Essay On Library In English

Censorship in Libraries Books have made a monumental impact on our lives bigger than we realize. Throughout history, books have been used to write stories, history, parts of an individual's life, and take us to places untouched by reality. Books have been used to challenge the thoughts and beliefs of others in the past and have helped change the future. If every book was challenged that didn't agree with what society deemed as acceptable and inoffensive, we wouldn't be where we are today. Understandably, there is two sides to this argument. Some individuals might argue that banning books can help our society by getting rid of toxic opinions in our literature. Both sides can have convincing points of view and logical arguments. Personally,

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The American Association for School Libraries defines information literacy as the ability to use many types of reference resources and literacies to find information. The different types of reference resources and literacies include: digital, visual, textual, and technological literacies. The American Association for School Libraries has four main learning standards. The first covers inquiry, thinking critically, and gaining knowledge. The second standard includes drawing conclusions, making informal decisions, applying knowledge to new situations, and creating new knowledge. The third standard asks students to be able to share knowledge and participate ethically. It also requires them to be productive as members of our democratic society....show more content...

"There is evidence of a wide range of information literacy focused programs in public libraries worldwide" (Harding, p. 157). Indeed, libraries across the United States are finding ways to provide their communities with the necessary information literacy programs. Harding (2008) points out that these library programs are "providing information literacy support", and "they have the opportunity to foster the lifelong learning of their communities" (p. 157). The public library has great strengths when it comes to providing information literacy programming. Public libraries have been considered the place to go for continuing education for an extremely long time. Public libraries reach a large range of people on a daily basis. Harding (2008) points out that the library "has a wide diversity of clientele and the potential to reach all sections of the community from children to older adults, and across minority groups and educational and professional levels." (p. 159) For many children, a public library is their first experience with learning in a group environment. Oftentimes, community members are loyal to one library and this allows librarians to foster long lasting relationships with them. Harding (2008) also suggests that "public libraries have the opportunity to provide one on one instruction during client–librarian interactions such as reference interviews" (p. 160).This one on one instruction is another way Get more content

HOW WAS THE GREAT LIBRAY OF ALEXANDRIA ORGANIZED AND OPERATED? WHO OR WHAT CAUSED ITS DESTRUCTION?

For the extra credit assignment I have decided to compose as essay describing the great library of Alexandria. The library itself is wrapped up in a great mystery that has had many historians and archeologists heavily interested in its existence for many years. It has been recorded that the library of Alexandria held many thousands, if not millions, of books, volumes and other documents. The library is also believed to be one of the biggest libraries in human history. Its significance is of invaluable knowledge. The mammoth size of such a huge monument for the period of time that is existed is phenomenal. Even...show more content...

The area that also took damage was, where the great library stood. Caesar wrote of starting the fire in the harbor but neglected to mention the burning of the Library. Such an omission "proves little since he was not in the habit of including unflattering facts while writing his own history (Trumble and Marshall 2003, 56)". But Caesar was not without public cynics. If he was solely to blame for the disappearance of the Library it is very likely significant documentation on the affair would exist today.

The second story that has been hypothesized of the Library's destruction is more popular, thanks primarily to Edward Gibbon's "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." But the story is also a little more complex. "Theophilus was Patriarch of Alexandria from 385 to 412 AD. During his reign the Temple of Serapis was converted into a Christian Church (probably around 391 AD) and it is likely that many documents were destroyed then (Bless 2004)." The Temple of Serapis was estimated to hold about ten percent of the overall Library of Alexandria's holdings. After his death, his nephew Cyril became Patriarch. Shortly after that, riots broke out when Hierax, a Christian monk, was publicly killed by order of Orestes the city Prefect. Orestes was said to be under the influence of Hypatia, a female philosopher and daughter of the "last member of the Library of Alexandria". Although it should be noted on the same count, that Hypatia herself was the

My Library: Celebrate the County Public Library

Public libraries play a pivotal role in the lives of many Americans, from early education to senior services. The majority of Americans believe their local library improves their community (94%), and an equally significant number (65%) have visited at least one time in the past year (American Library Association, 2010). Residents ofConnecticut are no exception. As of 2007, Connecticut boosts 195 public libraries containing a circulation of approximately 15.5 million books, and enjoys the third highest rate of per capita library visits in the nation, at 6.5 visits per capita (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009). The West Hartford Public Library, bests the state average, with...show more content... These statistics compound to demonstrate the importance of promoting and encouraging public use of libraries. While Connecticut residents are visiting public libraries, room to improve clearly exists. At 10.5 annual visits per capita (National Center for Education Statistics, 2009), West Hartford residents are visiting the library less then once a month. The My Library campaign seeks to encourage more frequent, monthly usage of the library. The campaign aims to accomplish this goal by posting a 10% increase in monthly visitation to the West Hartford Public Library (WHPL) for the 2011 calendar year. West Hartford is an affluent community where medium family income hovers around $90,000 and the majority of residents hold at least a bachelors degree (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Demographically, 93% of West Hartford residents are Caucasian and only 9.3% are foreign born (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Only 30% of foreign–born residents originated from Asia, and these individuals represent a mere 3% of the town's total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Therefore, one could reasonably assume that the town primarily contains citizens who associate with western cultures. Individuals in western cultures often hold egocentric attitudes and focus on the needs of the self (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). The campaign taps into the individualistic nature of the town

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Reflection In English 101

Whitney Bailey Professor Johnson

English 101

October 19, 2016 Reflection Paper

It's hard to believe that it's already time for Midterms in my English 101 class. The adventure has been a lot easier than I at first anticipated. In any case, I am happy that I am taking the class and learning from it. In the beginning it appeared somewhat hard however I was resolved to compel my way through this class regardless of what difficulties I needed to persevere.

On the first day of my English 101 class I was apprehensive, I had no clue what's in store from the class. As I discovered what the class would have been similar to, I let myself know I was going to attempt to get an B or higher toward the end of the semester and put all the exertion I had into each paper I kept in touch with, I was not going to set this class aside for later and linger like I use to do. A standout amongst the most troublesome...show more content...

I have an unmistakable view in my head of what I am going to compose and what structures I have to utilize. Things have ended up less difficult now since I don't need to experience the battle of how things are done or on the chance that I don't understand how I should do what I am expected to do. These aptitudes may empower me to enjoy additionally composing and not need to stress over having a written assignment. This course has helped me with many chances to figure out how to properly write papers. Prior to this class, I had little experience with how to build a legitimate paper. It has taken experience, and getting normal evaluations, to show me how to precisely write. Despite the fact that this course required different papers to be turned in, I am appreciative to have possessed the capacity to gain from my oversights and develop as a writer. I have constantly cherished written work, however now I am ready to improve mywriting as the semester

As a young girl, my parents worked on weekdays, most hours a day. I was always too young to go to school, so I spent the day with my nanny, doing whatever it is that little girls do. But when my parents had work off on the weekends, we would get in the car and go spend time at a wonderful structure called the library. The library is an ancient structure way back before phones. Here in the modern age, you can almost never find a millennial in the library. When I was young, the library seemed to be the size of a palace, so enchanting and magical. The library is a place of peace and intelligence, where everyone is silent. I love the library, and when I was little, the Saturdays I went with my parents to the library were cherished times. I...show more content...

However, my summer ended, and it was back to school, with no time for visits to the library. Then, the hurricane that caused devastating damage to our town. Hurricane Sandy of 2012 was angry, fiercely creating a path of destruction bringing the Oceanport Library down in her rage. I could do nothing about the library, so there it sat like a sad, helpless puppy. Books were destroyed. They were floating down the streets, miserably. Again, the library became a distant memory, this time bitter–sweet. This past year 2017, I was struck with the memory of the Oceanport Library when I needed to borrow a book for a school project. I had not been to any library in almost three years. My mother drove me to the Shrewsbury Library, and I was expecting it to be boring, like most millennials. However, when I opened the heavy metal door, my nose was flooded with that sweet, familiar smell of crisp, yellowed pages. As I smiled, the memories washed over me like a wave. Spending my afternoon there was nostalgic and joyful. In the middle of my book, I was politely interrupted by my younger sister, Ellie. She had an enormous smile on her face, and was showing me the books she picked out. Smiling at her, I remembered all the cherished days I spent in the libraries of New Jersey. I know that she shares the love of reading like I do, and she will have so many nostalgic memories when she is older. Right Get

The First Trip to the Library "Where are we going?" I asked my older sister Kenese as we walked down Chicago's busy streets. "To the library" She explained, but slowed her paced, and never let go of me and my brother's hand. This was the first time in my five years of living, that I have been to a place where so many books where held. That same day, was the day when I received my first library card and checked out my first picture book about a spooky witch riding around on her broom. Now every time when my elementary school took a trip to our local library, I was ecstatic to pull out my new library card. After my first trip to the library, I began to notice how many books were laying around our house. Majority of them belonged to my two older sisters. I can remember all the times I came into our apartment from a long day of playing to find my sisters laying on the couch reading books. When I was younger, that didn't mean much to me, but it was when I wanted to be just like my sisters when I took up reading. I began reading all the books out of our personal library and checking out books with my library card. I took up reading because of my surroundings and I thought it was a norm for everybody in your household to read and occasionally watch Law & Order SUV. By my sister introducing me at a young age to reading for leisure, I took pride in it. Reading was a value that was instilled in me and I never questioned why. Just like how Sherman Alexie explained in his

Ashley Tipton Digital Libraries Introduction

A simple definition of a digital library is a library where collections are stored in digital formats instead of physical formats and accessible via computers. The content can then be accessed locally, as in within a library, or remotely such as from other places on a college campus or from a user's home. Many people believe that digital libraries are the future. There are also those that still hold on to the thought that the traditional brick and mortar building is the way a library is supposed to be and that moving to the digital real is not the direction a library should be heading. History The information revolution is one of the marvels of the 20th century. We are now living in an ...show more content...

Awareness of needs provide the insight to use professional skills and talents to greater effect.

The meaning of this is that it is important for the user to have information that is easily locatable and easily accessible. Nowadays, library patrons have become information conscious and no longer want to wait and go to the library to find what they need. They want to access it access the information electronically. The process of digitizing implies the production of a digital surrogate for a physical object (Unsworth, 2004). There are many different items in libraries that are digitized. This ranges from serials that can be found either in print or online to rare books and archives that are now being preserved in a digital format. There are many positive outcomes that come from digitizing parts of a library's collection. There is less cost in reshelving the item. The item is simultaneously available to multiple users. The item does not have to be replaced, since it is not being used and there is no chance of it being lost. Also, if it is a rare item, it can be preserved more easily as it will be less frequently handled. Why Go Digital? The most valuable aspect of the digital library is its reduction in cost. There are many fees that are negated such as staff pay, book maintenance, rent, and additional books. This makes the cost of the digital library much less to maintain than that of a traditional library.

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A Observation Paper On The Library

For my Participant Observation Paper, I decided to go and observe the library. It seemed like a nice, quiet place to go for an assignment like this. I also thought that not many other people would choose this place, so it would be unique. The observations I made at the library astounded me; I had never noticed these things before. Here is a quick summary of my observations: the mood of the atmosphere was changed by the color, temperature, lighting, and etc. in the library. Another thing was that people were unexpectedly critical towards one another, but teenagers didn't seem to care about the distinctive origins of some of the individuals in the library. Finally, the body language of the adults varied significantly to the body language of the adolescents. Everyone was divided by their dissimilarities and I could not believe the vast cavity. I went to observe the library on the 17th of September, which was a Saturday. The time I was there was from 11:20– 12:00. This was a startlingly eventful time, particularly because it was a Saturday. The location of the library is Washington, Iowa. It is located on the square. This was where I made my observations. The environment in the library was welcoming and very quiet. The lighting was soft and gave the structure a warm yellow tone. There were windows wherever you could fit them, letting in a decent share of natural light. Most of the colors in the library were distinctive shades of green and brown, which worked well together. They

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to advocate for the preservation of public libraries in America.

Central Idea (Need): The worth of public libraries in America extends far beyond the books they offer; libraries also provide access to computers and internet connections, meeting places for community activities and groups, guidance services for patrons, tutoring programs, and advocacy for child literacy programs. Despite the value of these resources to struggling communities, libraries have seen a decline in both public usage and federal funding in recent years.

Central Idea (Satisfaction): If your local library is in danger of closing or being privatized, there are ways you can help them from going under. Some options for an average individual contacting your local newspaper, city council or congress member to advocate for the importance of public libraries.

I.Attention

A.During my childhood, my mother worked just down the street from the Clendenin Public Library.

1.The library was always busy with patrons as many people made use of its free resources.

2.My time at the library strengthened my reading abilities and established one of my most cherished hobbies.

B.The Clendenin Public Library is now closed, as are many others due to decreases in budget allocations and public usage.

C.Need Thesis: The worth of public libraries in America extends far beyond the books they offer. Despite the value of these resources to struggling communities, libraries have seen a decline in both public usage and federal funding in recent years.

II.Need

A.Since their establishment, libraries have served as a gateway to knowledge and services that revolutionized the way the public attains information. Unlike many other institutions, public libraries have grown and evolved along with society by adopting new technology and offering resources tailored to the needs of their local community.

B. Libraries provide access to technology that is invaluable to students.

1. Data reported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation shows that 98.9 percent of public libraries offer public access to computers and the internet, entirely free to patrons.

2. Evidence for this is prominent on our own campus. Here, vast numbers of

My Experience To The Library

Experience at the Library

The library is a wonderful place to go to if you would like a quiet place to work. I like being at the library because it is filled with knowledge, and there are many different books that interest me. I enjoy going to the library because walking there clears my mind. Also, there are many books that are available for the public to read and it is a quiet place to do work. To start, the walk to the library is relaxing and peaceful. I decided to go to the library on September 21st for a college assignment. While walking to the library I was intrigued by the many things that were going on around me. I saw a mailman riding on a bicycle delivering mail which was something that I've never seen before. Also, something that was very surprising to me was that there was a group of children running behind an ice–cream truck which was a single block in front of me. I found this very amusing and I continued to watch until they were out of sight. It made me think about when I was little and what I used to do when I heard the ice cream truck come around my house. After walking for quite a bit of time I began to feel tired and dehydrated. I began to wish I had chased after the ice cream truck and got an ice cream to it, but it was gone already. I normally don't walk to the library so I guess that was the reason I was so easily tired. I decided to buy a drink from the local corner store to regain some of my energy. The library is home to knowledge which is why it Get more content

Accessing library services in the 21st Century?

In the 21st century, collections and services will need to meet customer's needs in a much more personalized and customized way. Collections will need to become more diverse, in terms of format, language, and access. Librarians will need to have knowledge of new formats for library materials, and plan to use their funds in purchasing materials that will meet and promote various skills. Customers will want library materials that use their critical thinking and problem solving skills, promote creativity and innovation, allow for communication and collaboration, and teach information, media and technology skills. Library materials, that are accessible 24/7, in a range of cutting edge formats, that promote and support learning and using new skill sets, will be the norm. Library services, like library materials, will need to be accessible 24/7 in a 21st Century library. Librarians will need to think about services as customer–centered and focused. Reference services in the 21st century will not be based on the librarian's knowledge and access to information, but the customer's starting point. 21st century customers are coming to librarians, not for answers to questions, but for new access points, or new skill sets. Children's and Teen services will need to incorporate skills for the 21st Century, including critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, information and technological literacy. The expectation will be that library

Essay On Library Museum And Archive

Nowadays, library, museum and archive play a main role in information world. Growing technology in globalization era already give big impact to this information institutions. Library, museum and archive act as information centre for people to get information and gain knowledge. Suppression from Institute of Museum and Library Services in increase technology into this institution through research, conferences and publication to keep data for public or government mostly. .Humanity need to know the basic introduction of library, museum and archive as a centre that provide information. Library is a depository built that contains a collection of records or literally documents kept for reference and research. Mostly obtain in national, state and...show more content...

Preservation and conservation materials or artefacts for example need an advance technology to get the best outcomes. Preservation and conservation activities will be doing carefully to maintain the old materials such newspaper, manuscript, book, government or administration documents, letters and old records. Therefore, aid of technology helps our country to achieve the phase important of technology in library, museum and archive. Museum and archive constitute as the place that keep and displayed our h treasure, heritage and culture that show the personality of our

Library Reflection

A library is the centerpiece of the public. It's the place of education that stems throughout the entire library campus and is a sanctuary for the young student like me, to retrieve nearly all information. Any course material in class can be found that same information in the library, simply there are so many ways to get information nowadays. With the help of books and especially the internet in every public library in each state in the United States. Students should never feel the loss of information at any time when the library can be a resource. As I was sitting in the first level of the library on a Wednesday, I didn't really see as many people as I figured I would see. Even when my cousin was going to have a test that same week I was in fall break, which she is in college. The floor was not empty by any means, but with college students studying for their test. I would have imagined students scrambling through the bookshelves and all computer were going to be busy, I believe the study habits of students are about as prosperous as they have ever seen. They're finding different ways, places, and even methods to complete their studying and research. To me, the way a common student studies has changed even over the past years and the library has been a role in this revolution. Now with newer and better technology coming in and out, it's normal for every person to want to get their hands on it as quick as possible. Such as apple and Samsung products, make internet access so much better accessible everywhere you go. Even today computers have become a revolutionary matter and even has shaped the way libraries look today. It is no secret back when computers were first invented, the ratio of bookshelves to computers were not as even as they are now. As I look around the library, I see twice as much people on computers than I do within the walls of the bookshelves reading a book or magazines. While books were the traditional methods for school or business. Now are less likely to provide information, students now want to use the internet instead the books to be able to get information they need. I remember when I use to use books for everything and now I just use a computer to turn in my work.

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Libraries must evolve in innovative ways in order to remain relevant to diverse, information–savvy 21st–century communities they serve. While many libraries honor and relish in their traditional aspects, their roles are much greater today. Public libraries are an equalizing force in American society–enabling access to and engagement with a world of resources irrespective of age, income, race or education (Clark and Perry, 2015). They act as information agents to reach broadly into the communities they serve. In order to keep pace with new technologies and changing demographics, libraries must become actively involved in empowering users not only to learn, but also to create, according to the American Library Association's 2013 and 2014 annual reports and other industry literature.

Research Goal and Research Questions The primary focus of this research is to establish the importance of Makerspaces in public libraries. This study will show the concept of makerspaces is trending upward throughout the country making public libraries prime real estate to house these technology labs. By doing so libraries this study will show that the presence of libraries is as important and worthy present day as years past during this technology boom. This research will and its findings will attempt to highlight and give feedback on the following questions:

1.Why is it important to have Makerspaces in public libraries?

2.How do Makerspaces invigorate community's interest in new

Every person has their place. The kind of place where the world could be ending but as long as their in that special place, they can leave the world in peace. For some it's their hometown, the gym, a certain cafe or restaurant, or even a random spot with a sentimental meaning. For me, this place is the Edmon Low Library here at Oklahoma State University. As a high school student, the library was a place to check out books and print papers for free. The idea of spending hours there was unheard of, and never spiked an interest in me. Once I started my freshman year in college, this speculation quickly changed. From the first time I toured Oklahoma State University, I wondered why the dazzling Georgian style library was so overwhelmingly huge. It was in the heart of osu near the main campus facilities: the Union, Theta Pond, and various classroom buildings. Being that the library was such a main attraction, I was curious to know why. I wondered why there was a cafe and why each level had a different noise limit. All of these things seemed great, but unnecessary at the same time. After all, the only thing the library was good for in my mind was basic needs for my english class. My first day at osu I decided to see what all the hype about this special library was. The more I explored the different levels, the more I found. Not only were there books, free printing, a cafe, and noise accommodations, but there were also reserved study rooms, 3D printing, subject librarians, free electronic checkouts, and so much more. The resources available to me and all OSU students from just a library seemed almost too good to be true.From the restoring smell of coffee on the first floor, to the antique smell of old books on the 4th floor, nothing makes youwant to pull out a good book more than Edmon Low. I was almost convinced the staff wanted students to move in, being that they are opened 24 hours on weekdays. With students being so busy, Edom Low is a convenient place to go no matter the time of day. Whether you're a student coming home from a late night shift not wanting to wake up your roommates to study, or even justneed to pull an all nighter for that big test, there is no such thing as being a disturbance at the

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Librarian Standards Essay

School Librarian Standards

Introduction In a world with a rapid expansion of knowledge and information, school librarians are challenged to establish an efficient and effective program utilizing a variety of methods. Choosing an occupation as an information specialists requires a thorough understanding of the numerous requirements essential to adequately furnish sufficient services for all stakeholders. "The school library has grown far beyond the book collection to include information in a wide variety of formats and an ever–changing array of technologies" (Woolls, Weeks, and Coatney, 2014, p. 40). By abiding to the five standards found in the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians (2010), school librarians ...show more content...

118). The Common Core State Standards Initiative addresses this as a necessity for school librarians to identify the significance of students becoming literate and its substantial benefits for twenty–first–century learners.

Information and Knowledge

Information literacy and the associated skills are a well–known commodity in a school librarian's world. Information specialists are charged with various methods, processes, and means to guide students in their information seeking strategies. One the leading methods commonly practiced is Guided Inquiry where students learn a step–by–step procedure to determine, locate, use, and digest information needed to answer an inquiry and /or complete a task (Kuhlthau, Maniotes, & Caspari, 2007). Hamilton (2009), reports that education is now comprised of multiple literacies causing a shift towards inquiry–based learning. Due to the transformation based on digital, visual, technological, and textual advancements, school librarians are essential in students obtaining a foundation for information literacy.

Advocacy and Leadership

School librarians are a large propionate in a successful library program through their guidance and promotion with all stakeholders. The Library Advocate's Handbook guides librarians in strengthening the influence they have on others to join the endeavor of delivering outstanding

Libraries are an essential part of the community. However not all societies have libraries. Libraries require centralized populations, economic development and political stability for their survival. Libraries exist in places where peace exists. They cannot exist in places with full of conflicts. Libraries have different missions and serve different communities differently. People and organizations establish libraries with different missions. Historical overview shows that libraries have always had missions. The earliest mission of libraries was to maintain an archive for records. There is not information that shows when the first library was established. In the past, temples, municipals and governments had libraries. These libraries...show more content...

Therefore, Julius Caesar started building a public library, but died before he completed it. Asinius Pollio completed the library. This established was followed by more public libraries. Other missions of libraries that existed in the past included maintaining scholarly mission, religious mission, for instance, monastic libraries of middles ages, educational mission, for instance university, humanistic mission and promoting national pride (Rubin 39).

In the modern world, libraries have certain missions that they serve. The establishment of the printing press made more books available to many people. This encouraged the establishment of more libraries. In the United States of America, libraries came up with new missions. First, libraries emerged with the mission of self–improvement. Advances in mechanical technology in the eighteenth century led to industrial revolution that improved the economy and community health. This meant that a certain class of citizens had more leisure time, for self–improvement. This favored the emergence o f new libraries. The social library emerged with an aim of helping individuals improve through the search of truth. Therefore, they provided literature and books that provided information, which could help people to gain knowledge and improve their character. In the current world, libraries provide information that people have access to, and use it for their own improvement (Rubin 47).

Secondly, the modern world

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Essay on Library Catalogues

A bibliography, or a list of works, is complied upon a common principle such as authorship, subject, or country of publication (Bopp & Smith, 1991). This assignment will explore a specific bibliography type: library catalogues. Library catalogues are lists of materials held in a library's collection. Western Libraries catalogue and the University of Toronto Libraries catalogue will be examined in this assignment. The strengths and weakness of each catalogue will be presented and the value of the teen suicide collection will be commented on. To judge the strength and weakness of each catalogue, authority, purpose, scope, and organization will be, as Katz suggests, considered (Katz, 1997). Each catalogue features a high degree of...show more content...

The usefulness of each catalogue to the teen suicide collection will be assessed by a trial search for catalogue items on this topic. Determined to be balanced and representative of the topic, the following search statement was entered into the advanced search feature of each catalogue: (teen* OR adolescen*) AND (suicide). The search was limited to items published in the past five years and in English. Western Libraries catalogue was explored first. An immediate issue that arose was two different catalogue interfaces are featured, classic catalogue and summons catalogue. Somewhat confusing, the summons interface appears to be a Google centric interface while the classic appears to be a traditional catalogue interface. Two separate advanced searches were conducted in each interface. Exploring both interfaces revealed the summons interface required more work on the part of the searcher to narrow down and retrieve quality results. However, both are equally capable of retrieving good results. Initially, each search returned upwards of thousands of results. Both feature excellent search limiters. It was surprising to discover how flexible summons was and how many ways the search could be limited. Of particular note, the search could be limited to retrieve book reviews only. Doing so, the search

President Franklin Roosevelt once famously said, "Books cannot be killed by fire" ("Books Cannot be Killed", para. 2). Since books are filled with ideas, no one can burn or ban them; people can burn the pages of books, but the ideas will live forever in the minds of the readers. The act of book burning sourced from censorship. Censorship is the suppression of public communication, whether written or verbal. Government officials, librarians, and even religious organizations censor materials, typically because the materials contain either politically incorrect thoughts, offensive ideas, or subject–sensitive plots. Although censorship is acceptable for religious groups to censor materials within their groups, it is unacceptable for librarians to censor materials within their library. Librarians should not promote their own beliefs in a library when purchasing materials. First, librarians should provide materials which fulfill patrons' book requests because censorship limits citizens' freedom to read. Reading a book informs people; it takes readers on journeys to a place far from reality. Since reading books provides numerous benefits to the reader, freedom to read is critically important. As the American Library Association (ALA) stated, "The freedom to read is essential to our democracy" (Intellectual Freedom, 2010, p. 203). Reading is essential to democracy because it allows people to further form their beliefs and ideas or to research differing viewpoints. Reading is also

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