1. Censorship As Viewed By Small Bible Colleges Christine Gaskin Valdosta State University March 13, 2011

2. Thesis A difference in view between secular and bible colleges raises the question of censorship. This difference provides a forum for discussion of the validity of those views. It is important to have a collection development and challenge policy already in place in the event that a challenge may arise.

3. American Library Association Challenge censorship Support free expression and access to ideas http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm

4. Background Study Subject has been covered by the Association of Christian Librarians When questioned ACL members are still interested Noted lack of policy on Bible College Library Websites

5. Questions Why are there opposing views on censorship between the secular community and the Bible College community? Is the Bible College view valid and does it contribute to academic freedom? What are the best policy suggestions for settling censorship challenges?

6. Opposing Views? Secular College Library Support college curriculum Provide diverse and comprehensive collection Bible College Library Support college curriculum Provide diverse and comprehensive collection

7. College Mission Secular College Educate students for better employment opportunities Bible College Prepare men and women for Christian life and service

8. Contributors Faculty and Staff Students and Parents Board and Church Members

9. Beginnings Worldview Born good Influences on the child cause ill effects Christian View Born wicked Child must be taught morals

10. Avoid Misunderstanding! Provide Collection Development Policy Offer to explain Move to Challenge Policy if necessary

11. Challenge Policy Tips Require written challenge Include identity to be considered Inform challenger of protocol

12. Research Interview volunteers requested through the ACL communication line View web pages from a variety of Bible College Libraries Obtain and evaluate library policies Find supporting articles

13. Proposed Outcomes To clarify the position taken by Bible Colleges To find Bible College Libraries have adopted Collection Development and Challenge Policies To provide tips to good censorship challenge policies

14. Conclusion There is a necessary difference between secular colleges and Bible Colleges Librarians uphold standards of intellectual freedom and challenge censorship This means fostering all ideas, not just those of which we agree

15. Future Research Due to the small sampling there is the possibly that it does not represent an accurate assessment. Further research could be made by including a larger selection of Bible Colleges and by expanding the field of study to include secular colleges as well.

16. Christine Gaskin cgaskin@smcollege.edu