This news is more for non-librarians (I'd expect most librarians to have heard about this already, especially those on IFLA's mailing list).
An Italian librarian has been accused under the Italian Criminal Code for distributing an obscene book to a minor. The book in question is entitled Scopami (F**k me) by Virginie Despentes (see IFLA's press release, 10 Jun 05).
No, the NLB libraries do not have the book in question. But here's Google's print reference (isn't the Internet wonderful?). The book has been described as "part Thelma and Louise, part Viking conquest."
Oh, the good news is that the librarian has been cleared on the obscenity charge. I bet that librarian's colleagues must have thrown a party for him or her after that.
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ahahah...serious ah....I think it's basically freedom of choice when it comes to borrowing from the library. In the first place, are there porn in libraries in other countries? As a form of art? for instance, I once stumbled upon a Penguin Classics called My secret Life by Anonymous. it was placed at the children's classics section. i dun think anyone knew that this book is the first ever published autobiography/victorian erotica...every one just tot that a classics are prim and proper. the coverpage is a classical pianting...very misleading.
ReplyDeleteHowever, i think they found out about it, or a kid eventually bought it because i couldn't find it anymore.
So basically if this book is in the lib, are there restrictions to borrowing such things? becos in the first place, will NLB scan every single book for pornography in the name of art and the classics? That book is very detailed, BTW.
thanks for this interesting discourse. :)
oh yes, i did not specify...i found the book in EPB in suntec which has dissappeared.
ReplyDeleteHi AKK,
ReplyDelete>>>
So basically if this book is in the lib, are there restrictions to borrowing such things?
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If it's on shelf and for loan, then anyone with a valid library card can borrow.
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becos in the first place, will NLB scan every single book for pornography in the name of art and the classics? That book is very detailed, BTW.
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Impossible to read every single page of every book that is acquired. Some things will slip through. Subsequently, either the librarian notices it or we get informed (or a complaint) by the public. We'll review to see if the book should be withdrawn, or given restricted circulation status.