Intellectual Freedom ABLE: Administering Better Libraries—Educate Module 5

Learning Objectives Understanding of the roles public librarians play, historically, legally, and philosophically, in protecting the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and the press. Familiarity with strategies which foster an atmosphere conducive to intellectual freedom. Familiarity with important laws and policies pertaining to intellectual freedom.

Overview Introduction to intellectual freedom Banned and challenged materials Access of patrons to library services Intellectual freedom and youth Filters: issues for children and adults Laws and statements about intellectual freedom

Introduction to 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.” American Library Association

What conditions are essential for intellectual freedom? Individual right to hold and convey beliefs and ideas Society supports unrestricted access to ideas and information Basis for democracy

Hot Intellectual Freedom Issues Access to the Internet Harassment and hostile work environments caused by open access to the Internet First Amendment rights of minors Privacy of patrons and their records

Banned & Challenged Materials - Overview Censorship vs. Selection Expurgation, Labeling, Ratings Challenged vs. Banned Materials Addressing a challenge

Censorship vs. Selection Censorship = exclusion Selection = inclusion

3 Examples of Possible Censorship Expurgating Labeling Ratings Systems

Self-Censorship Material isn’t purchased because it might offend some patrons. Self-Censorship Checklist

Challenged or Banned? Challenged = Person/group objects to material and seeks its removal from the library by following the library’s procedure for “Reconsideration of Materials” Banned = Challenged item is removed from library at the conclusion of the process for reconsidering materials.

When the Censor Comes… When the patron is in front of you After the patron leaves

Challenges can be Opportunities Democracy in action Illustration of the importance of libraries Banned Books Week

Access to Library Services Overview Restrictions on access to service and materials Public space Borrower confidentiality Young people and intellectual freedom

Restricting Access Interlibrary loan Levels of borrowing privileges Handicap accessibility Fees

Public Spaces in the Library Bulletin boards, meeting rooms, display cases Policies for each!

Borrower Confidentiality Traditional library commitment Legal obligation Ask yourself: “Why are we collecting this information?”

Confidentiality vs. Privacy “What happens in the library, stays in the library.” Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum, Unshelved. Privacy = un-scrutinized inquiry Confidentiality = keeping Personally identifiable information (PID) from the public eye and ear

Library Policy on Confidentiality What happens to collected PID Third party restrictions on use of PID Opt–in Borrower information given over the phone How borrowers give permission for others to use card

Policies for Juvenile Borrower Records Ages eligible Parental permission Not required Required Family Cards

Intellectual Freedom & Youth “A person’s right to use a library should not be abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” –ALA Library Bill of Rights in loco parentis

“My daughter checked this out…” Opportunity for discussion Maximum sensitivity to materials Ages 4-6 Ages Diverse readers Parents guide their own children

Youth & Library Computers Potential access to all Internet sites Parent discomfort with computer technology Youth comfort with computer technology Internet and Acceptable Use Policy

Filters – Issues for All Ages Purpose of filters Caveats about using filters Keeping it in perspective Strategies for safe Internet surfing

Laws and Statements about IF Required library policies Statements to include in library policies Relevant laws

Summing It Up NYLA’s Intellectual Freedom Checklist Have – policies & procedures Do – training & PR Know – laws & community Keep in Touch - communicate & read Tell the World – promote intellectual freedom

Resources ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom: Intellectual Freedom Manual, 6th ed. ALA: New York Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Manual

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