think to not include these films is nothing more than pure censorship. On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 2:10 PM, Stanton, Kim kim.stan...@unt.edu wrote: We have purchased a few items per faculty request for instruction/ scholarly research. The only issue we have had (and just once) was someone checking out an item without understanding what it was. We now prominently add a note to our public catalog record that prominently says Adult content, graphic sex. or whatever is appropriate. Other than that, these items are treated like all other materials in the collection. We have closed stacks, but circulate for use outside of the library. Good luck, Kim Stanton Head, Media Library University of North Texas kim.stan...@unt.edu -- *From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu on behalf of Gisele Genevieve Tanasse gtana...@library.berkeley.edu *Sent:* Friday, November 14, 2014 2:16 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? I have purchased porn in response to instructional requests (most of which have come from our Gender and Women's Studies department). I have even repaired a pornographic VHS tape for an instructor. Much like racist cartoons, Nazi propaganda and most reality TV,
[Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
This is a very interesting subject worth exploring, I feel, as there is a fine line that can become quite blurred in relation to what is porn and what is not. I find the subject of great interest as I am involved in two films that have, at times, become caught in the web if such discussions, and I find it very difficult to navigate. The films are: Semi Colin Semi Colin is a beautiful and simplistic look into the eyes of an artist, facing the morality of his passion, his art and his compulsion. The film explores the life and work of a British erotic illustrator who firmly believes that his drawings are art and not pornographic. Presented as a monologue, the debate roars into the forefront and the artist delves into his reasoning. http://soundviewmediapartners.com/?p=993 The Lovers' Guide This is quite a different conundrum. The series, which is approx. 12 hours (carved into two 5-disc collection), is quite graphic as it presents by chapters sexual instruction across a broad range of subjects. It has been reviewed wonderfully, but also censored by many distributors due its graphic nature. It is, however, presented by Doctors and experts, and since this is documentary/instruction should not be classified as porn. http://soundviewmediapartners.com/?s=lovers Both of the above are available on Amazon. Lovers' Guide specifically is a top selling series in the special interest genre at #66 http://amzn.to/12BpovN. I do find it weird that some distributors including Baker Taylor have chosen not to carry the series. I would be most interested in hearing thoughts about these products. Dan Gurlitz Soundview Media Partners LLC 917-402-0460 / dgurl...@soundviewmediapartners.com www.soundviewmediapartners.com / www.facebook.com/SoundviewMediaPartners www.linkedin.com/in/dangurlitz -Original Message- From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of videolib-requ...@lists.berkeley.edu Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 11:45 AM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: videolib Digest, Vol 84, Issue 16 Send videolib mailing list submissions to videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit https://calmail.berkeley.edu/manage/list/listinfo/videolib@lists.berkeley.edu or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to videolib-requ...@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib-requ...@lists.berkeley.edu You can reach the person managing the list at videolib-ow...@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib-ow...@lists.berkeley.edu When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of videolib digest... Today's Topics: 1. Re: pornographic films in the Library collection? (Darby Orcutt) 2. Re: pornographic films in the Library collection? (Doug Poswencyk) -- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:58:00 -0500 From: Darby Orcutt dcorc...@ncsu.edumailto:dcorc...@ncsu.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Message-ID: cal08p8dkdqe64bxb66haz6k3mm7z1o7_g9dxhbe3edyvhfh...@mail.gmail.commailto:cal08p8dkdqe64bxb66haz6k3mm7z1o7_g9dxhbe3edyvhfh...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Maureen, Like many things, this comes down to very local and context-driven decision-making, in which you need to balance a LOT of considerations. I faced a request more than a decade ago for an extremely hardcore pornographic film that, after careful consideration, I declined. The faculty member was pleased with the thoughtfulness and fairness of the process, and agreed with the ultimate rationale. As I recall, some of the important factors were: -This was a single film for a single course, and therefore not related to a major part of our curriculum. -Legally, we would need to prevent circulation to/viewing by minors. Since many of our freshmen enter at age 17 (or even younger), and we have no user type or such in our catalog system that distinguishes these students, we would not be easily (if at all) able to ensure our compliance with the law. (If you haven't checked your state's laws in this regard, you will want to do so. This may clear up the question of what is porn? as well as how you would need to deal with certain materials.) -We are a state institution. We would wish politically to tread carefully when adding materials of this type (and certainly not use state-appropriated, taxpayer-funded monies with which to do this). While we could perhaps devise a way of limiting use to those 18 years old above, creating a special collection, workflow, and processes unlike those for any of our other
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Um, whatever happened to “Freedom to View.” http://www.ala.org/vrt/professionalresources/vrtresources/freedomtoview Sharon Herfurth Office of Programs Partnerships Austin Public Library Austin, TX From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Doug Poswencyk Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 10:45 AM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? What was the film? What kind of university was it? A Catholic one? What does extremely hardcore pornographic mean? I can see people worried about a public library (and I think that isn't good librarianship anyway) but a college? This is pure censorship and not good librarianship. Sorry to sound so harsh but this puritanical approach really burns my ass. it is our job to get materials to the people we serve. And not just the majority or what the majority thinks we should provide. I think you are dead wrong Darby. On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 10:58 AM, Darby Orcutt dcorc...@ncsu.edumailto:dcorc...@ncsu.edu wrote: Maureen, Like many things, this comes down to very local and context-driven decision-making, in which you need to balance a LOT of considerations. I faced a request more than a decade ago for an extremely hardcore pornographic film that, after careful consideration, I declined. The faculty member was pleased with the thoughtfulness and fairness of the process, and agreed with the ultimate rationale. As I recall, some of the important factors were: -This was a single film for a single course, and therefore not related to a major part of our curriculum. -Legally, we would need to prevent circulation to/viewing by minors. Since many of our freshmen enter at age 17 (or even younger), and we have no user type or such in our catalog system that distinguishes these students, we would not be easily (if at all) able to ensure our compliance with the law. (If you haven't checked your state's laws in this regard, you will want to do so. This may clear up the question of what is porn? as well as how you would need to deal with certain materials.) -We are a state institution. We would wish politically to tread carefully when adding materials of this type (and certainly not use state-appropriated, taxpayer-funded monies with which to do this). While we could perhaps devise a way of limiting use to those 18 years old above, creating a special collection, workflow, and processes unlike those for any of our other content, the cost (and potential consequences of error) would be great. My final decision was therefore based on cost - not of the material, per se, but overall cost of providing the access. Just as I might deny a request for a DVD that costs, say, $3,000, I turned down this request. Again, the faculty agreed with this line of thinking. Had my university been starting a major new program in Porn Studies, well, the costs and risks might have seemed reasonable. Like I said, these are always local and contextualized decisions. I hope this helps. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364tel:919%2F%20513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edumailto:dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 4:44 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.commailto:doug8...@gmail.com wrote: What is porn? Russ Meyer is certainly not porn. Some of his films such as Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill. are considered works of art. They have been screened at many art cinemas and are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The same could be said about the films of Radley Metzger who just had a retrospective of his work at Lincoln Center. Then there are the early films of Fred Halsted. Hardcore sex, yes. But also art. They too are part of the MOMA collection. Meyer's films feature large breasted women but these women are always strong and usually have it over the guys. His films can also be violent but in the end good always triumphs. i think to not include these films is nothing more than pure censorship. On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 2:10 PM, Stanton, Kim kim.stan...@unt.edumailto:kim.stan...@unt.edu wrote: We have purchased a few items per faculty request for instruction/ scholarly research. The only issue we have had (and just once) was someone checking out an item without understanding what it was. We now prominently add a note to our public catalog record that prominently says Adult content, graphic sex. or whatever is appropriate. Other than that, these items are treated like all other materials in the collection. We have closed stacks, but circulate for use outside of the library. Good luck, Kim Stanton Head, Media Library University of North Texas kim.stan...@unt.edumailto:kim.stan...@unt.edu
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
But it is. Besides, we don't even know what the film is! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 12:26 PM, Catherine Lee catherinelee...@gmail.com wrote: Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Catherine, Thank you for your support, which I can only hope mirrors the majority of the videolib community. If it were unclear to anyone, I was addressing a real-life situation in which I was recognizing a need for my institution to: 1) comply with the law, and 2) adhere to our budget. I neither provide illegal content (e.g., child pornography) upon request, nor do I purchase every item that is ever requested, regardless of cost; if these things make me a censor or at odds with Freedom to View, then I expect I am in overwhelmingly good company among librarians. To be clear, when I say that such a decision is local and context-driven, I mean simply that each institution and its needs are ultimately unique. No institution can provide everything, so each selector needs to exercise her best judgement in weighing the importance of any particular content relative to cost for her own institution. If it matters, the scenario I mentioned was at a public university and the request was for a XXX-rated film. Again, the requester also AGREED with my decision and rationale. I think this community is at its best when we can have open and respectful dialogue grounded in support of one another's actual professional work. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:04 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: But it is. Besides, we don't even know what the film is! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 12:26 PM, Catherine Lee catherinelee...@gmail.com wrote: Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
I have to say we had real discussions a few years ago with a very fine academic (and good friend) about releasing a DVD of historic pornography that was being taught in her course and other people's courses. I was really interested in it until the archivist holding the collection mentioned the possibility that with the a history of exploitation of actors in these films (not always, but frequently), do we want to be exploiting them again? There's not an easy answer. I also saw a presentation of pornography by the esteemed Linda Williams that was excellent and the first few films were fairly quaint or laughingly bad. But the last one was truly erotic and it made a lot of people uncomfortable. At what point does academic interest turn into voyeurism or worse, harassment? (One professor in Arizona lost his job when he taught a film pornography class.) I'll defend her right to show it 100% and I'm really glad for the experience that made me think so deeply about the meaning of academic study, but again there's no easy answer. This exploitation discussion came up recently with Belle Knox (the Duke student) this year and each case is so different. But without knowing the history of each film, I think you can have an epic pros and cons panel on carrying such titles and whether you're supporting the pornography business. Frankly, what I've seen in this string of emails is exactly what I would have expected -- great reasons for both sides of the equation. And if you say there should be complete academic freedom, what the heck do you do when a professor wants to buy a real snuff film? Best regards, Dennis Doros Milestone Film Video PO Box 128 / Harrington Park, NJ 07640 Phone: 201-767-3117 / Fax: 201-767-3035 / Email: milefi...@gmail.com Visit our main website! www.milestonefilms.com Visit our new websites! www.mspresents.com, www.portraitofjason.com, www. shirleyclarkefilms.com, To see or download our 2014 Video Catalog, click here http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/7896/files/2014MilestoneVideoCatalog.pdf?75 ! Support Milestone Film on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milestone-Film/22348485426 and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MilestoneFilms! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:04 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: But it is. Besides, we don't even know what the film is! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 12:26 PM, Catherine Lee catherinelee...@gmail.com wrote: Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Darby, Please do not take my comments personally. I am truly sorry if I offended you but I stand by my comments. Of course you would not buy any child pornography. None of us would. I would still like to know the title. The professor had a good reason for using it so that makes it a justifiable purchase. Too often we worry what the majority will think but ignore individuals. I deal with situations like this all the time as I am now at a public library but I try to remain open minded in an attempt to serve everyone. There may be hell to pay but that is what being a librarian is all about. Maybe the requester was just being polite to you and did not want to make your job anymore difficult. I still think this is a case of censorship and am very disappointed in the other librarians who agree with you. This is a respectful discussion. I just can't support what you did. That's all. Who knows, maybe I will post something here that others disagree with vehemently. That's OK. I won't take it personally and perhaps even rethink it. I make a lot of mistakes so I am very open for criticism. Thanks for listening. Doug On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 2:24 PM, Darby Orcutt dcorc...@ncsu.edu wrote: Catherine, Thank you for your support, which I can only hope mirrors the majority of the videolib community. If it were unclear to anyone, I was addressing a real-life situation in which I was recognizing a need for my institution to: 1) comply with the law, and 2) adhere to our budget. I neither provide illegal content (e.g., child pornography) upon request, nor do I purchase every item that is ever requested, regardless of cost; if these things make me a censor or at odds with Freedom to View, then I expect I am in overwhelmingly good company among librarians. To be clear, when I say that such a decision is local and context-driven, I mean simply that each institution and its needs are ultimately unique. No institution can provide everything, so each selector needs to exercise her best judgement in weighing the importance of any particular content relative to cost for her own institution. If it matters, the scenario I mentioned was at a public university and the request was for a XXX-rated film. Again, the requester also AGREED with my decision and rationale. I think this community is at its best when we can have open and respectful dialogue grounded in support of one another's actual professional work. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:04 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: But it is. Besides, we don't even know what the film is! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 12:26 PM, Catherine Lee catherinelee...@gmail.com wrote: Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection,
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Darby, I noticed that your university has an undergraduate department in Women's and Gender Studies, and yet that you have no Barbara Hammer, Beth B., or Carolee Schneeman, to name the most prominent of queer filmmakers, whose films contain explicit sexual activity, and are as far from porn as you could possibly get. I am edified to see you have some Su Friedrich in your collection. You don't have any Wakefield Poole, either. Such a shame and disappointment for that department. This xxx-rated film, had you secured a screener to view? Or did you condemn and censor something you hadn't seen? No offense, but professionally, I consider that unconscionable. And there was a legitimate request from a professor for his/her pursuit of inquiry in the class. That canard of taxpayer's money is disingenuous. And a red herring. It boils my blood. It's an easy excuse to cover up inherently censorious behavior. This and Maureen's kneejerk response to reject the professors' requests seems to me personally motivated. There's a reason librarians have been described as pusillanimous over the decades. It takes backbone to stand up for the ideals of the profession and defend them with ferocity. And if public library ILS's can put restrictions on age appropriate material, why cannot an academic library? If the film had a structural function in scholarly inquiry, that is all the reason you need for its justification in the collection. Period. End of debate. Unless it was $3,000. That would of course be a reason to reject purchasing the title. What was the title? And again, the films Maureen listed are tame. And have stood the test of time. They are not pornographic. Throw in some Chesty Morgan and Ilsa the SS Officer, and you have a peak into my personal collection. And items that are found in libraries. Check Worldcat, if you need back up ammo. And for your information, NYPL has a renowned collection of porn in its Manuscript and Archives collection. Really, about the only things that should be off limits, without exception, for collection development are child pornography and bestial pornography. Regards, Elizabeth On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 10:58 AM, Darby Orcutt dcorc...@ncsu.edu wrote: Maureen, Like many things, this comes down to very local and context-driven decision-making, in which you need to balance a LOT of considerations. I faced a request more than a decade ago for an extremely hardcore pornographic film that, after careful consideration, I declined. The faculty member was pleased with the thoughtfulness and fairness of the process, and agreed with the ultimate rationale. As I recall, some of the important factors were: -This was a single film for a single course, and therefore not related to a major part of our curriculum. -Legally, we would need to prevent circulation to/viewing by minors. Since many of our freshmen enter at age 17 (or even younger), and we have no user type or such in our catalog system that distinguishes these students, we would not be easily (if at all) able to ensure our compliance with the law. (If you haven't checked your state's laws in this regard, you will want to do so. This may clear up the question of what is porn? as well as how you would need to deal with certain materials.) -We are a state institution. We would wish politically to tread carefully when adding materials of this type (and certainly not use state-appropriated, taxpayer-funded monies with which to do this). While we could perhaps devise a way of limiting use to those 18 years old above, creating a special collection, workflow, and processes unlike those for any of our other content, the cost (and potential consequences of error) would be great. My final decision was therefore based on cost - not of the material, per se, but overall cost of providing the access. Just as I might deny a request for a DVD that costs, say, $3,000, I turned down this request. Again, the faculty agreed with this line of thinking. Had my university been starting a major new program in Porn Studies, well, the costs and risks might have seemed reasonable. Like I said, these are always local and contextualized decisions. I hope this helps. Best, Darby Darby Orcutt Assistant Head, Collection Management Department Chair, Humanities Social Sciences Subject Team North Carolina State University Libraries Box 7111 Raleigh, NC 27695-7111 919/ 513-0364 dcorc...@ncsu.edu On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 4:44 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: What is porn? Russ Meyer is certainly not porn. Some of his films such as Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill. are considered works of art. They have been screened at many art cinemas and are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The same could be said about the films of Radley Metzger who just had a retrospective of his work at Lincoln Center. Then there are the early films of Fred Halsted. Hardcore sex,
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edumailto:sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309 (fax) From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Matt Ball Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Cc: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.orgmailto:mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
No, Matt, you are decidedly not alone. Stating opinions is one thing; attacking is another. It’s not open dialogue when someone is slammed and hit with flat-out judgments. Unless the goal is to get a videolib member to never post again, perhaps a gentler, more inquisitive approach would be better?! Susan Susan Albrecht Library Media Acquisitions Manager Graduate Fellowship Advisor Wabash College Lilly Library 765-361-6216 (acquisitions) 765-361-6297 (fellowships) 765-361-6295 fax albre...@wabash.edumailto:albre...@wabash.edu www.facebook.com/wabashcollegelibrary.filmshttp://www.facebook.com/wabashcollegelibrary.films http://pinterest.com/wabashcolllib/ *** If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. --Neil Peart *** From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Matt Ball Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Cc: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.orgmailto:mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
I'm a heretofore lurker on VIDEOLIB but must proclaim that I stand fully with Doug and Elizabeth and find it more dismaying that their insightful comments are being interpreted as vitriol and bullying. What part of Please don't take my comments personally. I am truly sorry if I offended you is vitriolic?? You know, we're the first group to complain about censorship when it comes from the government or the public, but heaven forbid we should recognize it in our own actions. From my own point of view at a preeminent art school, we thrive on challenging material. I can't imagine a library not serving in this role. Mark On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 4:32 PM, Sarah E. McCleskey sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu wrote: Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309 (fax) *From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] *On Behalf Of *Matt Ball *Sent:* Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Cc:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. -- *MARK POMPELIA* Visual + Material Resource Librarian *Fleet Library at Rhode Island School of Design* library.risd.edu http://t.signauxdix.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XX4QJSG8VfDfq62zGyt4W4WYmcW56dzy6f6xqdFn02?t=http%3A%2F%2Flibrary.risd.edu%2Fsi=4840407952261120pi=caaf5d1e-0563-4fbe-c5ff-15567608b9da 401-709-5935 *Art Libraries Society of North America* Treasurer, 2014-16 Materials Special Interest Group: material|resource http://t.signauxdix.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XX4QJSG8VfDfq62zGyt4W4WYmcW56dzy6f6xqdFn02?t=http%3A%2F%2Fmaterialresource.wordpress.com%2Fsi=4840407952261120pi=caaf5d1e-0563-4fbe-c5ff-15567608b9da VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Hi Matt, I'm feeling the same. Thanks for saying so. Cristella Bond Information Services Librarian Anderson Public Library 111 E. 12th Street Anderson, IN 46016 (765) 641-2456 -Original Message- From: Sarah E. McCleskey sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:32:44 + Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309 (fax) From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Matt Ball Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Cc: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
BULLSHIT I did not attack Darby or Maureen personally. I attacked what they did. What they said. They were wrong. If you don't want to have discussions then don't bother hanging around here. You Matt are attacking me and I am sure you would not have the balls to say that to my face. I am not a bully at all. I am just stating my opinion. If that's not OK then let's just not even have this conversation or any on here at all. Librarians are the worst of censors. And they do it all the time. This should be an issue that is dear to everyone in the profession. It should not be tolerated. We should be here to support in any way we can people who stick their necks out and make the right decision. Not to support the wrong decisions. I think that in both cases neither Maureen or Darby would have received any grief if they made the purchases. On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 4:57 PM, Cristella Bond cb...@andersonlibrary.net wrote: Hi Matt, I'm feeling the same. Thanks for saying so. Cristella Bond Information Services Librarian Anderson Public Library http://www.andersonlibrary,net 111 E. 12th Street Anderson, IN 46016 (765) 641-2456 -Original Message- From: Sarah E. McCleskey sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:32:44 + Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309 (fax) * From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] *On Behalf Of *Matt Ball *Sent:* Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Cc:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
I am not sure that I could agree with the thesis that librarians are “the worst of censors” and “do it all the time.” This may be often the case in certain politically repressive cultures (North Korea?) but I don’t believe that it is necessary the standard norm in American academic libraries. Besides other responsibilities here at USC, I am also the selector for Holocaust Studies. I felt myself distinctly queasy about ordering some Holocaust denial books for the collection, but the books did get ordered. In any case, claiming that another colleague’s opinion is categorically “wrong” is a highly subjective judgment. Or so I think. Best regards, Anthony *** Anthony E. Anderson Assistant Director, Doheny Memorial Library University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182 (213) 740-1190 antho...@usc.edumailto:antho...@usc.edu Wind, regen, zon, of kou, Albert Cuyp ik hou van jou. From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Doug Poswencyk Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 3:34 PM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? BULLSHIT I did not attack Darby or Maureen personally. I attacked what they did. What they said. They were wrong. If you don't want to have discussions then don't bother hanging around here. You Matt are attacking me and I am sure you would not have the balls to say that to my face. I am not a bully at all. I am just stating my opinion. If that's not OK then let's just not even have this conversation or any on here at all. Librarians are the worst of censors. And they do it all the time. This should be an issue that is dear to everyone in the profession. It should not be tolerated. We should be here to support in any way we can people who stick their necks out and make the right decision. Not to support the wrong decisions. I think that in both cases neither Maureen or Darby would have received any grief if they made the purchases. On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 4:57 PM, Cristella Bond cb...@andersonlibrary.netmailto:cb...@andersonlibrary.net wrote: Hi Matt, I'm feeling the same. Thanks for saying so. Cristella Bond Information Services Librarian Anderson Public Libraryhttp://www.andersonlibrary,net 111 E. 12th Street Anderson, IN 46016 (765) 641-2456 -Original Message- From: Sarah E. McCleskey sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edumailto:sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:32:44 + Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edumailto:sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076tel:516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309tel:516-463-4309 (fax) From: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Matt Ball Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Cc: videolib@lists.berkeley.edumailto:videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.orgmailto:mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Censorship is subjective? I just thought that we don't do it. I thought as librarians we are totally against it. And yes there are many librarians who do it. Why? because they are afraid. They don't want to ruffle any feathers. Or they let a select few control them. Or only worry about what the majority may think. I've worked in college and university libraries but now I am at a public library and let me tell you it happens a lot. Sure librarians will defend Catcher in the Rye and Heather Has Two Mommies because where's the controversy there? What we really need to do is buy that porn film for that professor or realize that Russ Meyer is art and not porno. Unfortunately, I see a lot of censorship by public library administration in New Jersey and I see nothing done about it. By saying that librarians are the worst doesn't mean that librarians do it the most. It means that we should not do it at all. We can expect it and be prepared for it from outside the library but from within? NEVER! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 7:25 PM, Anthony Anderson antho...@usc.edu wrote: I am not sure that I could agree with the thesis that librarians are “the worst of censors” and “do it all the time.” This may be often the case in certain politically repressive cultures (North Korea?) but I don’t believe that it is necessary the standard norm in American academic libraries. Besides other responsibilities here at USC, I am also the selector for Holocaust Studies. I felt myself distinctly queasy about ordering some Holocaust denial books for the collection, but the books did get ordered. In any case, claiming that another colleague’s opinion is categorically “wrong” is a highly subjective judgment. Or so I think. Best regards, Anthony *** Anthony E. Anderson Assistant Director, Doheny Memorial Library University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182 (213) 740-1190 antho...@usc.edu Wind, regen, zon, of kou, Albert Cuyp ik hou van jou. *From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] *On Behalf Of *Doug Poswencyk *Sent:* Monday, November 17, 2014 3:34 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? BULLSHIT I did not attack Darby or Maureen personally. I attacked what they did. What they said. They were wrong. If you don't want to have discussions then don't bother hanging around here. You Matt are attacking me and I am sure you would not have the balls to say that to my face. I am not a bully at all. I am just stating my opinion. If that's not OK then let's just not even have this conversation or any on here at all. Librarians are the worst of censors. And they do it all the time. This should be an issue that is dear to everyone in the profession. It should not be tolerated. We should be here to support in any way we can people who stick their necks out and make the right decision. Not to support the wrong decisions. I think that in both cases neither Maureen or Darby would have received any grief if they made the purchases. On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 4:57 PM, Cristella Bond cb...@andersonlibrary.net wrote: Hi Matt, I'm feeling the same. Thanks for saying so. Cristella Bond Information Services Librarian Anderson Public Library http://www.andersonlibrary,net 111 E. 12th Street Anderson, IN 46016 (765) 641-2456 -Original Message- From: Sarah E. McCleskey sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:32:44 + Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? Hi Matt, You are not the only one! Best, Sarah Sarah E. McCleskey Head of Access Services, Film and Media 112 Axinn Library, 123 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549 sarah.e.mccles...@hofstra.edu 516-463-5076 (phone) 516-463-4309 (fax) *From:* videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu [mailto: videolib-boun...@lists.berkeley.edu] *On Behalf Of *Matt Ball *Sent:* Monday, November 17, 2014 4:18 PM *To:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Cc:* videolib@lists.berkeley.edu *Subject:* Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? As usual, videolib provides a lively forum for discussion, and this one in particular is fascinating. But I must say, I'm quite disturbed by the vitriolic tone of some of the responses as well as the judging and the public bullying that Maureen and Darby are having to endure. Am I the only one? Matt ___ Matt Ball Director, Woodruff Library Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30327 mb...@paceacademy.org VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Or child pornography. There are laws but more importantly morals that prevent us from doing this I don't know of any snuff films. The film that came out several years ago was s hoax. Many of the films we are talking about here aren't even x rated. On Nov 17, 2014 2:43 PM, Dennis Doros milefi...@gmail.com wrote: I have to say we had real discussions a few years ago with a very fine academic (and good friend) about releasing a DVD of historic pornography that was being taught in her course and other people's courses. I was really interested in it until the archivist holding the collection mentioned the possibility that with the a history of exploitation of actors in these films (not always, but frequently), do we want to be exploiting them again? There's not an easy answer. I also saw a presentation of pornography by the esteemed Linda Williams that was excellent and the first few films were fairly quaint or laughingly bad. But the last one was truly erotic and it made a lot of people uncomfortable. At what point does academic interest turn into voyeurism or worse, harassment? (One professor in Arizona lost his job when he taught a film pornography class.) I'll defend her right to show it 100% and I'm really glad for the experience that made me think so deeply about the meaning of academic study, but again there's no easy answer. This exploitation discussion came up recently with Belle Knox (the Duke student) this year and each case is so different. But without knowing the history of each film, I think you can have an epic pros and cons panel on carrying such titles and whether you're supporting the pornography business. Frankly, what I've seen in this string of emails is exactly what I would have expected -- great reasons for both sides of the equation. And if you say there should be complete academic freedom, what the heck do you do when a professor wants to buy a real snuff film? Best regards, Dennis Doros Milestone Film Video PO Box 128 / Harrington Park, NJ 07640 Phone: 201-767-3117 / Fax: 201-767-3035 / Email: milefi...@gmail.com Visit our main website! www.milestonefilms.com Visit our new websites! www.mspresents.com, www.portraitofjason.com, www. shirleyclarkefilms.com, To see or download our 2014 Video Catalog, click here http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/7896/files/2014MilestoneVideoCatalog.pdf?75 ! Support Milestone Film on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milestone-Film/22348485426 and Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MilestoneFilms! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:04 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: But it is. Besides, we don't even know what the film is! On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 12:26 PM, Catherine Lee catherinelee...@gmail.com wrote: Hello All, I have been a lurker on this list for quite a while. I feel compelled to make a response now...to offer support for Darby and to express my appreciation for the thoughtful comments of Gisele and Darby in response to a legitimately challenging question by Maureen. Good librarianship also means being cognizant of the morals, politics, and overall climate of your institution and broader community. When I read the initial posting, I wondered what my response would be if I were faced with that situation. I'm not at a UC Berkeley, NC State, or UNT. I'm at a community college. Such a purchase--especially with state funds--would come under public scrutiny. Since I am not faced with this scenario, I don't have to make the decision...but I would hope that the decision I ended up making would not be met with accusations from my peers and colleagues of censorship or of being puritanical. Catherine Lee Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NC VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working
Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Well, despite being an early initial responder, I'm playing catch up at this stage in the game (it was a busy day in Berkeley). I am very grateful that my budget, administration and clientele have allowed for a great amount of autonomy in curatorial decisions. That said, I have received some surprising challenges and complaints from the public-- and baseless accusations of misuse of state funds. We all need to be prepared with sound arguments when facing intellectual freedom challenges-- and this would seem especially to be the case for those librarians where reporting lines, local politics and/or funding put media and video collections at a disadvantage to traditional print collections. Those video librarians venturing into new genres (and formats), much like those with lesser degrees of autonomy, need positive and productive support from this list the most. As the list administrator, I would hate to try to discourage any lively debate, but I very much hope that some of the turns this discussion has taken do not have a chilling effect on those looking for guidance in making sound intellectual freedom decisions-- nor to the more experienced defenders of intellectual freedom among us. In my experience, a calm, respectful and well-reasoned approach is the best course at resolving intellectual freedom challenges efficiently and effectively-- the same goes for philosophical differences between colleagues. I realize this sounds overly simplistic-- I had the luxury of taking an Academic Libraries Intellectual Freedom Seminar in library school from the man who wrote the book (Jim Schmidt), during a particularly dark time for our country, when librarian John Doe was in court in Connecticut arguing against the Patriot Act's gag order on librarians (IF followers out there may remember this also coincided with the more immediate horrors of Hurricane Katrina). I was sure I would end up in prison one day to protect my patrons' privacy. It is very serious business, folks, but let's all try to keep the discussion productive and supportive for the benefit of those seeking out guidance, edification and sound advice. Many thanks, Gisèle Tanasse Head, Media Resources Center 150 Moffitt Library #6000 University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 PH: 510-642-8197 BCAL: nerdpo...@berkeley.edu NOTE: PART TIME SCHEDULE Monday-Thurs 8AM-2PM On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 6:49 PM, Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com wrote: Or child pornography. There are laws but more importantly morals that prevent us from doing this I don't know of any snuff films. The film that came out several years ago was s hoax. Many of the films we are talking about here aren't even x rated. On Nov 17, 2014 2:43 PM, Dennis Doros milefi...@gmail.com wrote: I have to say we had real discussions a few years ago with a very fine academic (and good friend) about releasing a DVD of historic pornography that was being taught in her course and other people's courses. I was really interested in it until the archivist holding the collection mentioned the possibility that with the a history of exploitation of actors in these films (not always, but frequently), do we want to be exploiting them again? There's not an easy answer. I also saw a presentation of pornography by the esteemed Linda Williams that was excellent and the first few films were fairly quaint or laughingly bad. But the last one was truly erotic and it made a lot of people uncomfortable. At what point does academic interest turn into voyeurism or worse, harassment? (One professor in Arizona lost his job when he taught a film pornography class.) I'll defend her right to show it 100% and I'm really glad for the experience that made me think so deeply about the meaning of academic study, but again there's no easy answer. This exploitation discussion came up recently with Belle Knox (the Duke student) this year and each case is so different. But without knowing the history of each film, I think you can have an epic pros and cons panel on carrying such titles and whether you're supporting the pornography business. Frankly, what I've seen in this string of emails is exactly what I would have expected -- great reasons for both sides of the equation. And if you say there should be complete academic freedom, what the heck do you do when a professor wants to buy a real snuff film? Best regards, Dennis Doros Milestone Film Video PO Box 128 / Harrington Park, NJ 07640 Phone: 201-767-3117 / Fax: 201-767-3035 / Email: milefi...@gmail.com Visit our main website! www.milestonefilms.com Visit our new websites! www.mspresents.com, www.portraitofjason.com, www.shirleyclarkefilms.com, To see or download our 2014 Video Catalog, click here http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/7896/files/2014MilestoneVideoCatalog.pdf?75 ! Support Milestone Film on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milestone-Film/22348485426 and Twitter
