Are traditional cultural expressions in opposition to library values of collection, preservation, and access?
Libraries play a primary role in preserving and providing access to the world’s cultural heritage. Librarians share a philosophy and a set of values that guides the profession. Library values are based on the ideas of intellectual freedom, freedom of speech, access to knowledge, preservation of knowledge and cultural heritage, and advancement of research, scholarship, education, and culture. However, concerns may arise when cultural works are made accessible to the public, either by members of indigenous and traditional communities or by governmental, non-profit or commercial entities. Some fear that opening TCEs to the world creates the risk that the work may be misused or misappropriated, threatening cultural identity by dishonoring the original meaning and value of the cultural work. The creative expressions of native or indigenous peoples are deeply connected to a community’s spiritual beliefs, cultural identity, world view, and customary law. They are considered by native peoples
