Libraries in the Netherlands are very concerned about the restriction of free access to information in the United States.
For some time now, libraries have been asked to remove unwelcome books from their collections. In addition, the US government distributes lists of words that may no longer be used in its publications. The Trump administration, for political reasons, cut funding for various scientific research fields. And as a new low came last week the dismissal of Carla Hayden, the director of the Library of Congress – the national library of the United States.
Measures such as these are intended to restrict the freedom of information flows, and to limit the independent role of information providers. This goes completely against the essential role that libraries play in the free development of citizens in a democratic country. The Netherlands can count itself fortunate to have a free information society. We express our support for our colleagues in the United States during these difficult times.
Source: . This article was originally published by KNVI, SHB en UKB and is shared here with the support of the Erasmus University Library.
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