Background: 

All libraries, and academic libraries in particular, hold dear the value of academic freedom, the ability to pursue one’s own research interests regardless of what those interests may be.  Of a Dubious Nature: Banned and Challenged Books is an exhibit of literary works that have been deemed offensive in the U.S. and abroad, some of which have the dubious distinction of appearing on the American Library Association’s current list.

Since 1982 the American Library Association has been “celebrating the freedom to read,” during its annual observance of Banned Books Week.  Books that are banned or challenged have been criticized for their titles, text or illustrations.  Some works have been withdrawn from library collections; others have been “bowdlerized,” or re-edited with new, less offensive text.

The Special Collections Department of GW’s Gelman Library maintains non-circulating collections.  The Gelman Library consists of more than two million books and bound periodicals, along with microforms, manuscripts, videos and other non-print materials.

For more information contact LaNina Clayton at (202) 994-7549.

For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org.

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