The European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) have published their 5th RISE Industry research paper: Bookshops, censorship and Freedom of Expression.
This Industry Insight reports on the impact that censorship and attempts to limit free speech through legislative action by local and national authorities, as well as through violence and intimidation by members of the public, has had on the lived experience of booksellers. It demonstrates how bookshops, in their role as open spaces giving access to books, have been affected by legislation and targeted by groups who wish to restrict access to certain kinds of books. “Moreover, as champions of reading, literacy and keen partisans of social justice movements, booksellers are not just being challenged economically when censorship is imposed, but also existentially, as their raison d’être is being put to the test.” The report uses the lived experience of booksellers to identify how external and internal pressures could lead them to not carry a certain book or not to voice opinions on social media.
RISE Industry Insights research papers investigate priority topics for the bookselling sector. They give insights into key issues, policy reforms and external initiatives that affect the sector. In addition, they provide network members with tools to engage with relevant political stakeholders, culture sector professionals and private sector representatives to ensure that their priorities are adequately upheld and supported.
This Industry Insight paper was produced by Tora Åsling, Policy Officer at the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF). EIBF is the organisation behind the RISE Bookselling programme.
