Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Summary
Bill A03368 seeks to amend the education law in New York to prohibit publicly funded libraries from banning books based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval. It mandates that all free association libraries, public libraries, hospital libraries, and Indian libraries that receive state funding must adopt the American Library Association's library bill of rights or develop a written policy against the practice of banning books. Additionally, the bill requires school districts and boards of education to adopt similar measures for school libraries that receive aid for purchasing library materials.
Impact
The bill will have a significant impact on the operations of publicly funded libraries and school districts in New York. By enforcing the adoption of the ALA's library bill of rights or a similar policy, it aims to ensure that library materials remain accessible and are not subject to removal based on political or ideological grounds. This could lead to a more diverse range of materials being available in libraries, potentially affecting the selection processes and policies of these institutions.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A03368 appears to be supportive among advocates for intellectual freedom and access to diverse materials in libraries. However, there may be concerns from those who believe that libraries should have the authority to curate their collections based on community standards or values, which could lead to debates about the balance between free access to information and community preferences.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the debate over the extent of censorship in libraries and the role of community standards in determining library collections. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to protect against censorship, while opponents may argue that libraries should have the discretion to manage their collections according to the values of their communities. This divide often reflects broader societal discussions about free speech and the role of government in regulating access to information.
Same As
Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Same As
Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.
Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Prohibits the banning of books or other materials by libraries or library systems; provides that no library or library system shall receive state aid unless such entity adopts the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights that indicates materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or develops a written statement prohibiting the practice of banning books or other materials.
Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.
Ensures that library staff of free association, public, and hospital libraries, and with certain advice, Indian libraries, are able to develop collections, services, and programming that reflect the values and protections established under the human rights law and the equal rights amendment to the state constitution.