Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Publication
Law Library Journal
Volume
117
Abbreviation
Law Libr. J.
First Page
191
Abstract
Libraries, archives, and museums are cultural memory organizations responsible for preserving and conveying a culture’s story. While they have broad editorial discretion in collection management, they also bear significant responsibility, relying on professionals with the expertise to make complex decisions. Practical constraints—such as space, finances, and biases—necessitate content-based limitations and collection policies. This article examines collection management through legal concepts like pure speech, expressive conduct, and state actor status under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, distinguishing viewpoint discrimination from content-based discrimination. It also explores ethical decisionmaking through the lenses of justice, virtue, and the common good.