Intellectual Freedom

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas. ALA Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A

Intellectual Freedom Issues

Executive Order 13233

A new executive order issued by President George W. Bush restricts access to the records of former presidents. The Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association (ALA) and The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) urge librarians to alert their patrons and the public about this effort to close the public record. Includes the Ongoing List of Historical Works That Would Have Been Affected by Executive Order 13233.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/historicalworks.html

Intellectual Freedom Issues

This ALA site provides information about such issues as Banned Books Week, Filters and Filtering, and Censorship and Challenges.  Information about the Freedom of Information Act and about responding to FOIA requests are included.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/issues.html

Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries

An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, from the Association of College and Research Libraries. The purpose of this statement is to provide an interpretation of general intellectual freedom principles in an academic library setting and, in the process, raise consciousness of the intellectual freedom context within which academic librarians work.


http://www.ala.org/acrl/principles.html

Library Documents and Manuals

Intellectual Freedom Brochure

Intellectual Freedom is one of five key action areas adopted by the American Library Association to fulfill its mission of providing the highest quality library and information services for all people. The public’s right to explore in their libraries many points of view on all questions and issues facing them is critical to that mission. This brochure highlights ALA’s activities in this area.  The brochure may be printed in either HTML format or PDF format.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/ifbrochure.html

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that certain basic policies should guide their services.  Available in both English and Spanish.

http://www.ala.org/work/freedom/lbr.html

Intellectual Freedom Manual

Instructions for ordering the most recent edition from ALA. Sample chapters available online.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/intellectualfreedommanual.html

What You Can Do to Oppose Censorship

Suggestions for activity and for staying informed, from the ALA Intellectual Freedom Brochure.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/whatyoucando.html

Code of Ethics of the ALA

The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which the library profession is committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment.  Available in both English and Spanish.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/ethics.html

Organizations and Discussion Groups

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom

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.  This site provides links to many issues and documents surrounding Intellectual Freedom as it pertains to the library profession.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif

Intellectual Freedom Roundtable - ALA

The IFRT provides broad opportunities for ALA members to become involved in the support of freedom of access and freedom of expression in libraries, supports librarians involved in censorship controversies, monitors intellectual freedom developments affecting library and
information services, and provides a forum where ALA members involved in intellectual freedom activities on the state and local level can discuss programs, activities and problems.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/ifrt_inf.html

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom.

http://www.faife.dk/policy/iflastat/iflastat.htm

MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee

The Intellectual Freedom Committee promotes awareness of intellectual freedom issues and provides support to the Massachusetts library community in upholding the principles of intellectual freedom. 

 http://www.masslib.org/freed.htm

The USA Patriot Act in the Library

FBI in Your Library

A collection of articles on the subject.

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/fbiinyourlibrary.html

Libraries and the Patriot Legislation

Resources and suggestions from the ALA Washington Office for responding to the law.

http://www.ala.org/washoff/patriot.html

The USA Patriot Act

This law broadly expands the powers of federal law enforcement agencies investigating cases involving foreign intelligence and international terrorism. 

http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/usapatriotact.html

The USA Patriot Act in the Library

The Patriot Act amended over 15 federal statutes, including the laws governing criminal procedure, computer fraud and abuse, foreign intelligence, wiretapping, immigration, and the laws governing the privacy of student records. These amendments expanded the authority of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law
enforcement to gain access to business records, medical records, educational records and library records, including stored electronic data and communications.......These enhanced surveillance procedures pose the greatest challenge to privacy and confidentiality in the library.

 http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/usapatriotlibrary.html

The USA PATRIOT Act and Patron Privacy on Library Internet Terminals 

Discussion of the effect of this law on libraries.

http://www.llrx.com/features/usapatriotact.htm

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