Academics at Cambridge University are being asked to flag books that may cause offence so librarians can compile a list of “problematic” texts.
A memo sent to colleges by the University Library sets out plans to draw up guidance on how to deal with offensive or harmful books.
The note, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, 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 message was passed on to academics at Pembroke College, who received an email on Tuesday that said: “The University Library is currently compiling examples of offensive/harmful books and has asked me to circulate [this]. The intention is to put together some guidance for supporting librarians obliged to work with such materials, as well as better support readers.”
The University Library has rejected claims from some academic staff that this is part of a “sinister” decolonising drive. A spokesman said: “[We] 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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It is understood that the library is working on a system that makes clear to readers why it is important it collects material some might deem offensive.
