African
Journals Online
INNOVATION
appropriate librarianship and information work in Southern Africa
Innovation
no. 22, June 2001
Progressive
librarianship
Abstracts
What progressive librarians
believe: an international perspective
by Mark Rosenzweig
A progressive approach to
librarianship involves assurance of the means of access for all to our common
heritage. This is a non-negotiable element of the educational and cultural
infrastructure of a democratic society. Modern technology should enable progressives
to champion a democratic globalisation that contests the corporatism assumed
to be the norm; and addresses the information gap between rich and poor nations
as well as cultural imperialism. Partisanship of this sort is fundamental
to librarianship and accepted implicitly even in the policies of bodies like
the American Library Association but it requires a commitment that goes beyond
words on paper.
Progressive librarianship:
oxymoron, tautology, or the smart choice
by Colin Darch
Librarians have a choice
between an instrumental view of their profession or principled engagement.
British working class history is used to show how mass cultural literacy and
the social availability of information are essential to democracy. Within
this reality a neutral library science is untenable. A tradition of engagement
has a long history within the profession, valuing concepts such as freedom
of expression and human rights. This is now challenged by a view of information
as capital and processes of commodification and privatisation. The library
is essential to the process of preserving our cultural heritage for the benefit
of humankind.
Living in the real world:
a decade of progressive librarianship in the U.S.A. and ininternational library organizations
by Al Kagan
Debate about the role of
libraries in society involves fundamental questions about professional ideology.
The history of the ALA is reviewed in the context of political engagement
with social responsibility issues. The role of the SRRT is highlighted, describing
its programmes, demonstrations and reaction to conservatism. The ALA’s call
for a ‘One Voice’ approach is examined with reference to South Africa. Other
organizations analysed are the PLG; the so far still-born Progressive Librarians
Around the World; and IFLA. The last is considered in terms of its weak responses
towards apartheid South Africa, Turkey and Israel with the hope that more
representative and less conservative attitudes will eventually characterise
it.
BiS: the formation and development of a left-wing library society in Sweden
by Lennart Wettmark
The history of BiS in Sweden
is traced from its formation in 1969 to the present with an emphasis upon
the early years. The catalyst was a perceived lack of freedom of expression
which impinged upon libraries with regard, for example, to selection policies.
BiS reflected the generation gap of the 1970s and the relationship with SAB,
the established organisation, is described. BiS was noted for its promotion
of egalitarianism. It advanced alternative, Left wing approaches that recognised
social responsibility. One of its concerns was the fate of libraries in apartheid
South Africa. The overall history of BiS reflects a high level of personal
commitment which prompts a concluding query as to whether the organisation
will survive.
How far we progressive library
workers have come!
by John Pateman
This account of the British-based
progressive library organisation, Information for Social Change, traces its
origins within the LIWO Support Group in 1994. The purpose of ISC is to promote
challenges to established thinking and it has been particularly strong in
examining issues of censorship, freedom and ethics within the information
context. The control and mediation of information influence people’s perceptions
and the work of ISC is to document radical and progressive alternatives. Its
main concern in Britain has been social exclusion and its contribution is
outlined. The work of the Cuban Libraries Support Group is also described.
Voices of dissent: LIWO,
civil rights and the library community in South Africa in the 1990s
by Christopher Merrett
The political context out
of which LIWO developed is examined together with its commitment to Article
19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organisation’s original
characteristics are described in detail: its political independence, federal
structure, commitment to professional standards, internationalism and combative
approach to repression, for instance. It is argued that given the development
of a new hegemony in the new South Africa, LIWO, now defunct, has lessons
to offer progressive librarians, amongst them clear principles, good local
organisation, high quality research and communication, commitment and courage,
and appropriate international linkage.
Progressive librarianship in a postmodern world: a prospective view from
Australia
by Jennifer Cram
Some fundamental changes
in approach are required in order to achieve in the 21st century
the social outcomes envisioned by 20th century progressive librarians.
The Australian context is used to highlight issues as seen from the viewpoint
of a society coming to terms with the perceived insolubility of social problems.
The inter-relationship between stakeholder perspectives and accountability
is examined. Systemic changes needed in libraries to ensure that they have
the capability to be internationally competitive and therefore the capacity
to be socially responsible are explored. Methodologies, designed to force
some cognitive rigour and provide cognitive frameworks, are suggested for
strategic design and delivery of library services in a global environment.
Progressive librarianship:
a personal view from the U.S.
by Elaine Harger
The author, a co-founder of
the Progressive Librarians Guild in the United States, describes seminal experiences
in her political development, connects these experiences with her work as a
librarian, and calls for librarians to engage in a practice based on self-reflection,
a commitment to education and activism.
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