Dear colleagues:
I changed the subject line because the conversation has morphed.
One of the toughest ethical difficulties that librarians face is what to
do if a client requests "Final Exit" or other books on how to commit
suicide. Should we give it to them? Should we tell someone? This issue
was discussed briefly in "Reference and Information Services: An
Introduction," 3rd edition, by Richard Bopp and Linda Smith.
I used the book a few years ago to teach a reference class, and we had a
real good discussion about the issue. This led me to write a section on
this issue in my book "The Law of Libraries and Archives" (published in
2007 by Scarecrow Press).
My take on the issue is that we should use the same standards as
psychologists, physicians, clergy, and other professionals. (Since this
is a law list, I'll bet most of you are familiar with Tarasoff v.
Regents of the University of California.)
The way to tell whether our client is suicidal or is working on an
academic project is by doing a complete reference interview. First, the
student may say more about their assignment. Second, if it is a school
project than he or she will probably request other books on the topic,
perhaps even books on suicide prevention. The Tarasoff rubric is really
the way to decide on our actions.
Bryan M. Carson
Bryan M. Carson, J.D., M.I.L.S.
Ed.D. Student
Higher Ed. Leadership & Policy, Vanderbilt University/Peabody College
Associate Professor/Coordinator of Reference & Instructional Services
Western Kentucky University Libraries
Author, "The Law of Libraries and Archives" (Scarecrow Press)
Phone: 270-745-5007 (Office), 270-991-7144 (cell)
Fax: 270-745-2275
bryan.m.carson@vanderbilt.edu - bryan.carson@wku.edu
All original content copyright 2008 Bryan M. Carson
MBARR wrote:
> And sometimes a child may have a book on suicide because there is a
> school assignment on that topic. At our public library dozens of
> teens check out books on STDs, but I am not concerned about an
> epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases in our service area. The
> students have to write a paper for health class on STDs, and other
> assignments include suicide, drug abuse, sexual abuse, mental illness,
> etc. The high school students have to write a paper about Greek
> mythology, so reading books about mythology doesn't mean they are
> about to turn pagan.
>
> "Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient
> premises.”
> Samuel Butler
> (www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/powerup2.html?id=452&startrow=62
> <http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/powerup2.html?id=452&startrow=62>)
>
> Melissa Barr
> Legal Resources Specialist
> Cuyahoga County Public Library
> 5225 Library Lane
> Maple Heights, OH 44137-1291
> tel. 216-475-5000
> fax 216-587-7284
> mbarr@cuyahogalibrary.org
> /The opinions expressed herein are mine and not that of my employer./
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