The Bookseller.com

7th October 2008

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MLA to redraft its stock advice

17.07.08 Benedicte Page

The Museums, Libraries & Archives Council is to redraft its guidance to libraries on controversial stock, after respondents warned it could make staff "risk-averse".

The MLA's draft guidance was put out for consultation earlier this year, with respondents including 25 library authorities, Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals and the Cabinet Office Counter Terrorism Team.

The MLA said 53% of respondents were happy with the guidance as it stood but over a third (37%) felt it did not meet library staff needs, with some arguing it would "deliberately or inadvertently deter librarians and library authorities from selecting and holding material which people have a right to see and read". Respondents made comparisons to Section 28 legislation banning the promotion of homosexuality, the MLA added.

The biggest concern was the effect of the guidance on community cohesion, with 43% of respondents expressing fears that it had the "potential to generate fear and apprehension".

The MLA said it would now redraft its guidance with the assistance of CILIP, and also answer additional questions librarians had about data protection and library borrowing records. The revised guidance will be published in the autumn.

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