Controversial materials in academic libraries : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

This dissertation privileges the exploration of the conceptual and theoretical aspects of the foundational concept of intellectual freedom as the proper basis of academic librarians’ professional and ethical engagement with, as well as policy writing in relation to, ‘controversial materials’. Distinct theoretical issues related to intellectual freedom like ‘neutrality’, ‘truth’, ‘liberal value pluralism’, ‘human rights’, ‘democracy’, ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) and ‘hate’ are examined due to their relevance to the inclusion and conditions of access of controversial information resources. Having defined and exemplified the umbrella term of ‘controversial materials’ in a library context, the researcher discusses in some depth various ethical issues and practical, policy-related challenges related to some representative typologies of controversial materials, namely race-related hate literature, sexually explicit content, material promoting dangerous, immoral and/or illegal activities, and works of ethically problematic origins. Specific controversial titles and authors pertaining to the aforementioned categories are also minimally considered. After arguing for the importance of clearly defined, written library policies, the researcher proceeds to elaborate the essential elements of a robust, intellectual freedom policy on controversial materials for contemporary academic libraries. The main scholarly aim of this work has been to emphasize the persistent importance of the inclusion of ‘controversial materials’ in academic libraries, as well as to discuss collecting and providing access to controversial materials in academic libraries in a more focused, organized, comprehensive and in-depth manner.