{"id":90,"date":"2018-07-02T09:36:46","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T09:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisp1.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&p=90"},"modified":"2018-12-04T09:54:56","modified_gmt":"2018-12-04T09:54:56","slug":"information-related-legislation-right-to-information-act-and-censorship","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp1\/chapter\/information-related-legislation-right-to-information-act-and-censorship\/","title":{"rendered":"Information Related Legislation: Right to Information Act and Censorship"},"content":{"raw":"
\"epgp<\/a>\r\n<\/span><\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nI. Objectives<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTo provide the students with the understanding of<\/span>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What is Right to Information Act (RTI)?\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Impact of RTI in the Library and Information Centre\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What is Censorship?\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Major role of library and information professional to make awareness about RTI and Censorship, etc\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nII.\u00a0 <\/strong>Learning Outcome<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

On completion of this module, you are expected to have an idea of the purpose and meaning of Censorship and Right to Information and what these mean for libraries and information services.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

III. Module Structure<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n1.\u00a0 Introduction\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0 Impact of RTI in Library and Information Centres\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0 Categories of Information under RTI\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0 suo moto Disclosure\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0 Exempted Information\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0 Censorship\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0 What is Censorship?\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0 Library Ethos vis-a-via Censorship\r\n\r\n9.\u00a0 Forms or Types of Censorship\r\n\r\n10.\u00a0 Responsibility of LISP\r\n\r\n11.\u00a0 Censorship in LICs\r\n\r\n12.\u00a0 Censorship on the Internet\r\n\r\n13.\u00a0 Policy Decisions in the LIC\r\n\r\n14.\u00a0 Summary\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n1. Introduction<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

As far as Library and Information Science Professional (LISP) are concerned, \"the right to information\" can be viewed from two perspectives. The traditional one by which a LISP will have to provide access to the information itself without discrimination while still adhering to the rules and framework of the parent organisation. This is discussed later on when dealing with censorship issues.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The second perspective is a recent one engendered by the \u201cRight to Information Act\u201d (RTI) which became operational on 12th October 2005. The Act mandates timely response to citizen\u2019s requests for government information. This has implications for LISP, especially those in a publicly funded setup. The implications are that the LISP should facilitate access to updated RTI material, organize and maintain records in a manner that ensures speedy retrieval and dissemination of the information sought. It must be understood that information, in the context of this lesson, does not refer to the information found in printed material or the Internet, but data generated by the LIC as part of their administrative and managerial activities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Maintenance of records has always been an integral part of library operations. The importance and method of doing so have been spelt out in detail in the two books \u201cLibrary Manual\u201d and \u201cLibrary Administration\u201d by SR Ranganathan. However, the importance and essentiality of such an activity has been enhanced with the RTI.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

It is necessary at first to know and understand the RTI as it is an all-pervasive legislation in which the whole society is interested and involved\u2014it is a form of \u201cparticipatory governance\u201d. Hence, LISP has to acquire material\/facilitate access to RTI information.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The RTI empowers all Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. These include central, state and local governments, parliament and state legislatures, judiciary, police, security forces and all bodies funded by government\u2014in short, all publicly funded organisations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

2. Impact of RTI in Library and Information Centres<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

As the provision of information is a statutory requirement which every public authority is bound to meet, it behoves LISP attached to publicly funded organisations to be aware of the ramifications of this Act and to prepare themselves to effectively meet the information demands made vis-\u00e0-vis the LICs financial, transactional and administrative activities and policies. Systems should, therefore, be set in place for the purposes of records control and maintenance in LICs. The LISP will have to draw up guidelines regarding the implementation of procedures to meet requests for information under RTI. As every organisation will have a designated Public Information Officer (PIO), the LISP will have to work closely with the PIO in identifying categories of records, formats to be followed, policies for records retention, security etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

At times, the Officer -in-Charge of the LIC might be the designated PIO. In such cases, he or she must clearly demarcate the responsibilities of the PIO from those of\u00a0<\/span>the officer-in-charge. That is, be clear about the information requirements of a LIC patron and those asked for under the RTI. The first (as mentioned earlier) deals with information in the public domain and the latter with data generated in the course of the functioning of the organisation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The first step in establishing such guidelines would be to spell out a goal statement.<\/span>The goal statement could probably be as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

To provide exact and precise information within the required time frame.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The LISP would next have to decide on the policies regarding records management and control. These would deal with:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Software\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Designated Personnel\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Security\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Frequency of updates\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Backups\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Retention of records\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Forms\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLet us now examine each of the items listed here:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSoftware<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Since records will have to be maintained both in digital as well as hard copy format, the software to be used will have to be critically examined and decided upon. The software will have to be compatible with the software used by the parent organisation. If the library is part of a group of libraries or a consortium then it will have to be compatible with those used by others so as to ensure easy portability and transfer of data.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nDesignated Personnel<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Among the library staff, a group will have to be identified to be responsible for collecting and updating the data. The level of security among the staff thus identified should be taken into consideration. The categories of data that will be devolved to the staff and the categories of data that will be the province of the Head of the LIC itself will have to be clearly defined.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Security<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The level and extent of security will have to be decided upon. Will all data be accessible by all the library staff or will access be restricted to certain library personnel alone. Here, the definition of document control as given in ISO 9001 is useful.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u201cDocument control means that the right persons have the current version of the documents they need while unauthorized persons are prevented from use\u201d.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Frequency of updates<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

How frequently the data is updated will have to be decided upon. Also, how long it will take to update the information if a request is made. This is important as RTI mandates the time frame within which information must be provided. In fact, the Act states that:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u201cIt is advisable that, as far as possible, the information should be updated as and when any development takes place. Particularly, in case of publication on the Internet, the information should be kept updated all the time\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

The Act requires that every public authority has to update its publications under Section 4(1) (b) every year. The Central\/State Government\/Departments will have to come out with general instructions for time-bound updating of all categories of information, including formats for publication. Every public authority may in turn publish updated information that is specific to its functions following the guidelines\u201d. Hence, the LISP will have to ensure that the library website is kept updated all the time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

It should also be ensured that though a record is amended to reflect new or updated information the original record is not affected.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Backups<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

It must be decided where the backup copy of critical records should be maintained. Should it be on the library server or on a central server or at another location?<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Retention of records<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

How long records should be retained will have to be decided upon. In a library certain records are always retained. For instance, records of holdings in a library which give information not only on current holdings but also on withdrawn items. However, period of retention of other records will be based on the policies of the organization with inputs from the designated PIO. Closely related to this would be policies regarding the archiving of records. The RTI Act specifically mentions Record Retention Schedule. However, it also says:<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

\u201c[The Act] does not require the public authorities to retain records for indefinite period. The records need to be retained as per the record retention schedule applicable to the concerned public authority.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Forms<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Decision would also have to be taken whether to use pre-defined forms for the records or not. Forms will have to be drawn up and periodic revision of the forms will have to be done in the light of feedback received, requirements of the PIO and the type of information sought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Finally, to establish proper guidelines, the LISP will have to draw up a check list to answer key questions regarding:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Categories of records<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Responsible personnel<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Location of data storage (current and archival)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Access parameters and levels and security<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Retention time and disposal<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Effective storage and retrieval systems, etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n

The most important step, in fact an essential step, would be to define and document every decision taken regarding the policies given above. The need to document every decision and paper trails of activities cannot be stressed enough in the context of the RTI Act.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

LISP can study ISO 9001 which provides guidelines for records identification, maintenance and control, especially about updating of records as ISO 9001 requires that every document shows when it was created or last updated. The automatic date field built into many software programs may not suitable for using as a date stamp and care should be taken while using this feature.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Guidelines will have to be drawn up for date stamp while revising or updating records. Wikipedia also lists the various steps involved in record management and control and this can be used as a check list while formulating policies and guidelines.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

So far, the discussion has cantered around record management and control in general. Let us now look briefly at the categories of information that can be asked for and what are of particular relevance in the LIC setup.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

3. Categories of Information under RTI<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Act defines \u201cinformation\u201d as any material in any form. It includes:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Records\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Documents\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Memos\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 E-mails\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Opinions\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advices\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Press releases\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Circulars\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Orders\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Logbooks\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Contracts\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reports\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Papers\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Models\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Data material held in any electronic form\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n

It also includes \u201cinformation relating to any private body which can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in force\u201d. This right includes inspection of work, documents and records; taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records; and taking certified samples of material held by the public authority or held under the control of the public authority.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

Section 4(1) (b) of the Act, in particular, requires every public authority to publish following sixteen categories of information:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

    \r\n \t
  1. The particulars of its organisation, functions and duties;<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  2. The powers and duties of its officers and employees;<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability;<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions;<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions;<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control;<\/li>\r\n \t
  7. The particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by, the members of the public in relation to the formulation of its policy or implementation thereof;<\/li>\r\n \t
  8. A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public;<\/li>\r\n \t
  9. A directory of its officers and employees;<\/li>\r\n \t
  10. The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations;<\/li>\r\n \t
  11. The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made;<\/li>\r\n \t
  12. The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes;<\/li>\r\n \t
  13. The particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorisations granted by it;<\/li>\r\n \t
  14. Details in respect of the information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form;<\/li>\r\n \t
  15. The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use;<\/li>\r\n \t
  16. The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n \r\n

    Besides the categories of information enumerated above, the Government may prescribe other categories of information to be published by any public authority.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    To fulfil these and other requirements, the following suggestions may be employed:<\/span>Regarding categories <\/span>i, ii and iii<\/strong>, the LISP may maintain an organisational chart identifying personnel and delineating responsibilities and functions and flowcharts of activities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Regarding categories <\/span>iv and v and xv<\/strong>, standards and procedures may be set in place and these must be documented. Most libraries have over the years developed their own library manual which sets out policies and procedures. These have to be augmented or modified if necessary. If a library manual does not exist it is essential to create one. The rules and regulations would cover not only internal processes but services and facilities extended to users such as membership criteria, hours open, loan restrictions, photocopying facility, browsing facility and use of the Internet, interlibrary loans, access to e-journals, downloading restrictions etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Regarding categories <\/span>vi, xiv and xv<\/strong>, the LIC website and its OPAC\/WebOPAC would take care of this.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Regarding categories <\/span>vii and viii<\/strong>, these could in the LIC context even be considered to be Library Committee members and LIC Committee Meetings where policies and procedures are decided upon regarding selection and purchase of materials, membership of consortia, copyright agreements regarding journals, photocopying etc., agreements signed with publisher regarding e-journal access, e-books use and download agreements, etc.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Regarding category <\/span>xi<\/strong>, information on budget allocation should be maintained not only for library materials \u2013 documents, non- book materials, e-information resources \u2013 but also for equipment, furniture, supplies, official travel, etc. The amount spent on each item of expenditure and the rationale, approval and sanction behind such expenditure should be meticulously documented.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    In addition, many libraries also generate income \u2013 through membership and access fees, supply of photocopies, consultancy fees, supply of information product\u2019s etc. Exact records should be maintained regarding these.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    In-service training is an integral activity of any organisation and is important in the LIC milieu with the rapid advances in communications and information technology as it is imperative for LISP to meet changes and challenges in information access and requirements. Records should be maintained in this area also.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Records relating to attendance at conferences and papers presented and published in journals should also be maintained and updated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    The above shows that a two tier record maintenance and control system will have to be in place in a LIC. The first tier would be the files, notes, log books, minutes of meetings, reports etc. which the LIC is concerned with in its day-to-day activities. These have to be maintained meticulously and in a manner which is easily retrievable and understandable. The second tier would be records at a higher level, culled from the activities at the first tier. For instance, book selection policies and procedures, vendor selection and purchase data of documents would be at the first tier. The second tier might be records which show the amount spent on various subject categories, the percent of budget spent on these categories, the average cost of items in each of these categories etc. Similarly, broad usage statistics would be at the first tier but breakup\u00a0<\/span>by categories of users such as students, industrialists, academics etc will be at the second tier.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    4. suo moto Disclosure<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    suo moto is a legal term meaning \u201con its own motion\u201d. It is used when a government agency acts on its own cognizance, that is, an action is taken without prompting from another party. The Act mentions suo moto disclosure of information to the public through the Internet among other communication media. LISP have been for many years now following this by making available on their library website information about the library activities, timings, facilities available and rules and guidelines for the use of the library and its services, staff and contact information and through its WebOPAC, data about holdings, recent acquisitions, access to online resources etc. The LISP, in consultation with the designated PIO, may now have to give on its web site additional information which the organisation considers necessary to comply with the RTI Act requirements.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    5. Exempted Information<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    So far, the discussion has centred around the need to set up procedures and systems so as to facilitate the provision of information whenever asked for. However, the LISP should also be aware that there are exemptions and that certain categories of information cannot be provided. This includes information which is harmful to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, that which has been forbidden to be published by a court, information on trade secrets or intellectual property to name but a few. The LISP should take care to know the categories of information that cannot be provided under the RTI.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    6. Censorship<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Censorship has always been an oft-debated and troubled issue as far as LICs are concerned. Before discussing the various issues involved in censorship of materials in LICs and the issues thrown up in the digital age, it is necessary to understand what censorship is and its history.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    7. What is Censorship?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    The American Library Association (ALA) defines \u201cCensorship as the suppression of ideas and information that certain persons\u2014individuals, groups or government officials\u2014find objectionable or dangerous.\u201d Though generally thought of in the context of government, as can be seen from the definition of the ALA, other groups can also be involved in censoring of materials. Censorship is used to prevent and control the creation, access and dissemination of ideas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Censorship can be applied to the following:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

    \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 books and other print materials\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 speech\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 photographs\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 films\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TV\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 radio programmes\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 digital materials\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the Internet\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThese can all be censored for any number of reasons:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Political\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Social\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Religious\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Racist\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Moral\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Security concerns\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Age related (content may be inappropriate for certain age groups)\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Even the usage of inappropriate\/inflammatory\/indecent language\r\n\r\n \r\n

    The history of censorship goes back a long time and history shows that it was practiced in ancient civilizations also. Though it is usually associated with dictatorship as a means of retaining power so that new\/revolutionary\/seditious ideas do not percolate among people, censorship has also been widely practiced by:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Religious groups to prevent heresy and blasphemy and other religious ideas from taking hold\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Moralists who are worried about licentious or pornographic literature\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Racists to sustain existing social inequities and maintain social status quo\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Governments in the interests of security, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n

    The need for censorship may vary but it can be said that the rationale is the same: to suppress ideas\/expressions under the guise of basically protecting major institutions such as the state, religious organisations and their practices, society and the family.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    8. Library Ethos vis-a-via Censorship<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    Censorship and librarians have had a troubled relationship. Censorship goes against what is the fundamental ethos of librarianship i.e. to make information accessible to all without discrimination. The very philosophy of librarianship is against the very concept of censorship. Let us first look at what The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) have to say:<\/p>\r\n \r\n

    \u201cIFLA supports, defends and promotes intellectual freedom as defined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    IFLA asserts that a commitment to intellectual freedom is a core responsibility for the library and information profession.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    IFLA therefore calls upon libraries and library staff to adhere to the principles of intellectual freedom, uninhibited access to information and freedom of expression and to recognize the privacy of the library user.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

    From this statement it is clear that IFLA considers \u201cthe freedom of expression\u201d and \u201cthe right to know\u201d as two aspects of the same principle. To this end, LICs should take steps to acquire materials that reflect the plurality and diversity of society. LISP is:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

      \r\n \t
    1. exhorted to be governed by \u201cprofessional considerations and not by political, moral and religious views\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    2. to adhere to the principles of intellectual freedom.<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. to recognize the privacy of the user.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Within IFLA, there is the Committee on Freedom of Access to Information andFreedom of Expression (FAIFE). its mission statement is given below:<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      \u201cThe overall objective of IFLA\/FAIFE is to raise awareness of the essential correlation between the library concept and the values of intellectual freedom. To reach this goal IFLA\/FAIFE collects and disseminates documentation and aims to stimulate a dialog both within and outside the library world\u201d.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      India, having been associated with IFLA from the beginning, it is essential that LISP are aware of IFLA recommendations and guidelines.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      The most proactive in the area of censorship is the American Library Association (ALA) which set up the Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) in 1967 to implement its policies as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights (First adopted in and after subsequent amendments reaffirmed on January 23, 1996). The OIF has set up many groups and initiatives to educate LISP and the public and also to deal with issues relating to censorship.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) in UK has issued its own statement (2005) on intellectual freedom and censorship in which it states that the organisation is committed\u201cto promoting a society where intellectual activity and creativity, freedom of expression and debate, and access to information are encouraged and nurtured\u201d.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), founded in 1974, states that its mission is\u201cto promote freedom of thought, inquiry and expression and oppose censorship in all its forms\u201d<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      An alliance of 50 American non-profit organizations, it consists of literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labour, and civil liberties groups. (http:\/\/ncac.org)<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      9. Forms or Types of Censorship<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      There are two forms of direct censorship that will be discussed here: regulative and constitutive censorship. Both forms of censorship can be applied to LICs, and LISP should be aware of what these forms are and the methods by which they are enforced.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Regulative Censorship<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Regulative censorship is when a regulatory organization, usually the government, dictates what information can be made available in the public domain, such as when material or access to material (including web access) is banned by law. The government may do so in the interests of national security: to prevent insurgency, to prevent a law and order situation, to prevent disharmony, etc. It is not just the central government which exercises the right to ban books; state governments have also done so over the years. Internet filtering is also practiced by the Government in India and there have been instances of banning of web sites. This is discussed in a later section.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      There are many examples of censorship in India throughout history. For instance, many vernacular newspapers were banned in British India as well as several books such as Katherine Mayo\u2019s Face of Mother India. A more recent example is Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie, among others. The responsibility of LISP will be to keep abreast of such developments during collection development and in facilitating use of the LIC.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Constitutive Censorship<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Constitutive censorship is a type of censorship that a group imposes through disapproval, isolation and even banishment from the community. This is where information, thoughts and ideas that violate social norms and values are suppressed though a variety of sociological processes. A recent example of constitutive censorship is the decision made by Penguin Books India, publishers of Dr. Wendy Doniger\u2019s The Hindus: An Alternative History, to recall and destroy all copies of the book bowing to a pressure from a social\/religious group. This has been widely discussed in newspapers such as \u2018The Hindu\u2019, \u2018The Times of India\u2019 among others from February 11, 2014.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Another sociological process is self-censorship, which is defined by Cambridge Dictionaries Online as:<\/span>\u201cControl of what you say or do in order to avoid annoying or offending others, but without being told officially that such control is necessary\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Libricide or Biblioclasm is the practice of destroying books or other materials which offend or are not in synch with the ideas, ethos or beliefs of a particular group or which are thought of as being subversive to the ideologies of a particular group. It is\u00a0<\/span>generally done in public. History abounds with cases of book burning and destroying of library materials. Wikipedia lists the incidents.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

      \r\n\r\n(http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_book-burning_incidents<\/a>)\r\n\r\n \r\n

      There have been many cases of libricide and vandalism in India. The burning of the collection of Nalanda University in the 12th century is well known in history. A couple of recent incidents are also given as illustration. In 2004, the Pune Bhandarkar oriental research institute (Bori) was ransacked by a mob objecting to a history book on Shivaji. Recently, the publisher of Wendy Doniger\u2019s The Hindus: An Alternative History decided to remove the title from bookshelves in India and pulp them.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Not just books, any form of expression can also be censored or prevented from being made public by interested groups. The recent controversy regarding the screening of the film \u201cPK\u201d illustrates this.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      In the LIC setup, the LISP take the initiative in censoring materials acquired or in preventing access to certain information. Studies and experience show that many LISP self-censor to some extent. Why do they practice self-censorship? They do so to avoid trouble or controversy; to avoid offending the regular users; to keep up with \u201ccommunity standards\u201d; to protect themselves against potential threats; to avoid probable lawsuits or strictures from higher authorities or even sub-consciously because of ingrained moral values. They may do this during collection management \u2013 both in acquisition of materials as well as in the way\/and where they arrange them. For instance, materials may be kept at a spot which is not easily accessible to the users. Another possibility is \"Censorship through consensus\". Here adherence to shared social values by members of the society of which the LISP is a part may give rise to self-censorship.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      Only a very thin line separates censorship and selection of materials and LISP must be able to discern it. The New York Library Association has developed a self-censorship check list to enable LISP to find out whether they are practicing self-censorship or not. Among other questions, the list asks LISP to check:<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If they have avoided purchasing materials because parents might not approve.<\/p>\r\n

      \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If they have avoided purchasing materials because the authors\u2019 background or views are not acceptable.<\/p>\r\n

      \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Whether they have labeled materials in such a way as to create a prejudice in the minds of the users or;<\/p>\r\n

      \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If they have removed materials because of pressure groups.<\/p>\r\n

      \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If they have violated the right to privacy of users or allowed unauthorised access to the library records of the users.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

      10.\u00a0 <\/strong>Responsibility of LISP<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n

      The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) in its Statement on free access to information asserts that\u00a0Freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if its citizens have unrestricted access to information and ideas. (http:\/\/www.alia.org.au)\u00a0<\/span>From this statement it is clear that the role of LISP is a crucial one when maintaining a democracy. The ALIA also lists specific responsibilities for librarians to uphold in the context of unrestricted freedom of access. These are:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n