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Intellectual Freedom Handbook

Updated 4/7/04

Contents

Preface

This is the first online edition of the Colorado Association of Libraries' Intellectual Freedom Handbook and the first published version since 1987. It is designed to serve libraries and librarians in a variety of settings.

The CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee extends its gratitude to the New Hampshire Library Association and to the Texas Library Association for their willingness to share portions of their respective IF manuals with CAL in preparing this handbook.

Introduction

Libraries have an important role to play in the maintenance of a civil society-a democratic society. A democratic society succeeds best when people are informed about the issues of the day and are able to explore ideas, even controversial ones. It is a library's responsibility to provide a balanced collection, in-depth to the extent possible, and to participate in resource sharing activities to help the library users get the information they want.

People have their own ideas about what is appropriate for people to find in a library-whether in print or electronically. People have a right to share their grievances with library staff and the library must be prepared through policies and procedures to address the public's concerns and uphold the right to information.

Finally, there is a concern about national security and the role of libraries. This requires libraries to carefully maintain a balance between complying with laws about national and local security and protecting the privacy of those who use our libraries.

This handbook is designed to help libraries chart a course in today's troubled waters, pitting public concerns about access to information with the public's right to information. Use it to help you help your community participate in all the privileges of a democratic society.

Nancy Bolt, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries

Intellectual Freedom Statement

The Colorado Association of Libraries holds that the freedom to read is a corollary of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. Freedom of choice in selecting materials is a necessary safeguard to the freedom to read, and shall be protected against extra-legal, irresponsible attempts by self-appointed censors to abridge it. The Association believes that citizens shall have the right of free inquiry and the equally important right of forming their own opinions, and that it is of the utmost importance to the continued existence of democracy that freedom of the press in all forms of public communication be defended and preserved. The Colorado Association of Libraries subscribes in full to the principles set forth in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association, Freedom to Read Statement, and interpretative statements adopted thereto.

Charge of the CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee

  • To serve as an educational support on First Amendment issues.
  • In conjunction with the CAL Legislative Committee, to support efforts which oppose passage of legislation and ballot initiatives that attempt to undermine First Amendment rights.
  • To be responsible for maintaining and revising the Colorado Intellectual Freedom Handbook and distributing it to CAL members, electronically and where appropriate in hard copy.
  • To be responsible for making recommendations to the Board for expenditure of the Julie Boucher Memorial funds.

Seeking Assistance from the CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee

The Colorado Association of Libraries cannot provide legal counsel or direct funding to handle requests for reconsideration of materials but will, through its Intellectual Freedom Committee, offer the skills, experience and energy of its membership to defend established intellectual freedom principles. The Colorado Association of Libraries is currently headquartered at 12081 W. Alameda Pkwy. #427, Lakewood, CO 80228 and may be reached by calling 303-463-6400.

To help it respond on behalf of libraries and librarians in Colorado who have received requests for reconsideration of items in their collections, the CAL Intellectual Freedom needs to be aware of such incidents. Any library employee, Friend or trustee who knows of a problem is encouraged to contact the chair of the CAL/IFC. The CAL/IFC chair will advise you how to cope with the reported situation. The chair may, if appropriate, refer you to a CAL/IFC member with special experience or training by type of library (i.e., school, public, academic, special). Every effort will be made to respond to reported incidents with guidance that is timely, practical and effective. CAL/IFC will never usurp the local librarian's prerogative to resolve their own problem as the local context deems suitable or necessary. As may be deemed necessary, CAL/IFC will report serious incidents to the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association.

Intellectual Freedom Grants & Awards

Julie Boucher Memorial Fund

Julie J. Boucher, Associate Director of the Library Research Service at the Colorado State Library, died in a mountain-climbing accident on October 12, 1996. She was with her husband, Clive F. Baillie, a University of Colorado computer science researcher. Experienced and cautious mountaineers, they were climbing Mount Toll near Brainerd Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area when they fell about 300 feet. Both were killed.

During Julie's five-year tenure with the State Library and the Colorado Department of Education, she was responsible for annual surveys and statistical publications for public and academic libraries. A passionate and outspoken opponent of censorship, she also served on the Colorado Library Association Board and chaired its Intellectual Freedom Committee.

The Colorado Library Association and its Intellectual Freedom Committee renamed their annual Intellectual Freedom Award the Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award for Intellectual Freedom and establishing the Julie J. Boucher Memorial Fund for Intellectual Freedom. . In 2003, the “Julie” award was expanded to include two categories: library and community. The following year, a more distinct line was drawn between the two awards by renaming the community award. The awards are as follows:

  • The Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award will be awarded annually to an individual or organization in the library community who actively promotes intellectual freedom in Colorado.
  • The Julie J. Boucher Community Honor Roll will also awarded annually and will recognize an individual or group in Colorado not directly affiliated with libraries [i.e., not an employee or volunteer in a library] that promotes intellectual freedom.

Each year the CAL/IFC seeks nominees for the Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award for Intellectual Freedom. Nominations may be made in writing to the CAL/IFC. The award is presented at the annual conference of the Colorado Association of Libraries. Past recipients include:

2004 - Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award: Weld Library District Board of Trustees
2004 - Community Honor Roll: Diane Carman
2003 - Library Category: Sydne Caler, Pikes Peak Library District
2003 - Community Category: Longmont Citizens for Justice and Democracy
2002 - Joyce Meskis
2001 - Henrietta Hay
2000 - James LaRue
1999 - Denver Public Library Commission
1998 - Library Director, Board of Trustees, & Staff of the Montrose Library District

Criteria for selection

Anyone who is actively promoting intellectual freedom in Colorado is eligible for the Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award for Intellectual Freedom.

Intellectual freedom is defined by the American Library Association as "the freedom to express one's beliefs or ideas through any mode of communication and the right of unrestricted access to all information and ideas regardless of the medium of communication used." The ALA Library Bill of Rights offers expanded explanations of practices which are supported by the American Library Association to promote intellectual freedom.

Nominees for the award will be judged (1) on the role they have played in actively promoting intellectual freedom in their sphere of influence and beyond; (2) on the degree to which they exemplify the spirit of intellectual freedom; and (3) on the impact that their efforts to promote intellectual freedom have made.

Examples of evidence which may be used to demonstrate these elements are:

  1. Written and approved policies and procedures relating to intellectual freedom.
  2. A description of programming activities and other methods of encouraging intellectual freedom on a continuing basis in the locale where the nominee lives.
  3. Documented reports of the role which the nominee has played in promoting intellectual freedom.
  4. Any other relevant information which further elucidates the nominee's role in the promotion of intellectual freedom.

Nominations for the award may be made by anyone in Colorado. Individuals and groups are encouraged to nominate themselves for the award. Nominations are to be submitted in writing each year to the CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Members of the CAL/IFC will evaluate the applications based on the stated criteria. An award recipient will be selected when the committee believes an award is justified. The award will be presented at the Annual Conference of the Colorado Association of Libraries.

Confidentiality of Library Records

The confidentiality of library patrons in Colorado is protected under the "Library Law" portion of the Colorado Revised Statutes, Privacy of User Records section, 24-90-119, which reads as:

  1. Except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, a publicly-supported library shall not disclose any record or other information that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials or service or as otherwise having used the library.
  2. Records may be disclosed in the following instances:
    1. When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;
    2. Upon written consent of the user;
    3. Pursuant to subpoena, upon court order, or where otherwise required by law.
    4. To a custodial parent or legal guardian who has access to a minor's library card or its authorization number for the purpose of accessing by electronic means library records of the minor.
  3. Any library official, employee, or volunteer who discloses information in violation of this section commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.

Intellectual Freedom Checklist

Have:

  1. Written mission statement defining the kinds of service the library will offer to the community.
  2. Written policies including material selection, programs, exhibits, and other services, formally adopted by the governing body and periodically revised.
  3. Written procedures which include how to handle concerns and requests for reconsideration of materials or services.

Do:

  1. Regular training of staff, volunteers, and trustees about the library's policies and the principles of intellectual freedom.
  2. Regular training of staff and volunteers in public service techniques, including how to handle complaints or expressions of concern.
  3. Public relations program aimed at individuals and community groups to inform them of the materials and services provided by the library and how the community benefits from the library's practice of intellectual freedom.

Know:

  1. Local, state, and national organizations which are advocates of intellectual freedom and which have resources to assist libraries.
  2. Influential individuals in the community who may have significant impact on the library.

Keep in Touch:

  1. Read the newspapers, popular magazines, and professional journals, attend conferences and watch the news... Know about local and global intellectual freedom issues.
  2. Be familiar with local, state, and federal legislation as well as Colorado Association of Libraries and American Library Association policy regarding intellectual freedom. This will inform your policy and procedure writing, and offer support in the case of a request for reconsideration.

Share and Announce:

  1. Don't wait until you have to defend the Library Bill of Rights... PROMOTE IT! Don't wait for a request for reconsideration or Banned Books Week to broadcast the library's philosophy about intellectual freedom. Every day is a good day to promote free access to ideas and information for all people, regardless of age, origin, background or views. Librarians know how powerful and effective intellectual freedom is; now we need to educate our communities.
  2. Get your governing body involved as well. As the political body representing the library, it is the ideal advocate for the library and for intellectual freedom.
  3. Initiate and maintain good relationships with civic, religious, educational, and political bodies in your community. These groups may be able to assist with outreach and be there with support in the case of a request for reconsideration. Intellectual freedom is everyone's issue.

Library Mission Statement

What is it?

A mission statement is a broad, philosophical statement of the purpose of the library, specifying the fundamental reasons for its existence.

Why have one?

The mission statement gives direction to the library by establishing the scope of the library's activities, providing overall direction, and giving a framework and justification for the library's goals and objectives. the mission statement should include the library's support of intellectual freedom.

How do I write it?

  1. Do your homework ... Read the sample mission statement at the back of this section, contact the State Library consultants, consult the State Library's homepage, or ask other librarians if they would share their mission statements.
  2. Be creative...Brainstorm some key words and phrases that concisely define the fundamental purpose(s) of your library. Keep in mind who the library serves, what the library provides, and how and why the library provides it.
  3. Keep it short ... Remember, the mission statement does not list the library's specific policies or procedures, but states the philosophy on which those things will be based. Make your mission statement concise, simple, and direct.

Now what do I do with it?

  1. The completed mission statement should be discussed, understood and adopted by the governing body of the library. The mission statement will direct all library proceedings and must have the backing of the governing body.
  2. Insure that all staff are aware of and understand the mission statement as a part of training.
  3. The mission statement should be a unifying force behind everything the library does from greeting patrons to programming.
  4. Use the mission statement as a guide in daily decision-making.

Is that it?

No. As the library grows and changes, the mission statement may need to change as well. The governing body should review the mission statement regularly to evaluate its continuing relevancy. Whenever membership on the governing body changes, the mission statement should be reexamined and readopted, and all staff members should be notified.

Library Policies

Well-developed, formally adopted, written policies are essential to effective library operations. Policies are broadly written statements that set the parameters for service, not the details about how services are provided.

Some important things to keep in mind:

  1. As with the mission statement, all library policies should reflect a commitment to intellectual freedom.
  2. All policies should be aligned with the library's mission statement.
  3. When any policy is written, it should be discussed, understood, and approved by the governing body of the library. It is essential that this body supports the policies of the library. When the membership of the governing body changes, the policies should be reexamined and readopted, and all staff should be notified.
  4. Ensure that all staff are aware of and understand the library's policies as a part of training.
  5. Review the policies regularly, evaluating whether each still meets the needs and serves the goals of the library.

Materials Selection Policy

The library must have a material selection policy, and it must be in writing. The material selection policy should apply to all library materials, from books to videos to electronic sources, including CD-ROMs and the Internet, whatever media the library uses to deliver information. It should reflect the library's philosophy of service to the community.

If a library is faced with a formal request for reconsideration, the written material selection policy will give the governing body a local statement on which to rely in its response to the request. Obviously, book reviews and other outside sources are helpful in defending the material, but a formally adopted material selection policy provides an excellent defense because it was created with input from local residents, i.e. the governing body.

The governing body of the library must adopt the material selection policy in a formal meeting that is posted to allow the public to attend and comment.

The library's material selection policy must include a standard written form for the patron to complete, usually called "Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials."

See the sample policy in the Examples section at the back of this book, or ask other librarians if they would share their policies as examples.

The library staff and governing body must be aware of the contents of the material selection policy. If there is a request for reconsideration of library materials, all must speak with one voice. A basic understanding of the library's selection policy will help ensure this unity.

All staff members involved in selecting materials should understand the policy and follow its guidelines when making collection development decisions, so there will be less chance of "internal censorship" on the part of the library staff.

Elements of a Materials Selection Policy

  1. Goals of the library (mission statement, philosophy of access to materials)
  2. Purpose of the Material Selection Policy
  3. Community profile
    1. Library's service area, including projected growth
    2. Types of people in the community
    3. Educational background of the community
    4. Special factors which might influence the selection of materials
  4. Intellectual freedom statements
    1. Library Bill of Rights
    2. Free Access to Libraries
    3. Statement on Labeling
    4. Freedom to Read Statement
    5. First Amendment to the Constitution
  5. Library's role in cooperation, e.g., coordinated buying agreements, interlibrary loan
  6. Organization of the selection process
    1. Qualifications of selectors
    2. Authority for selection decisions (ultimate and delegated)
    3. Legal responsibility for selection
  7. Some possible selection criteria
    1. Present and potential relevance to community needs
    2. Relevance of subject, format, and reading level for the intended audience
    3. Importance as a document of the times
    4. Literary and artistic merit
    5. Accuracy of content
    6. Appropriateness and effectiveness of medium to content
    7. Format is appropriate to library use and is not easily damaged
    8. Reputation and/or significance of author, publisher or producer
    9. Author or producer is already represented in the collection
    10. Author or illustrator is local
    11. Positive reviews by critics, staff members and/or professional journals
    12. Coverage in local or popular media
    13. Popularity with library patrons
    14. Continuation of a series
    15. Balances existing materials in the collection
    16. Enhances a specific collection in the library
    17. Insufficient materials available on the subject
    18. Not available from other lending sources
    19. Within limits of budget for materials
    20. Winners of recognized awards
  8. Formats (types of materials to be included in the collection)
    1. Print: Books, newspapers, periodicals, paperbacks, vertical file, government documents, maps
    2. Non-Print: films/filmstrips, videocassettes, records, cassettes, compact disks, microforms, art prints, educational games and toys, realia
    3. Electronic: CD-ROM programs and databases, computer software, on-line services, Internet, other wide area networks
  9. Special collections
    1. Local history
    2. Genealogy
    3. Large print
    4. Foreign language
  10. Limits of the collection (areas in which the library will not be purchasing)
    1. Monetary limitations
    2. Formats
    3. Abridgments
    4. Space limitations
  11. Gift and memorial policy
    1. Materials
    2. Personal property and money
  12. Preservation policy, including binding, microfilming, restoration, housing, and storage
  13. Replacement and duplicates policies
  14. Withdrawing and discarding policies
  15. Requests for reconsideration of materials
    1. Procedure for handling requests
    2. Reconsideration of materials form
  16. Reevaluation of the materials selection policy
    1. How often
    2. By whom
  17. Approval by governing body

General Elements of a Policy

Some libraries have a specific Intellectual Freedom Policy; others have intellectual freedom issues addressed within other policies. Whichever way you go, your policies should include the following elements:

Access

The library should reaffirm the mission statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement. Together, these documents attest that the library's materials and services will not be denied based on any factor that could be prejudicial.

Confidentiality

The library should make a commitment to strict confidentiality of information for all patrons and staff members in all library operations including registration information, circulation records, overdue notices, and notification of reserved materials.

Facility Use

The library should clearly designate who is responsible for the use of meeting space, display space, and bulletin boards. The principles of intellectual freedom should be affirmed in all cases, whether it is the library or some outside entity making use of any of these facilities.

Rights of Children

The library should affirm the rights of children to enjoy all the benefits of intellectual freedom that adults enjoy, including freedom of access to information and confidentiality.

Special Note: The Internet

While the principles of intellectual freedom should not change in regard to information in any format, a special mention may be necessary if the library offers Internet access. Library policy should include a disclaimer that the library is not responsible for material found on the Internet or World Wide Web, the policy on the use of the Internet by minors, and possibly a statement defining "acceptable use." Governing all this should be the principle that the library does not exist to limit access to information. Policies should affirm the ways in which the Internet is meant to augment the information available at the library.

In Preparing Policies

Written procedures that detail how policies will be carried out contribute to the efficiency of library operations. Procedures create consistency of library service, as well as protect and support library staff and volunteers. Procedures should be written for registration, programming, complaints or requests for reconsideration of library materials, and any other services in the library that involve access issues.

Keep in mind:

  1. Each staff member and volunteer should be trained on library procedures and be prepared to handle situations in accordance with the library's mission statement and policies.
  2. Don't forget to adjust the procedures as necessary when changes occur and to inform all staff members and volunteers of any changes.

Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Programs

Remember - every citizen of your community has a right to request that you reconsider a decision you make regarding selection of or placement of a book or other item in the collection (librarians are not infallible). They do NOT, however, have the right to remove an item from that collection. That decision rests with your governing body and in accordance with your library's written policy and procedures.

General Guidelines for Policies on Requests for Reconsideration

  1. Create a standing committee of library staff, administrators, and, if appropriate for your situation, members of the community (patrons, faculty, staff) for the purpose of responding to all requests for reconsideration.
  2. If there is no public relations office, designate a staff member to be the point person for all publicity relating to requests for reconsideration.
  3. All formal requests for reconsideration must be made using a "Request for Reconsideration" form (see sample here). Requests made verbally and not submitted on a form will not get a response from the administration. Letters requesting reconsideration of an item should be answered with a request to fill out the official form to ensure that all pertinent information is collected.
  4. Record and preserve all information related to the request, including staff recollections of conversations and materials submitted by the patron, for review by the standing committee and the library's governing body.
  5. Convene the standing committee within a stated time period of receiving the request (i.e., 3 days - 2 weeks.) and discuss the request.
  6. Inform the patron of the committee's decision by letter within a stated time period of reaching a decision (i.e., 1-2 days) and indicate the ability to appeal the decision if desired.
  7. Requests for appeals must be written and will be directed to the library's governing body, along with all documentation of the process, to be addressed at their next meeting (open or closed?- depends on each library).
  8. The library's governing body will review all pertinent materials and make a final decision about the request to be announced (immediately if decided in a public meeting, within 2-3 days of closed meetings).

Internal Response to a Request for Reconsideration

  1. Do not discuss the request with anyone outside the staff, including the press. Be silent rather than risk being insulting.
  2. A personal checklist:
    1. Am I overreacting?
    2. Is the patron open to other suggestions?
    3. Is my answer too inflexible?
    4. Is my answer too simplistic?
    5. Am I getting defensive?
    6. Is my body language consistent with my oral response?
    7. Have I respected the patron's value system?
    8. Are my personal values being challenged?
    9. Is my professional judgment being challenged?
    10. Have I identified the real issues?
    11. Is there a hidden agenda?
    12. Is the concern of the patron for his/her child only?
    13. Is this part of an organized effort?
  3. Discuss your library's selection policy as it relates to the service philosophy of your library. Sometimes, the person may simply want to express his/her views and will be satisfied with this discussion. If you are unable to resolve the situation, refer the request to your administrator.
  4. If a patron wants to pursue the issue further, he/she should have the ability to appeal to the library's governing body. Outline the appeals procedure and supply a Reconsideration of Library Materials form. Explain that the request for reconsideration must be clear and detailed on the form because this is a serious matter which will require special attention and work on the part of the staff and others.
  5. Explain to the patron the procedure taken with Reconsideration of Library Materials forms: who will make the decisions on the matter and approximately when.
  6. The administrator should contact the governing body immediately. Do not let them be surprised when they get a Reconsideration of Library Materials form.
  7. Attempt to gather written reviews of the materials in dispute. Forward those reviews and any other documentation to the governing body.
  8. Prepare a written record of the request. Keep accurate, factual records of all subsequent written and oral communications. Note who, what, where, when, and why.
  9. Do not remove the disputed materials unless the appeals process is complete and a decision to do so has been made.
  10. Expect requests for reconsideration. It comes with the territory. Don't let any staff member be caught off-guard.

External Response to a Request for Reconsideration

When requests are made to reconsider materials, services, or programs in your library, the local newspaper, radio station, or television station may hear about the situation. If approached by the media, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and try to put off any interviews until you have consulted your governing body and created a strategy for releasing information.

Decide who will talk to the media. Call a press conference at the library and have a short press release ready to read, to hand out to those who attend, and to send to those who don't. Be concise. Present the facts: the name of the item or program, the nature of the request, and the steps the library will take to deal with it. If you know that a group has instigated the request, say so; do not identify an individual who has made a request.

Stay calm. Try not to mention words you don't want to see repeated in the news or used against you by the requester, such as "censorship", "book banning", "pornography", "heresy", "inappropriate for children", "family values", or "bad language". Do not repeat negative trigger words used by the media. Emphasize the fact that it is the library's responsibility to provide the broadest possible variety of materials and services for the widest spectrum of community members.

Be clear about how the request is being handled- refer to the pertinent library policies and stress the role of the governing body in guaranteeing freedom of access to information for all citizens. Present a time- frame for acting on the request. Answer questions as briefly as possible, stay positive, and smile. Assure the media that you will keep them apprised of developments and of the governing body's final decision. If necessary, schedule a follow-up press conference at this time.

Be sure the governing body, staff, and volunteers know exactly what the situation is at every step, but refer all questions from outside the library to the same person who has been authorized to speak to the media. This will ensure consistency and accuracy in your responses. If supportive citizens offer to write letters to the editor on the library's behalf, give them a copy of the press release to ensure that they have the details straight.

Having already established a good working relationship with local civic and social organizations, you are in the perfect position to ask for their support. Take this opportunity to offer these groups a program on the library's services. Questions about the request will undoubtedly arise; don't dwell on the topic, but don't evade it, either.

If the person assigned to talk to the media is available for these presentations, good. If not, just be sure that the same information is offered to each organization and that the speaker is prepared to answer pointed inquiries. Ask for supportive letters to the editor and attendance at public hearings.

Concluding the Request for Reconsideration Process

When the request has been considered and a decision has been made by the appropriate governing body as indicated by your library's policy, be sure to thank all those who helped:

  • the staff, who were under pressure and public scrutiny;
  • members of the governing body, who held the public hearing and made the final decision about the program or material;
  • the Friends, who supported the library out in the community;
  • spokes-people, who dealt with the media;
  • supportive media representatives, who gave you the opportunity to represent the library's point of view;
  • other librarians, who shared their experiences or tendered moral support;
  • local and non-local residents who expressed support privately or publicly;
  • community groups, which spoke out on behalf of the library;
  • professional organizations, which provided aid and support;
  • family and friends, who supported you throughout the process.

Send letters of appreciation to everyone. If your supporters are willing to be recognized, publicly acknowledge them at a meeting of the governing body or in a news release.

Importance of Maintaining Records

All along you have been keeping records. Now is the time to clean up that file, evaluate what you have, and add any additional paperwork you think might be relevant.

Your file should include such items as:

  • Reconsideration of Library Materials form and any other supporting documentation from the requester.
  • Written reviews of materials in question gathered from professional journals and/or other, popular sources. If this is a program, information regarding the credentials of the program presenter, photographic record of a display, reviews of shows, etc.
  • Your written record of the request. It is easiest to keep this in diary form, with the facts only. All oral and written communication regarding the request should be noted. In the diary, you may want to note what you said to the media, and how it was interpreted.
  • Any articles, editorials, or copies of media coverage including tapes of television or radio coverage on the incident.
  • Your report to the Colorado Association of Libraries Intellectual Freedom Committee.
  • Minutes of meetings of the governing body when the incident was discussed.
  • All correspondence pertaining to the incident, including response of the governing body to the request.
  • Written evaluation of the process.

Keep this file confidential, and keep it as part of your permanent records. It may be useful down the line if you have to face another incident. It will help jog your memory of who your allies were, how the media portrayed the situation, etc.

Intellectual Freedom Documents

The following materials are available through the American Library Association and the web sites of other organizations dedicated to the principle of Intellectual Freedom:

Library Bill of Rights
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/
librarybillrights.htm

Spanish Language Version of the Library Bill of Rights - Declaración de los Derechos de las Bibliotecas
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/
spanishversion/spanishversion.htm

Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/
interpretations/Default675.htm

  • Access for Children and Young People to Videotapes and Other Nonprint Formats
  • Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks
  • Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Gender or Sexual Orientation
  • Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program
  • Challenged Materials
  • Diversity in Collection Development
  • Economic Barriers to Information Access
  • Evaluating Library Collections
  • Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards
  • Expurgation of Library Materials
  • Free Access to Libraries for Minors
  • Library Initiated Programs as a Resource
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Restricted Access to Library Materials
  • Statement on Labeling
  • The Universal Right to Free Expression

Freedom to Read Statement
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/
freedomreadstatement.htm

Other Sources of Intellectual Freedom Assistance
- with description and information from their respective web sites -

American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-545-2433, ext. 4223
http://www.ala.org/oif

"The Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries."

Freedom to Read Foundation
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-545-2433 ext. 4224
http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/othergroups/ftrf/
freedomreadfoundation.htm

"The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees all individuals the right to express their ideas without governmental interference, and to read and listen to the ideas of others. The Freedom to Read Foundation was established to promote and defend this right; to foster libraries and institutions wherein every individual's First Amendment freedoms are fulfilled; and to support the right of libraries to include in their collections and make available any work which they may legally acquire."

Colorado Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
400 Corona Street
Denver, CO 80218
303-777-5482
http://www.aclu-co.org

"The American Civil Liberties Union is the nation's foremost advocate of individual rights -- litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. The ACLU of Colorado has over 4,000 members. ACLU membership automatically makes you a part of the national ACLU, as well as the Colorado affiliate and local chapters, which currently exist in Boulder, Ft. Collins, Colorado University at Boulder College of Law and University of Denver College of Law."

People for the American Way
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
800-326-7329
http://www.pfaw.org

"People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation work to protect the heart of democracy and the soul of the nation. In Congress and state capitals, in classrooms and in libraries, in courthouses and houses of worship, on the airwaves and on the printed page, on sidewalks and in cyberspace, we work to promote full citizen participation in our democracy and safeguard the principles of our Constitution from those who threaten the American dream."

Examples of Letters and Policies

Sample Policy Statements

  • Acceptable Use Policies
  • Confidentiality Policy
  • Materials Selection & Availability Policy

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