Books, libraries, and archives have long served as battlefields over free expression and the politics of knowledge. Current struggles over what students and citizens should be allowed (or asked) to read are only the latest chapter of this history. What is the place of libraries in these struggles, and should the library serve as a model for the ideal of free speech on campus? In this inaugural event in a new series entitled "Conversations on Academic Freedom and Expression (CAFÉ)," Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian at Oxford University and author of Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge, will speak about the history of the war on books. His talk will be followed by a discussion with Malick Ghachem, Professor of History at MIT, about the relevance of the research library to contemporary debates over academic freedom and free expression.

The Nexus is situated on the first floor of the Hayden Library, MIT's Building 14, located at 160 Memorial Drive. The room is on the river side of the library reading room, behind the Courtyard Cafe and across the room from the library service desk. If you have trouble finding it please ask at the service desk.

Accessibility: Our events are enriched by your presence and we are committed to making them accessible. Listen Everywhere assistive devices are available in The Nexus, but please email ce-lib@mit.edu to request any other accommodations.

CAFE is a collaboration between the MIT Libraries and History at MIT; this event co-sponsored by History at MIT, MIT Open Learning, and the MIT Libraries.  This event is free and open to all, but registration is required.