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If that's the case, then please feel free to inform me of what policy positions they take on lightning rod issues that isn't related to their stated goal of providing open access to the public?


Drag queen story hours come to mind.


Drag queen story hour wasn't a policy created by the ALA it was a popular program at some libraries.

The ALA did create a collection of resources for Libraries that wanted to host them, but even they are clear that that is a decision made at the local level [0]. You said you were very familiar with the ALA, because you "work in a related field". It might be helpful to actually read their standards and guidelines [1]. Just in case we're talking past each other, this might also be helpful [2]

[0]: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/libraries-respond-drag-queen-st...

[1]: https://www.ala.org/tools/guidelines

[2]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/policy


Of course drag queen story hour isn't a policy — it's an event. And just because the ALA didn't invent it doesn't mean they haven't expressed support for it.

Look, you asked what positions they've taken that aren't related to open access to the public and I answered. Now you're moving the goalposts. That's a game you can play by yourself; I am done playing along.


> Of course drag queen story hour isn't a policy

> Look, you asked what positions they've taken that aren't related to open access to the public and I answered.

These statements contradict.

> And just because the ALA didn't invent it doesn't mean they haven't expressed support for it.

They seemed to support it in the sense they felt they should say something after libraries and librarians were targets of protests and threats. And they seemed to see a connection between calls to ban drag queen story hour and calls to ban LGBT information and resources. I think this is correct.


No, those statements you cited don't contradict. The GP is correct that ALA has gone through mission creep, which you seem to be denying.




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