3 October 2006

Statement on removal of books from the University of Melbourne Library

[pdf 98kb]

25 September 2006

Statement from:
Council of Australian University Librarians
Australian Library and Information Association
Australian Society of Authors
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

The forced removal of two books - Join the Caravan and Defence of the Muslim Lands - from the University of Melbourne Library threatens both our freedoms and our capacity to respond to terrorism.

Australia's liberal and tolerant way of life is based on respect for each others' views and the freedom to state our opinions without fear of retribution or arrest. We have so many wonderful authors because they have the freedom to explore ideas and to stimulate us with their creativity.

The freedom to read, see or hear what we want is a central element of the Australian way of life. We expect and make hearty comment when we disagree with others but we respect their right to express their views. Banning books takes away not only our right to read the opinions of others but also our right to disagree with what they say. We can't refute what we can't read.

Even at the height of anticommunism in the 1950s, it was argued that we need to be able to read communist writings on the principle of "know your enemy." In the post-September 11, 2001 world - and after the terrorist outrages in Madrid, London, Bali and Thailand - this is even more important. If we can't read what extremists are saying, we can't understand their thinking or present alternative views nor can we guard against their threats.

For universities, the freedom to research and study is central. Universities exist to educate the leaders of the future and to research important matters for society. Those matters include the security of Australia as the national research priority ‘Safeguarding Australia's frontiers' confirms. It is absolutely essential that our students and researchers can study the difficult questions of what poses a threat to Australia whether it be environmental damage, economic risk or terrorist threat. If the students and researchers can't read the opinions of others - including the most extreme - then they can't research the issues effectively.

It is the job of Australia's university and other libraries to make available the information which enables that research. If they are constrained from doing so, we are all at risk.

Background:

The Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) supports its members in the achievement of their objectives, especially the provision of access to, and training in the use of, scholarly information, leadership in the management of information, and contribution to the university experience. CAUL is comprised of the library directors of all Australian universities.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support.

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is the peak professional association for Australia's literary creators. Our members are biographers, illustrators, academics, cartoonists, scientists, food and wine writers, children's writers, ghost writers, librettists, travel writers, romance writers, translators, computer programmers, journalists, poets and novelists.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.