What is "Intellectual Freedom" and why is the Library concerned about it?
"Intellectual Freedom" is the freedom to have and express one's own thoughts. A large part of ensuring this right is making sure people have open access to information and ideas. This is where the library comes into play.
South High's librarian, Mrs. Hagiya, is one of over 62,000 member of the American Library Association (ALA), which is the oldest and largest non-profit organization promoting libraries. It actively advocates in defense of the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. It is a core value of the library profession.
South High's librarian, Mrs. Hagiya, is one of over 62,000 member of the American Library Association (ALA), which is the oldest and largest non-profit organization promoting libraries. It actively advocates in defense of the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. It is a core value of the library profession.
American Library Association's "Library Bill of Rights"
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. 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.
II. 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.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries that 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.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
A history of the Library Bill of Rights is found in the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
I. 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.
II. 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.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries that 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.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
A history of the Library Bill of Rights is found in the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill