Help Fight Censorship in Nebraska Libraries
LB 441 is currently scheduled for floor debate by the Nebraska Legislature on Tuesday, March 12th. This bill would increase censorship in public and school libraries by criminalizing librarians and making them vulnerable to prosecution for upholding the rights of citizens to access information.
As champions of intellectual freedom, the library community is concerned when a small group of vocal citizens could disrupt access to vital information for all patrons. The US Supreme Court has made landmark decisions regarding what constitutes obscenity regarding materials available to minors. These decisions have also been used to establish national guidelines for material selection in school libraries and to create locally approved library collection development policies. School and public librarians are trained experts in collection development in service to minors and adults alike. Simply put, librarians do not provide access to obscene materials. Passing LB 441 would increase the shortage of qualified educators and librarians who will no longer feel safe working in Nebraska due to the threat of legal action, as well as waste taxpayer dollars and overburden the judicial system.
It is imperative that our state leaders trust the professional expertise of librarians and local boards to collaborate with parents and guardians to support all students and citizens across Nebraska. State-sanctioned censorship is not the answer.
Please join library advocates across the state in opposition to LB 441 and take action to urge your Senator to do the same.
Help Fight Censorship in Nebraska Libraries
LB 441 is currently scheduled for floor debate by the Nebraska Legislature on Tuesday, March 12th. This bill would increase censorship in public and school libraries by criminalizing librarians and making them vulnerable to prosecution for upholding the rights of citizens to access information.
As champions of intellectual freedom, the library community is concerned when a small group of vocal citizens could disrupt access to vital information for all patrons. The US Supreme Court has made landmark decisions regarding what constitutes obscenity regarding materials available to minors. These decisions have also been used to establish national guidelines for material selection in school libraries and to create locally approved library collection development policies. School and public librarians are trained experts in collection development in service to minors and adults alike. Simply put, librarians do not provide access to obscene materials. Passing LB 441 would increase the shortage of qualified educators and librarians who will no longer feel safe working in Nebraska due to the threat of legal action, as well as waste taxpayer dollars and overburden the judicial system.
It is imperative that our state leaders trust the professional expertise of librarians and local boards to collaborate with parents and guardians to support all students and citizens across Nebraska. State-sanctioned censorship is not the answer.
Please join library advocates across the state in opposition to LB 441 and take action to urge your Senator to do the same.