Controversial Issues Project

I just met with my group about the final product in our presentation for tomorrow. I am excited to share this with them, because I feel like we all three worked so hard to get it finished, and I know how much I learned throughout this project.

I began the project with a narrow mind about gang literature...what gangster is actually reading in the library?! But now, I realize that this is more than just a glorified lifestyle, it is a message to the youth. Not only for those thinking about joining the lifestyle, but for those who have left it. I read an article about how displaced those feel that leave the gang. They feel they are making the right decision, only to be flagged by school officials and the justice dept. as criminals for the rest of their lives. I can see how they end up in a downward spiral. I can see how this lifestyle may attract a hopeless child. I can see how these books deserve a place in the public library or school media center.

Controversial Issues Project

I was surprised to find my opinion change during the research phase of this project. In the beginning our topic of gangs seemed unreasonable to defend. But the more I read about the literature and the opinions and purposes of the authors, the more intrigued I am about why you wouldn't allow some of these books into your library. I found some good examples of gang literature, and I found some questionable examples. Some books that tried to lead the reader away from that path, and some that gave too much detail for a librarian to be comfortable with. Overall, I was intrigued that my opinion could be swayed in either direction.

Collection Development Action Project

This was my favorite project to date. It was the first time that I actually felt like a librarian. I got to analyze the material and make a decision like I was leading my own library. It was great to talk to the librarian about our collection because being a recent graduate herself, we agree that our collection is in desperate need of weeding. She wanted a copy of my suggestions to use when it comes time to pull unneeded material. Apparently our staff is weary of getting rid of any material (big surprise, huh!). To make it easier on herself and to avoid controversy, she is planning on doing a lot of the heavy weeding over the summer. Eager to learn and lend a hand, I offered my services to her! I hope that between the two of us, we can make some much needed decisions to equal some big changes!