Bet this won't appear in our local newspaper

[masonco]

Ludington librarian fired over tell-all novel says her First Amendment rights were violated

 

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/08/ludington_...

 

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Home > Grand Rapids News > Courts & Crime

Didn't know if anyone else saw this, but thought it worth posting on our great Ludington library

[masonco]

Here are the first three paragraphs..Sorry I'm not able to post it in opening part...maybe someone can "fix it" or start a new thread

 

LUDINGTON — Sally Stern-Hamilton’s literary work — a disturbing look at life in the library — wound up on the shelves at Mason County District Library.

It got her shelved there as a library assistant.

Now, Stern-Hamilton, a Ludington woman whose “Library Diaries” chronicles unsavory characters in a place she called “Denialville,” has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the library violated her free-speech rights by firing her.

[Willy]

It was in the paper, 3 years ago.

[XLFD]

In the same month Jack Byers was awarded an out-of-court settlement of $250,000 for the City's violation of the Whistleblowers Act and the Open Meetings Act, August of 2008, (also the month I safely went past an illegally erected stop sign on my bicycle and had my life forever changed), Sally's book was discussed in the LDN:

LDN: Library Diaries 8-2008

It shows how long it takes these lawsuits to finally get their day in court.  Her First Amendment rights were definitely violated, and it looks as if this could be an interesting bellwether concerning another impending lawsuit against a local entity, also based on First Amendment violations.  I wish her luck, and thank you for posting this Masonco-- although the Daily News did put it on Monday's front page-- surprise, surprise. 

Nobody is wanting to claim a by-line for it though.  Note that a photographer was credited with the story in 2008, and Patti Klevorn followed up in September 2008 with an interview with Sally and Robert Dickson, who let her go.  It helps her case, I believe:  LDN 9-2008 

[Willy]

Speaking of libraries. I'm pretty disappointed with Ludingtons. They allow children to run around, make noise and even yell while others are trying to read. I think the Library doesn't want to discourage kids by using a little discipline. I for one do not want to return and listen to all the noise so I hope a vote for more funding isn't on the ballot  because they sure won't get my support.

[AQUAMAN]

Yup, it was front page news, didn't read the particulars but have to feel it was soft-spread. As for Willie's comments about the kids, yes, disappointing the kids run Ludington's library nowadays, and with full support of the crew there now, sad, and rude to say the least. Where's the silent mode for the library nowadays? Or at least some common courtesy for the majority of patrons?

[masonco]

Willie, I've had the same problem. Tried to use the computer while waiting between appointments and it was so noisy.

[Lisa O'Brien]

I haven't read the book - but I did look at the reviews on Amazon. I think out of 19 only 2 were favorable. I think next time I'm at the library I will see if they have a copy. For some odd reason they want $47.99 for a used copy (I wouldn't pay that for a new copy).

[Dave]

$47.99 for a book? That's crazy.. I'd never pay that much for a book unless it was a limited edition or something.

[masonco]

I won't pay that price either. I wonder if they inflated the price so it won't sell?

[Marty Redman]

The price of the book has been inflated because the banning of the book increased its notoriety and it hasn't been reprinted. 

 

The irony of the firing situation is that America's public libraries are supposed to be bastions of free speech.  The authoress did what any good author does and wrote about what they know.  She used made up names and places in a work of FICTION.  The librayr people made a mistake to make this an issue.  The only question now is how much will she get in her suit.

[AQUAMAN]

Quite right Marty, good post. I hope she takes the county to the cleaners on this, as well she deserves the damages, as well as back pay and reinstatement if she so chooses.

[Lisa O'Brien]

The ALA (American Library Association) has a code of ethics they are supposed to adhere to:

The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.

1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
3. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

If what I read from the reviews of the book (I have not read it myself), I could argue that she violated item 6 of the code of ethics. WIth that being said I think I am going to withhold judgement until I can read the book in question, at this point in the game we only have one side of the story.