From SEDIC (Spanish Society for Scientific Information and Documentation), we express our deep concern regarding the situation our colleagues are currently facing under the new administration in the United States, as they confront mass layoffs, censorship in libraries, and restrictions on freedom of expression and academic freedom.
Earlier this year, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) carried out mass layoffs of staff in their probationary period, leading to uncertainty and fear among the affected professionals. Although some employees have been reinstated, concerns persist about future staff reductions and the political pressure being exerted on the National Archives. We fully support the Society of American Archivists, which in turn has stood by the affected workers and is actively working to provide assistance during this difficult time.
The American Library Association (ALA) has documented a troubling increase in attempts to censor books in public and school libraries. In 2023, a total of 4,240 books were challenged due to their content—an increase of 65% compared to the previous year. These censorship attempts have been driven by organized groups seeking to restrict access to works addressing topics such as gender identity, sexual diversity, and the experiences of marginalized communities.
Censorship is also manifesting in museums, particularly in relation to artworks that reference cultural diversity. A survey conducted by PEN America revealed that 45% of museum directors have faced pressure to remove works deemed “offensive or controversial,” while 90% of institutions lack clear policies to address these challenges.
Researchers at U.S. universities are facing restrictions on access to archival and bibliographic materials, as well as on research funding related to topics such as diversity, equity, or inclusion. These constraints are limiting their ability to conduct thorough research. Such restrictions, coupled with political pressure on academic institutions, have created an atmosphere of self-censorship and fear among scholars.
It is important to ensure job stability within archival and library institutions, to protect the freedom of access to information, and to foster an academic environment free from censorship. We also urge the international community to express solidarity with affected professionals and to advocate for the defense of fundamental rights in the information field.
It is imperative that we work together to protect the integrity of our institutions and the right of all individuals to access information without undue restrictions.
