The Problem of Holocaust Denial Literature in Libraries

A~STRACT LIBRARIANS HAVE TAKEN ESSENTIALLY three philosophical positions concerning the problem of including Holocaust denial literature in library collections: (1) that such materials must be included to uphold the precepts of intellectual freedom, (2) that they should be excluded because they are false, and (3) that they should be included but labeled as inaccurate. Librarians in different types of libraries face different issues when deciding whether to collect denial materials. The nature of evidence is such that it is difficult for librarians to judge objectively the accuracy of all materials, and they should not undertake the role of arbiters of truth. Librarians’ responses should be to responsibly and intelligently build collections that provide access to the views of the deniers and to those who refute them.