Competancy #3: Podcast

Using Yahoo! Podcasts Search I chose the following blog from Lib Vibe.

http://libvibe.blogspot.com/2007/03/libvibe-12-march-2007.html

The podcast contained several different library-related stories. The first one had to do with Sports Illustrated's decision to withhold the annual swimsuit issue from its school and library subscribers. Some 21,000 libraries and schools didn't receive their issue after past feedback from parents, teachers and librarians about the issue not being appropriate for the patrons.

Librarians were in an uproar over this decision and complained. They say it is not up to Sports Illustrated to determine what is appropriate for individuals to read. Sports Illustrated realized the decision was wrong and is changing the practice. Anyone who missed the issue was able to contact Sports Illustrated to request the issue.

I was intrigued with this story because I have personally not put out the swimsuit issue when it comes to our school's library because in my opinion it is nothing more than soft porn (some of the models don't have tops on but are covering there chests with their arms and they are often in very provocative poses). Although after hearing this story it got me thinking that perhaps this is not right to be doing this. I feel very strongly about intellectual freedom and allowing individuals to decide for themselves what is appropriate for them to read and wouldn't want to be making the decision for them. This is something I will definitely have to think more about before the next swimsuit issue comes out next spring.