Our DVD Donation campaign: help put the DVD in a Library near you

[Marge_Innavera]

Just found out that the 2 DVDs i donated was turned into a rental by the Library.
I'm not sure how to feel about that, but its not mine anymore.
Apparently they are raising funds by turning new and popular DVDs into rentals and rent them out for $ 3.00 a week.

That's disappointing; but at least if they're telling the truth about "new and popular" DVDs, they haven't singled out this one. And maybe they'll "retire" BBM to the regular stacks eventually?

I've never heard of that as a library fundraiser, but $3 a week should still keep it accessible.

[DCLuke]

And now for the first ugly response I have received, this one from Oklahoma:

Absolutely not. Where we live, our local cowboys would rope them, drag them through the cactus, sagebrush and soapweeds and leave 'em for the coyotes.

[happycamper]

And now for the first ugly response I have received, this one from Oklahoma:

Absolutely not. Where we live, our local cowboys would rope them, drag them through the cactus, sagebrush and soapweeds and leave 'em for the coyotes.

Wow, you would think they had seen the movie, as this is pretty much what happened to Earl, I guess ideas don't change much in fifty years!
I was thinking that some of this library feedback would be great for the Brokeback book.

[pwday]

And now for the first ugly response I have received, this one from Oklahoma:

Absolutely not. Where we live, our local cowboys would rope them, drag them through the cactus, sagebrush and soapweeds and leave 'em for the coyotes.

just curious, DCHeretic, did you respond to this, and if so, how?   I can think of any number of responses I may have, and all of them begin with me counting to ten. 

[DCLuke]

I have not responded and thought it best to cool down a bit before sending a response.  If I do send a response, it will be dignifed so as not to reflect poorly on our group.  The e-mails that I send to libraries offering a DVD donation are politely worded and are certainly not pushy or aggressive.  It's a shame that the librarian who sent me that response had to be rude and homophobic.  I wonder if a response would only feed into her homophobia and possible desire for drama?

[Nialla]

Hm. New member here, and a librarian too. Just typed up a long message about some of the questions/concerns here, but the board wouldn't allow me to post (said I wasn't logged in, but I was) and promptly ditched my response.  But if someone has specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. If, that is, the board will let me post. 

[pwday]

I wonder if a response would only feed into her homophobia and possible desire for drama?

Good point.

I think that the folks in charge of this project are compiling a list of the libraries which have rejected our offer, and will be contacting them later.  I am sure they will put a lot of thought into their responses. 

(that's my guarded, cautious Ennis response)

[Wheatfields]

Absolutely not. Where we live, our local cowboys would rope them, drag them through the cactus, sagebrush and soapweeds and leave 'em for the coyotes.

DCHeretic-
That's interesting. The way I took the response, assuming that's the whole message, is that the librarian's not objecting to the donation herself/himself, but realizes what the reality of their "local cowboys". The library probably won't put the DVD into circulation, or the patrons will make a scene, or borrow the DVD and break it. It's not he/she who agrees with such hate crime. 
 
My impression of homophobia that I've encountered is much more veiled. They simply ignore your email so that you don't have any evidence against them. 

[DCLuke]

Wheatfields, that was the whole message.  I do think that the message reflects the librarian's own opinion and bias.  The message was terse without even the slightest sign of gratitude for an offer of a donation or even an expression of regret for the homophobia of her community.  I might also point out that in my e-mail to libraries, I do not make any mention of homosexuals or homosexuality.  I simply offer the DVD, request that it be placed in circulation, and request a bookplate recognizing the Ultimate Brokeback Forum.  The librarian in question responded in a manner that was decisive and intimidating---for all she knows, I could reside in her community. 

I just received a response from another librarian in Oklahoma declining the DVD:

Thank you for your kind offer. However, we are unable to accept a copy of this excellent production at this time.

This response is much more typical of those who decline the DVD. 

[CactusGal]

Well, DCHeretic -- that sure is disappointing.  I guess it just points out WHY we need this campaign so much.  I doubt that confronting this librarian would help with placement (all though I understand it might make you feel better).  Still, I think we are trying for a positive approach here -- perhaps we can try and get it placed in towns nearby. 

Hang in there -- we knew up front that it wouldn't always be easy -- in fact, I think overall the response has been more more positive than I would have thought.  Always remember that this is a noble cause we are pursuing and nothing can dissuade us from that. 

Jan
Team Leader, DVD Campaign

[Wheatfields]

DCHeretic- so she didn't even say "thank you"? i thought she has at least started with a hi and thanks before the main body of the msg but since not i totally get what you mean. i guess it's shocking to me b/c i've never encountered such blatant homo-hatred from libraries where someone actually flauts hate crimes and throws it in your face when she could've simply ignored you.

i agree that she means to hurt you, probably thinking you may be a homosexual, and i'm sorry that you are targeted when we're actually offering to donate stuff.   

Jan, i agree with pete (?) that some of the the library response should be mentioned in the daily sheet, both the good and bad.

[CactusGal]

Jan, i agree with pete (?) that some of the the library response should be mentioned in the daily sheet, both the good and bad.

Yes - we will definatley be posting some in The Daily Sheet.  jan

[peteinportland]

One has to really feel for the Jacks and the Ennis living in that town. And it underscores why our DVD campaign is so important. Rural homophobia is alive and well. DCH has been great so far in his cool headedness. Thanks to him for that.

Pete

[cabin]

I received the following comment from a library staff member located in a very conservative town near Dallas, TX.  I'm leaving their name and the library's name off to protect any identify.  This person and I traded a few emails on what angle to use with the decisionmaker to get it accepted.

We can't win every one over, however, let's celebrate the great efforts of library staff such as this one who fought for us because they also believed in BBM.

cabin

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Well, I [went] back and forth with my supervisor.  She played the devil's advocate.  But I finally won.  So bring it on! 
 
How sad that we had to even think twice about adding this to our collection.  One thing that helped was that we already owned Close Range.  And when we reviewed our collection policy we saw Like Water for Chocolate listed as an example of current classic literature.
 
Thanks in advance for donating this DVD to our library.  Again, best of luck with the project.
 

ps just curious, are other libraries struggling with whether to add or not?  are any flat saying NO WAY?  do see any demographical trends?

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[whiplash]

DHeretic -- You rock!  Thanks to you and all the others who are helping us with this cause. 

Yes, would love to get placement in NV --as well as the rest of the remaining states with no placement.  Here are a few states that we could use a volunteer to make calls or emails:

Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Wisconson

Just PM me if you can help.  Thanks. 

Jan

I will work on calling Iowa and Wisconsin today, Lydia