University library denies censorship
Most of the university’s library collections were on open access to promote browsing across disciplines, contrary to the situation in many libraries on the European mainland, the University of Malta said in a statement.
It said that nonetheless, it has traditionally been the library's policy of treating a number of collections under closed access arrangement.
These covered all the library's Melitensia (Maltese publications), the majority of the fine arts books, and all the rare, particularly out-of-print, and manuscript holdings.
Such material, which includes a tattered copy of Irvine Welsh and a rare reprint of De Sade, is kept under closed access for added custody against mishandling and possible theft or misplacement, but definitely not by way of censorship.
The library said that other notorious works, including works by De Sade, were, in fact, on open shelves.
“All closed access material is identifiable via the library's electronic catalogues and can be consulted by registered university students and academics.
“Censorship goes against the library's principle of archiving for posterity, and of providing unhindered access to information,” it said.
The university said this was all the more true of university libraries where the collections were meant to support the teaching and research needs of academe.
“It should also be added that never, throughout the past 60 years, has the University Library been restrained from purchasing or acquiring any particular publication, on censorship considerations.”
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godfrey grima
Jan 21st 2011, 16:19
Why is it so difficult to accept the word of the University librarian on the points he makes on costodianship - much more than denied access- of certain material?. And why does porn feature, almost invariably, uppermost in the minds of those discussing censorship? I have, in my time, come across books far more shocking that deal with science, astrology, aliens,community life, religion, history, politics and architecture -ever heard of the architect who wants us to live in homes we grow out of trees?- than porn. Kevin Ellul is doing a fine job mantaining the standards laid down by his predecessors- Anthony Mangion and Paul Xuereb and should be credited not discredited for the work he puts in . Here's another thought. Do people really imagine today's modern and highly successful University to be in the grips of some behind the wings Inquisitor out to keep people's darkened minds unlit- on porn? As a member of the University Council for the past ten years I know of far bigger problems that are tackled and solved by all the stakeholders - University, staff, students, Government, Ministries -that would defy even DeSade's imagination.
Andrew Farrugia
Jan 21st 2011, 23:02
Hear, hear! But unfortunately some people seem particularly keen on conspiracy theories. They are oblivious to the fact that most European universities operate similar systems (as well as the so-called "reserved shelves") for the reasons which you mentioned. It appears as if we still need sex and porn to titillate people and to show how transgressive we are! How passe'!
J. Borg
Jan 21st 2011, 15:46
I looked at the University Library's OPAC (database search)...
A copy of PORNO (Irvine Welsh) is On Shelf and Regular Loan, found in the Main Library.. shelf number: PR6073.E47P6 Cab.
Similarly are two books of De Sade... Looks like it's all a storm in a teacup. These versions are available to students and academics.
Check www.um.edu.mt/library
Muscat Pat
Jan 21st 2011, 14:53
Pull us an other one!
m.portelli
Jan 21st 2011, 11:59
For which purpose is a tattered copy of Irvine Welsh kept under lock and key? Is it for the purpose of preventing mishandling, possible theft or misplacement? Can the Director Library Services enlighten us please? Does the UOM library require brand new multiple copies of Irvine Welsh's novels because should that be the case, donations of these books to the library can easily be arranged today.
D. Cassar
Jan 21st 2011, 11:42
This is completely absurd. It makes absolutely no sense to protect a widely available copy of Irvine Welsh's Porno "against mishandling and possible theft or misplacement", while there are antiquarian books rotting away in the Main Library. How gullible do you think we are?