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Intellectual Freedom: American Library Association

ALA Statement on Intellectual Freedom

ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom—the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all people of its community.

Library Code of Ethics

  1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

  2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.

  3. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

  4. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.

  5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.

  6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.

  7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.

  8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

  9. We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.

Rberquist. (2021, July 21). Professional ethics. Tools, Publications & Resources. https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

Right to Read Day

Right to Read day started this year during National Library Week after the large increase in book bans and challenges across the country. Occurring the Monday of National Library Week, Right to Read Day is the American Library Association’s call to action to protect the freedom to read and to fight back against censorship. By creating Right to Read Day, society as a collective can come together to defend the right to read and the right to access information regardless of personal views.

Along with this, there is an ALA-founded campaign called Unite Against Book Bans, a group whose initiative is to empower readers to stand together and fight against censorship. They have created a list of free advocacy resources as well as a page to provide information on Right to Read day.

Right to Read Day Actions

  1. Borrow a book that is frequently challenged.
  2. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or an elected official.
  3. Attend meetings of local officials or school boards.
  4. Report censorship.
  5. Support your local public library.

Library Bill of Rights

  1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

  2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

  3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

  4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

  5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

  6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

  7. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Admin. (2022, September 7). Library bill of rights. Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill