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Failed Attempts Neutrality and the Discipline of Information What does it mean to be neutral? Oxford English Dictionary definition: orig. Sc. Esp. of persons: not taking sides in a controversy, dispute, disagreement, etc.; not inclining toward any party, view, etc.; impartial, unbiased. Exciting no emotional response; provoking no strong reaction; innocuous, inoffensive. Neutrality definition: an intermediate state or condition, not clearly one thing or another; a neutral position, middle ground. Discipline …increases the forces of the body (in economic terms of utility) and diminishes these same forces (in political terms of obedience). In short, it dissociates power from the body; on the one hand, it turns it into an ‘aptitude’, a ‘capacity’ which it seeks to increase; on the other hand, it reverses the course of the energy, the power that might result from it, and turns it into a relation of strict subjection. Discipline and Punish, p. 138 Neutralizing Inconveniences The aim is to derive the maximum advantages and to neutralize the inconveniences (thefts, interruptions of work, disturbances and ‘cabals’), as the forces of production become more concentrated; to protect materials and tools and to master the labour force: ‘The order and inspection that must be maintained require that all workers be assembled under the same roof, so that the partner who is entrusted with the management of the manufactory may prevent and remedy abuses that may arise among the workers and arrest their progress at the outset’ Discipline and Punish, p. 142-143 So why neutrality? To not offend/impose viewpoints Pluralism/inclusivity Appeal to more people/reach the masses For the sake of peace, avoiding factions and divisions Why not neutrality? Wishy-washy; can’t take an ethical stance Can’t be as productive There may be a higher ethical principle to uphold ALA Code of Ethics VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions. VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources. IFLA Code of Ethics 5. Neutrality, personal integrity and professional skills Librarians and other information workers are strictly committed to neutrality and an unbiased stance regarding collection, access and service. Neutrality results in the most balanced collection and the most balanced access to information achievable. Is neutrality even possible? According to UNESCO, Libraries, and Wikipedia, yes. According to the Church, no. Peer Review is “neutral” on this issue (no opinion). Why is neutrality not possible? Language resists it, especially loaded/politicallycharged phrases or words, which are inherently biased and non-neutral. “White Privilege” Classification means making a decision/taking a position/excluding other possibilities. (Example of UNESCO.) Why is neutrality not possible? Personal Ethics versus Professional Ethics Can we reconcile differing moral standpoints? Why is neutrality not possible? Libraries resist neutrality Historically known to ingrain moral standards of “punctilious habits, and respectable values—punctuality, hard work, thrift, self-control.” Architecture and layout Policies A paradox: Representing all (neutrality) requires taking a moral high ground which means taking a particular position—which by definition is not neutral. If not neutrality, then what? Should we take a stand? Should libraries be involved in activism? Are we losing the benefits of productive discipline by the current paradigm shift to the library as a “neutral” and comfortable “third place?”