Restricting access of certain titles and classes of library materials is a practice common to many libraries in the United States. Collections of these materials are referred to by a variety of names such as "closed shelf", "locked case", or "restricted shelf ".
Three reasons generally advanced to justify restricted access are:
- It provides a refuge for materials that belong in the collection but which may be considered "objectionable" by some library patrons;
- It provides a means for controlling distribution of materials to those who are allegedly not "prepared" for such materials, or who have been labeled less responsible, because of experience, education, or age;
- It provides a means to protect certain materials from theft and mutilation.
Restricted access to library materials is frequently in opposition to the principles of intellectual freedom. While the limitation differs from direct censorship activities, such as removal of library materials or refusal to purchase certain publications, it nonetheless constitutes censorship, albeit in a subtle form. Restricted access often violates the spirit of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS in the following ways:
It violates that portion of article 2 which states that "no library materials should be proscribed ... because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
"Materials ... proscribed" as used in article 2 includes "suppressed" materials. Restricted access achieves de facto suppression of certain materials. Even when a title is listed in the catalog with a reference to its restricted status, a barrier is placed between the patron and the publication. Because a majority of materials placed in restricted collections deal with controversial, unusual, or "sensitive" subjects, asking a librarian or circulation clerk for them may be embarrassing for patrons desiring the materials. Because restricted collections are often composed of materials which some library patrons consider "objectionable", the potential user is predisposed to thinking of the materials as "objectionable", and may be reluctant to ask for them. Although the barrier between the materials and the patron is psychological, it is nonetheless a limitation on access to information.
It violates article 5, which states that, "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of ... age. "
Limiting access of certain materials only to adults abridges the use of the library for minors. Access to library materials is an integral part of the right to use a library. Such restrictions are generally instituted under the assumption that certain materials are "harmful" to minors, or in an effort to avoid controversy with adults who might think so.
Libraries and library boards who would restrict the availability of materials to minors because of actual or anticipated parental objection should bear in mind that they do not serve in loco parentis. The American Library Association holds that it is parents — and only parents — who may restrict their children — and only their children -from access to library materials and services. Parents who would rather their children not have access to certain materials should so advise their children.
When restricted access is implemented solely to protect materials from theft or mutilation, the practice may be legitimate. However, segregation of materials to protect them must be administered with extreme attention to the reason for restricting access. Too often only "controversial" materials are the subject of such segregation, indicating that factors other than theft and mutilation — including content — were the true considerations. When loss rates of items popular with young people are high, this cannot justify the labeling of all minors as irresponsible and the adoption of prejudiced restrictions on the right of minors to use library services and materials.
Selection policies, carefully developed to include principles of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights, should not be vitiated by administrative practices such as restricted access. Note: See also Free Access to Libraries for Minors, adopted June 30, 1972; amended July 1, 1981, by ALA Council.