September 21, 2012

Are you with the Banned?

The American Library Association’s 2012 Banned Books Week is Sept. 30 – Oct. 6.

Established 30 years ago, Banned Books Week highlights the importance of our freedom to read. Every year many books and other library materials are challenged by individuals and groups who think these titles should be removed from school and public libraries because of inappropriate content.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), 326 challenges to library materials were reported in 2011. Among the most frequently challenged titles were the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Why should you care about the issue of banned books? Banning a book from a library collection is a form of censorship. This year’s Honorary ALA Co-chair of Banned Books Week, journalist Bill Moyers eloquently states the dangers of censorship in a video essay on the importance of freedom of expression:
Censorship is the enemy of truth, even more than a lie. A lie can be exposed; censorship can prevent us from knowing the difference.
Interested in finding out more about Banned Books Week and Censorship?

And the information available at the American Library Associations Banned Books site.





Beth Garnsey, Faculty Librarian
Oakland Community College

September 10, 2012

Free Student Success Seminars Begin This Month

Free Student Success Seminars begin this month. These sessions cover a variety of topics related to student success, including library research, study skills, and interview skills. Ask your instructor about extra credit for these seminars. See the Library Instruction page for more information.

 
Orchard Ridge Campus Library
  • Monday September 17 - Getting To Know Your OCC Library
    12pm-12:30pm in King Library: Learn about the library, our web page, how to get research help, and more!
  • Monday September 24 - The OCC Library Catalog
    12pm-12:30pm in King Library: We’ve made changes to our catalog! Learn how to navigate your way around.