Q&A
Council member inquires about objectivity in library educational efforts
0:59:47
·
70 sec
Council Member David Carr raises concerns about the importance of objectivity in library educational efforts, particularly regarding contemporary politics and events. He highlights the high standards expected by the public and the challenges libraries face in maintaining neutrality.
- Carr emphasizes the difficulty of balancing objectivity with public expectations
- He notes that some people are sensitive to perceived bias, while others may want libraries to take positions
- The council member requests information on how libraries curate and manage their efforts to maintain objectivity
David Carr
0:59:47
Thank you, Chair Rivera.
0:59:48
This is an important hearing.
0:59:49
So glad to have our colleagues from the 3 library systems with us today.
0:59:54
You know, you have an important mission here.
0:59:58
And it's a difficult one.
0:59:59
Because when public institutions like libraries and schools engage in education and informational efforts about politics and events, particularly contemporary politics and events sense.
1:00:12
There's a high standard of objectivity that the consumers of those efforts are gonna have, particularly parents of youth who are coming to you for that kind of that kind of an effort.
1:00:25
And there's you know, everyone's antennas are up, right, for you to kind of reach objectivity and in their view, you know, start teaching or promoting a position with which they do not agree.
1:00:39
And then there are some that is a smaller group who actually want you to take a position in some cases.
1:00:45
So can you talk to me in terms of how you're curating these efforts and and managing these efforts in a way that that is objective?
1:00:54
In your view and how it conforms to that standard.
