Intellectual Freedom and the Bible College Library

Abstract

A number of evangelical Christian authors have grappled with the subject of intellectual freedom-few, though, in the context of Bible college libraries. The secular concept of intellectual freedom is incompatible with Bible colleges in that it is absolutist and shuns any standard of morality. Theological, educational, and pragmatic factors indicate that Bible college libraries should provide access to a broad range of information resources, irrespective of the positions they espouse, except to the extent that such openness poses a serious threat to the fulfillment of their sponsoring institutions' mission. To this end, Bible college libraries should take positive action to create, publicize, and administer appropriate policies and procedures, and otherwise demonstrate their commitment to mission-oriented intellectual freedom.

Faith-informed intellectual freedom: an annotated bibliography

“…In both Christian and secular academic institutions, librarians need to continually examine curriculum to ensure that materials selected support the needs of students and faculty. This issue is also addressed by Johnson (2002); Davis (2002) and Smith (2004). Johnson, J.R. (2002), "A Christian approach to intellectual freedom in libraries", in Smith, G.A.…”

“…He also offers a theological, educational, and pragmatic rationale for his view of intellectual freedom in the Bible college library. Smith (2004) suggests ways in which Bible college libraries can apply a mission-oriented philosophy of intellectual freedom to manage collections and access because "the library's information access practices are inherently intertwined with the institution's educational philosophy. Denying access to materials without sufficient justification diminishes the value of the institution's academic programs".…”

“…Finally, he suggests libraries enlist teaching faculty to help draft the intellectual freedom policy. Smith (2004) shares several examples of the different types of topics that may not necessarily have religious authors but that have an application to a theological or biblical perspective, such as "linguistic, archeological, and historical insights", philosophy and other disciplinary focuses such as "psychology, biology, and physical science". Church ministry, another area of focus in faith-based institutions, may build on authors' works in "communication, education, psychology, sociology, music, anthropology, etc."…”

“…Church ministry, another area of focus in faith-based institutions, may build on authors' works in "communication, education, psychology, sociology, music, anthropology, etc." (Smith, 2004). Hippenhammer, C. (1993), "Patron objections to library materials: a survey of Christian college libraries, part I", The Christian Librarian, Vol.…”

“…Best (2010) discusses censorship in academic libraries based on the top ten most-challenged books in 2007, which have research implications for Christian institutions. Johnson (2002); Davis (2002) and Smith (2004) offer library recommendations based on the review of the literature and their own practice. Hippenhammer (1993Hippenhammer ( , 1994 presents survey data and findings on collection development policies and intellectual freedom from Christian libraries.…”