The Vital Role of Libraries and Democracy Needs Protection

Abstract

The current spate of materials challenges in libraries globally calls out for new defenses. Concepts of library neutrality and librarian objectivity fall flat in light of current developments, and against organized challengers not interested in objectivity. New defenses of library services must be based on librarian expertise and activated network of diverse community members. The field needs to strengthen societal protections for librarians in the conduct of their work.