Intellectual Freedom Committee

The purpose of the Intellectual Freedom Committee is to (1) recommend such steps as may be necessary to safeguard the rights of library users, libraries and librarians, in accordance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the American Library Association Council, and (2) to work closely with the Board of Directors of the ILF and with other units and officers of the Federation in intellectual freedom and censorship issues.

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"Libraries in America are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information in America's libraries is imperative for education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government."

Libraries: An American Value
American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom

What does the term "intellectual freedom" really mean for libraries and their users? Its basic premise is that anyone must be free to hold any view(s) on any topic, and be free to express those views. For libraries, this idea is manifested in open and free access to information, without restriction, regardless of perspective of the writer or the reader. In this respect, libraries maintain an integral role in the healthy functioning of a true democracy. Libraries must strive to make available information representing a myriad of viewpoints. In the information-rich environment of contemporary society, libraries have emerged as vital and dynamic components of American communities. As such they exist as the one place where the expression of ideas, regardless of their popularity, can be guaranteed.

This document is intended for use by anyone affiliated with libraries in the State of Indiana. Training, orientation, and management are just a few of the categories where this manual could support daily activities of Indiana librarians and library users. This manual is not, however, intended to function as a substitute for appropriate legal counsel.

We thank those whose work on this project helped make it a reality. Their contributions, from permission to use published documents, to the exchange of ideas, is greatly appreciated. This project was funded in part by an award from SIRS, Inc.

"The building that is the most precious to a Nation is undoubtedly one which houses all acquired knowledge."

Etienne-Louis Boullee, 1785