University of Cambridge library asks lecturers to flag ‘problematic’ books that might be ‘offensive or harmful’
- The library is reportedly asking lecturers to flag books which may be offensive
- University says they do not remove content unless the content is illegal in the UK
- Do you know of a book flagged by the library? Email [email protected]
The University of Cambridge library is reportedly asking lecturers to flag any books which may be deemed as ‘problematic’ or offensive but the move has been criticised as ‘sinister’.
One of the colleges, Pembroke, reportedly told staff the university is putting together examples of such books with officials set to draw up guidance for librarians and readers on how to deal with them.
One book is understood to be by an ethnic minority author.
The move has triggered backlash as some fear it sets a dangerous precedent and say the university should promote free debate.
It also comes despite former Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University Dr Anthony Freeling – who was in the role for nine months until July 2023 – saying last year that he would not continue plans to ‘decolonise’ the curriculum.
In a memo sent to college librarians, seen by the Telegraph, the University Library said: ‘We would like to hear from colleagues across Cambridge about any books you have had flagged to you as problematic (for any reason, not just in connection with decolonisation issues), so that we can compile a list of examples on the Cambridge Librarians intranet and think the problem through in more detail on the basis of that list.’
The University would like to hear from colleagues across Cambridge about any books flagged as problematic, a memo states (stock image)
Dr James Orr, a lecturer in divinity at Cambridge, however has said ‘research libraries should not be joining the culture wars’.
He added: ‘Creating an index of books that are problematic for one side of an issue – one about which both academics and the public profoundly disagree – would be a sinister development. It would undermine the University Library’s justified reputation as one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world.’
The university said the memo related to work on how the library service makes clear to readers why it is important it collects material that some might deem offensive.
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Last year Dr Anthony Freeling said he did not even know what decolonisation meant.
He told a student newspaper that the word ‘has been misused to such an extent that I don’t think, if I’m honest, I can give an accurate definition’.
He also said that he could not imagine discussions about decolonisation making sense at governance level as the university was managed from the bottom up.
Professor Stephen Toope, who resigned as vice-chancellor in September 2022, previously said decolonising the curriculum to make it more inclusive held ‘a lot of value’.
A Cambridge University Library spokesman told MailOnline: ‘Cambridge University Libraries do not censor, blacklist or remove content unless the content is illegal under UK law.
‘We engage in dialogue with colleagues to help us continue to have open and honest discussions with readers about what we collect and why.’
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