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From: dws@mit-eddie.UUCP (Don Saklad)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: libraries
Message-ID: <3616@mit-eddie.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Feb-85 02:16:48 EST
Article-I.D.: mit-eddi.3616
Posted: Tue Feb 12 02:16:48 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Feb-85 02:51:37 EST
Distribution: net.flame
Organization: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Lines: 28


	Freedom and equality of access were denied visitors and users
asking how Boston Public Library system works.  Persistent repeated
inquiries and requests for documentation were delayed and denied.
Public records rules ignored.  Open meetings of the library board
held so as to intimidate observers, make it too hard to communicate
with trustees.

	General reference should show manuals and administrative documents
of library development should be better maintained.

	Archives of Boston Public Library system documentation should
include not only the ancient history of the establishment of the institution,
but the recent and development policies current.

	Information specialists should be aware of public records rules
when they call inhouse manuals and notices into question since they're
public.  Supervision and training is poor so that even savy people
who work there all the time would find conflicting and troublesome
this lapse, among the great stuff and services, for freedom and equality
of access.

	Accountability and communication should move officials to provide
access.  Publicity is 30 to 40 years behind the times.  Publicity should be 
upbeat on some wavelength same as the people in the communities
of the metropolitan area.  Humiliation and reprisals are perceived instead
of respect and dignity for visitors and users who'd like a chance to know
the library system as well as anyone tenured there.