From: "Hinchliffe, Lisa W" <[log in to unmask]> Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2016 02:20:30 +0000 There has been a lot of discussion about libraries labeling fake news, rating websites, etc. - and not just on this listserv but many others. I think it is interesting to consider this document from ALA as context for the discussion. Labeling and Rating Systems: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/ interpretations/labelingrating "Viewpoint-neutral directional labels are a convenience designed to save time. These are different in intent from attempts to prejudice or discourage users or restrict their access to resources. Labeling as an attempt to prejudice attitudes is a censor’s tool. The American Library Association opposes labeling as a means of predisposing people’s attitudes toward library resources. Prejudicial labels are designed to restrict access, based on a value judgment that the content, language, or themes of the resource, or the background or views of the creator(s) of the resource, render it inappropriate or offensive for all or certain groups of users. The prejudicial label is used to warn, discourage, or prohibit users or certain groups of users from accessing the resource... Prejudicial labeling and ratings presuppose the existence of individuals or groups with wisdom to determine by authority what is appropriate or inappropriate for others. They presuppose that individuals must be directed in making up their minds about the ideas they examine. The fact that libraries do not advocate or use proscriptive labels and rating systems does not preclude them from answering questions about them. The American Library Association affirms the rights of individuals to form their own opinions about resources they choose to read or view." -- Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe Professor/ Coordinator for Information Literacy Services and Instruction University Library, University of Illinois, 1408 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801 [log in to unmask], 217-333-1323 (v), 217-244-4358 (f)