Russian libraries under pressure from censors: security forces searched more than 40% of them for banned books.
Libraries are being searched for banned books: a survey of 490 institutions from 63 regions showed that 43,9% had already been checked by law enforcement.
Russian libraries operate under constant scrutiny from regulatory authorities in a climate of legal chaos. told During a roundtable discussion at the All-Russian Library Congress. Please note the publication in the journal "University Book" drew blog "Bookzhar".
What a survey of 490 institutions from 63 regions showed
Based on the survey results 490 institutions from 63 regions of the country it turned out:
43,9 % Libraries have already been inspected by law enforcement agencies for prohibited materials at least once. Nearly one in five libraries inspected received official warnings or orders.
47,3 % Libraries inspect their collections monthly, and another 24,5% do so quarterly. Almost 80% (79,8%) of libraries inspect their entire library collection without exception.
Employees complain of complete confusion in regulations under the threat of real sanctions. 30 % Respondents report a lack of information and a lack of clear departmental instructions, and say that legislators impose bans but do not provide search algorithms.
Banned books in libraries
Works became unavailable in libraries Michael Cunningham, John Boyne, Nora Sakavic, Haruki Murakami, Stephen Fry, Eduard Limonov, Mikita Franco and many others.
The library community is demanding clear algorithms and methodological assistance from relevant ministries, claiming that current practices have devolved into endless manual audits.
Photo: "University Book"
