@MASTERSTHESIS{pgi2015000,
	author = "M. McCallum",
	supervisor = "D. McMenemy",
	title = "Challenge and Censorship in London Public Libraries",
	school = "Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde",
	year = "2014",
	month = "September",
	abstract = "This study sought to discover information on incidents of challenges to items in public libraries in London between the years 2008 and 2013, as well as the opinions of the general public of London as regards censorship in public libraries.
To do this, a survey was sent in the form of a Freedom of Information request to each borough of London asking how many challenges to items they had received in this period; what items had been challenged; what were the reasons for the challenges; how the library responded to the challenges; and whether the reason for the response had been communicated to the complainant.
A second survey was distributed online to members of the public, asking whether they had or would consider complaining about an item in a public library; the reasons for which they would complain about items; and whether they thought particular items should not be stocked or should have their access restricted in public libraries.
Overall, 46 challenges had been received during the 5 year period across the 31 boroughs who responded to the survey. These related to complaints about books, displays, periodicals, particular authors, types of book, and a DVD. In all cases the item challenged was kept in stock, however in 2 cases the item was removed from the open shelves and placed in the reserve stock in response to the complaint.
The second survey found that respondents were most likely to complain about items in public libraries for reasons of inaccuracy, racism, and sexism. It was also found that the majority of respondents believed that a particular type of item, men's lifestyle magazines, should not be stocked in public libraries at all.
The principle recommendations made following these results were that the United Kingdom's professional body, CILIP, should collect data relating to challenges to items in public libraries; CILIP should use this data to provide specific guidance relating to the issues of intellectual freedom and censorship; consistent responses to be given to those making complaints explaining why the item will not be removed; and the provision of an event similar to the USA's Banned Books Week to inform the public of the importance of intellectual freedom.",
}