Intellectual Freedom
This webpage has been prepared by the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Library Association of Alberta to provide information and assistance to library workers and trustees.
It is the purpose of libraries to support free access to ideas, to promote public information, and to foster enlightenment.
These goals are accomplished through a collection that includes the widest diversity of views and expressions including those which are unorthodox and orthodox, popular and unpopular, from many viewpoints. A rigorous adherence to the principle of intellectual freedom protects these important rights.
Additional Information:
Intellectual Freedom in Action
To ensure that the foundations for these freedoms are established in your community:
1. Include as part of your library's policy:
(a) The Canadian Federation of Library Associations' Statement on Intellectual Freedom;
(b) The Book and Periodical Council Statement on Freedom of Expression and the Freedom to Read;
(c) A statement of "open access" specifying that materials are equally available to all members of the community;
(d) A statement ensuring that access to materials of a controversial nature will not be restricted;
(e) A statement indicating that the responsibility to control access to library materials by children rests with parents or legal guardians.
2. Develop a collection policy that:
(a) Describes the scope and type of materials included and excluded;
(b) Clearly establishes the delegated responsibility of library staff to collect materials within the guidelines;
(c) Includes a statement regarding donations and policies for withdrawing and discarding materials;
(d) Contains a procedure for reconsideration of materials that includes a clearly defined method of handling requests;
(e) Establishes a goal to develop a collection that includes the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which may be considered unorthodox or unpopular.
3. Defend the principle of freedom to read, not the individual item.
Intellectual Freedom Committee
The Intellectual Freedom Committee is currently on hiatus. Once the committee has resumed activity, it will become a priority to update the LAA Intellectual Freedom Committee Mandate Statement.