Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection?
Thanks for your kind email Matt. I am never offended by listserve comments. My concern was about the issues. Censorship really pushes my buttons. I am working in a public library now and have to worry about this all the time but really more from my administration. I keep a file of reviews (and any other worthwhile information) on films that I think I could be challenged. Bring 'em one! Best of luck to you. Doug On Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 10:26 AM, Matt Ball mb...@paceacademy.org wrote: Hi Doug, Thank you for your response, and I'm sorry if it seemed like I was attacking you. I kept my language neutral and intentionally didn't mention anyone by name because I didn't want it it seem as if I was pointing fingers or scolding. But I see my intentions went awry, and if I offended you I apologize. We agree on one thing though, and that is I no longer want to be a part of this discussion forum. So I will unsubscribe and leave it to you and others to carry on. Best wishes, Matt *videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edu writes:* 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 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. ___ 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
Re: [Videolib] ok, enough about pornography in academic library collections!
Behind the Green Door was an early feature porn film that created a big stir. It featured the Ivory Soap Girl, who went on to act in one of David Cronenberg's early horror films Rabid. The film does have some social significance but I can't comment much on it since I have never seen it. It is an important film in the history of porn. On Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 11:19 AM, Maureen Tripp maureen_tr...@emerson.edu wrote: As the person who started this discussion, I want to thank you all for taking part, and I now have a clearer idea of how other academic libraries deal with the issues. Doug and Elizabeth, you are certainly strong advocates for your principles, but guys . . . maybe take it down a notch. Access to Behind the Green Door is not going to make or break anyone's academic experience. I hope when we all meet up again in real life, at conferences, workshops, etc. that we can . . . well . . . get along. Maureen 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?
Then what is it? On Nov 18, 2014 12:27 PM, Brown, Roger rbr...@oid.ucla.edu wrote: Doug, Kindly, I am not sure deciding not to carry a film in your collection you may be in charge of, for political, aesthetic or moral reasons, constitutes censorship. - - Roger Brown Manager UCLA Instructional Media Collections Services 46 Powell Library Los Angeles, CA 90095-1517 office: 310-206-1248 fax: 310-206-5392 rbr...@oid.ucla.edu -- Message: 2 Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 11:43:11 -0500 From: Doug Poswencyk doug8...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [Videolib] pornographic films in the Library collection? To: videolib@lists.berkeley.edu Message-ID: CADRP2wyx-+dgNKO9wt_hWEQxjsgnaL8CY-Vx4H3KyD= nt0y...@mail.gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Thanks for your kind email Matt. I am never offended by listserve comments. My concern was about the issues. Censorship really pushes my buttons. I am working in a public library now and have to worry about this all the time but really more from my administration. I keep a file of reviews (and any other worthwhile information) on films that I think I could be challenged. Bring 'em one! Best of luck to you. Doug On Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 10:26 AM, Matt Ball mb...@paceacademy.org wrote: Hi Doug, Thank you for your response, and I'm sorry if it seemed like I was attacking you. I kept my language neutral and intentionally didn't mention anyone by name because I didn't want it it seem as if I was pointing fingers or scolding. But I see my intentions went awry, and if I offended you I apologize. We agree on one thing though, and that is I no longer want to be a part of this discussion forum. So I will unsubscribe and leave it to you and others to carry on. Best wishes, Matt *videolib@lists.berkeley.edu videolib@lists.berkeley.edu writes:* 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, 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?
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
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?
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?
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?
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?
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. I had similar concerns to yours, but we have not had a single problem or complaint-- and the weird suggestions on our amazon account cleared out quickly :) Gisele 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 Fri, Nov 14, 2014 at 11:18 AM, Maureen Tripp maureen_tr...@emerson.edu wrote: A faculty member is planning a new class for the spring--Sex in the Media. Guess who gets to order his new, pornographic DVDs? So . . . my question for academic media librarians out there--do you include materials like Behind the Green Door, Vintage Stage Films of the 40's and 50's and Russ Meyers' Abundant Beginnings (collection) in your catalogs? Apart from my general squeamishness, I wonder if having these titles in the collection might be disturbing to other students who find them demeaning to women, or perhaps even perceive them as warranting trigger warnings. So . . . does anyone include porn in their collection? If yes, under what circumstances, and do you treat them any differently than any other collection item? thanks, Maureen 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,
