– Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft pushes for new statewide rule
– Librarians across Missouri express concern
– Fears of censorship and potential loss of state funding for libraries
Ashcroft’s New Initiative Causes Unease in Libraries Across Missouri
Recently, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft introduced a new rule that appears to bring a sea change to how libraries across the state operate. This development has librarians worried they may lose their ability to cater to their diverse constituents’ needs.
A Fuse on the Dynamite Stick of Censorship
Ashcroft’s new rule, framed as a safeguard against inappropriate content in public libraries, has thrown Missouri librarians into a state of quiet unease. Critics of the rule worry it could easily slide into a dangerous territory of censorship. They argue that the measure has the potential to hamper their efforts to provide a balanced library collection that serves all members of the community. The rule would limit libraries’ discretion over the content they make available, establishing a chilling precedent for free thought and intellectual exploration.
Adding Extra Salt to the Wound
To further compound the unease, the new rule carries a threat of withholding state funding from libraries that don’t comply. This puts librarians caught in a balance. On the one hand, they’re faced with fear of losing the ability to curate their collections freely. On the other, they risk losing vital funding sources, potentially compromising the very essence of their mission: to serve the public by providing resources for education, as well as cultural and intellectual enrichment.
The Breezy Take
In a state like Missouri, known for its strong commitment to community service and education, this new rule should be viewed with a critical eye. The potential stifling effect on libraries’ freedom to curate their collections and the chilling implications for intellectual freedom it could harbor are impossible to ignore. It’s a classic case of pleasing some while offending others. And while it’s essential to protect our young ones from age-inappropriate content, it’s equally necessary to encourage diverse thoughts and freedom of choice. More than ever, it seems, libraries are at the crossroads of a tough balancing act.
Original article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2023-08-08/missouri-librarians-express-concern-over-vague-language-in-ashcrofts-new-state-rule