LibGuides: Intellectual Freedom Resources: Basics & Essential Docs

Introduction to Intellectual Freedom in Libraries - Webinar

Introduction to Intellectual Freedom in Libraries – 2015 Update ...
This webinar will be of interest to library staff at all levels in any type of library. It will be particularly beneficial for those who are relatively new to the library field and who have not had any formal training in the core values of the profession.

Presenter: Mary Minnow JD, MLIS

A parent asks you to remove a book from the shelf because she feels it could harm her children.
A library user complains that the current collection of magazines doesn’t include his political viewpoint and too much of a different one.
You heard that a library worker in the next county was reprimanded for a post she put on the library's social media site. Now you wonder about writing your next posts for your library.
One public comment on the library's social media site seems like a slur and another seems like a threat. Should you remove them?

What do you do?

In this webinar, you will learn techniques to approach these challenges and others, along with a firm background of intellectual freedom in libraries, including relevant laws and court cases.

Learn About Self-Censorship in Libraries

A Dirty Little Secret: Self Censorship (School Library Journal 2/1/09)
Not Censorship But Selection by Lester Asheim (ALA)
Moving Toward a Method to Test Self-Censorship in School Libraries by Ken Coley
Unnatural Selection: More Librarians Are Self-Censoring
School Library Journal on Self Censorship
Self-Censorship Checklist from the New York Library Association
The New York Library Association has compiled the following checklist to see if libraries are self-censoring. Take the test to see how your library fares!

Intellectual Freedom Guide For School Libraries

Intellectual Freedom Brochure
Brochure created by the AASL Intellectual Freedom Committee available for download, duplication, and distribution. It describes why intellectual freedom is important in a school library program, the difference between selection and censorship, what to do before a challenge occurs, where to obtain assistance during a challenge, why schools filter and how it affects students intellectual freedom, and how the ALA Code of Ethics affects school librarians.

Intellectual Freedom Q & A

Frequently Asked Questions
ALA answers some of your basic questions about Intellectual Freedom.

Recently Added ALA Guidelines

Welcome

Welcome to the Central Kansas Library System

Intellectual Freedom Resource Guide

The information and tools found here will help librarians in their practice and be a resource that evolves with time. If you have suggestions for additional material or topics to include, please contact me. -- Patty Collins

Presentation Resources

Conference Presentation Resources

ARSL 2018

Intellectual Freedom Conversations: Real-life situation, real-life solutions

Tuesday's with CKLS - IF Conversations Part 1

Tuesday's with CKLS - IF Conversations Part 2

ALA Essential Intellectual Freedom Documents

Professional Collection

Intellectual Freedom Manual by Trina Magi (Editor); Martin Garnar (Associate Editor)
ISBN: 9780838912928
Publication Date: 2015-04-01
Since it was established in 1967, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has championed the rights of library users to seek and receive information on all subjects from all points of view without restriction and without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others. The new edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual is more than just an invaluable compendium of guiding principles and policies. It's also an indispensable resource for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Fortifying and emboldening professionals and students from across the library spectrum, this manual includes 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits, use of meeting spaces, and other common concerns At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized A glossary and selected bibliography This must-have tool will help librarians ensure that institutions of all kinds remain beacons of intellectual freedom.
A History of ALA Policy on Intellectual Freedom by Trina Magi (Editor); Martin Garnar (Editor); American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom Staff (Contribution by)
ISBN: 9780838913253
Publication Date: 2015-06-01
Collecting several key documents and policy statements, this supplement to the ninth edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual traces a history of ALA's commitment to fighting censorship. An introductory essay by Judith Krug and Candace Morgan, updated by OIF Director Barbara Jones, sketches out an overview of ALA policy on intellectual freedom. An important resource, this volume includes documents which discuss such foundational issues as The Library Bill of Rights Protecting the freedom to read ALA's Code of Ethics How to respond to challenges and concerns about library resources Minors and internet activity Meeting rooms, bulletin boards, and exhibits Copyright Privacy, including the retention of library usage records

Additional Resources

ALA Fighting Censorship
ALA and Unite Against Book Bans
IF Resources for Trustees, Friends, & Foundation
United for Libraries
Materials Challenges: Key Library Policies
United for Libraries (PDF)
Terms and Definitions Related to IF & Censorship
United for Libraries (PDF)

Intellectual Freedom Resources: Basics & Essential Docs

Video Introduction to Intellectual Freedom