[Libs-Or] INFORMATION: Libraries and Violent Media

[Diedre Conkling]

http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=4558
February 7, 2013...10:47 am Libraries and Violent Media

One consequence of the recent  gun violence tragedies in the United States
is increased scrutiny of video games, films, and other media with violent
content held in library collections. As a result, libraries are now
receiving requests to remove or restrict access to these materials. The
discussion points below provide an intellectual freedom framework for
talking about the issue of violent video games and violence in media with
library trustees, staff, and library users. Resources listed below the
discussion points provide more detailed information and analysis about
violent media and intellectual freedom.

*Discussion points*:

* Like literature and film, video games are a creative and expressive
medium that entertains, educates, and tells a story. Many libraries collect
and lend video games to their users and host video game festivals and
contests just as they host book discussions and film festivals.

* The courts of law that have examined the legal status of video games have
ruled that video games are a form of speech protected by the First
Amendment. These courts have also ruled that laws restricting minors'
access to video games that are violent or are rated "Mature" are a form of
censorship that violates minors' First Amendment rights.

* For the same reasons it opposes the censorship of books, magazines, film,
and the Internet, ALA opposes the censorship of video games. In accordance
with the Library Bill of Rights <http://www.ifmanual.org/lbor> and the ALA
Code of Ethics <http://www.ifmanual.org/codeethics>, librarians should
resist efforts to censor or restrict access to video games and other
violent media, whether in the library or in society as a whole.

* Current research does not conclusively link the consumption of violent
video games or other violent media with societal aggression or gun
violence. We know of no study that directly links violent behavior or
reactions to a book, movie, or video game. ALA welcomes further impartial,
systematic and scientific study about whether or not violence in media has
an impact on young people.

* Parents, not librarians, are responsible for determining what materials
are appropriate for their children. While we firmly support the right of
library users to voice their concerns and select different materials for
themselves and their children, those objecting to violent media should not
be given the power to restrict other library users' right to access these
materials.

* Libraries serve as critical community resources as the public addresses
the controversy over gun violence. They supply information and research for
the public debates over gun control, mental illness, and depictions of
violence in the media. As our nation works to understand and find solutions
to gun violence, libraries provide vital resources and spaces for community
conversations.

*Resources*:

"Shooting the Messenger," an essay that explains why social science
research does not support a conclusive link between violent media and
violent behavior.  While dated (2000) its findings remain valid. (PDF
document<http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/shooting_the_messenger_full.pdf>
)

"POW! CRACK! What we know about video games and violence," The Washington
Post, January 17, 2013. An article updating and summarizing research on the
effects of violent media. (PDF
document<http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/POW-CRACK-What-we-know-about-video-games-and-violence-_-Wonkblog.pdf>
)

"Don't Blame Video Games for Real-World Violence," Christopher J. Ferguson,
The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 10, 2013 (Available online at
https://chronicle.com/blogs/conversation/2013/01/10/dont-blame-video-games-for-real-world-violence/)

"Violence in Media: A Joint Statement," signed by the Freedom to Read
Foundation. (PDF
document)<http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/FTRFviolencestatement.pdf>

Brown v. Entertainment Merchants' Association, U.S. Supreme Court, 2010.
Court opinion overturning law restricting minors' access to violent video
games on First Amendment grounds. (Available online at
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf)


http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=4558

-- 
*Diedre Conkling**
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR 97365
Phone & Fax: 541-265-3066
Work email**: **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*
Home email: **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>

 "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change
your attitude."--Maya Angelou
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