Recently I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal (which can be found here), discussing Amazon pulling from sale in print, Kindle and Audible formats a book that portrayed LGBTQ+ identities as mental illness. Immediately I thought back to a time where a patron requested us to purchase a book that had a similar theme. I felt uncomfortable with the request because I thought that the book undermined the LGBTQ+ community in a similar way that the book from the recent article did. I also know that as a library staff member, I am not there pass judgement or filter the information that they request, especially when it is something I do not agree with. We are bridges to help reduce the gap between patrons and the information they seek. But where do we as librarians draw the line with having misinformation within our stacks? Or when a patrons requests materials that are considered subjective, disputed or contentious topics?
I also thought that it was a very powerful move that Amazon made halting the sales of this title. According to the article, a 53% of books purchased in the United States are through Amazon, and 80% of eBook titles as well. Amazon put out a statement that they provide customers “with access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable. That said, we reserve the right not to sell certain content.” I am intrigued to see if going forward Amazon pulls more titles that are deemed harmful, or controversial.
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