Session 5 - Intellectual Freedom, Censorship and Confidentiality

Librarians face difficult choices every day. As institutions, libraries are dedicated to the principles of intellectual freedom.  Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction.  It is inevitable that we will be faced with challenges concerning materials, other resources and policies.  Although confrontation and criticism are never easy, we can learn to not only face them calmly, but use them as an opportunity to explain our purpose, gain new supporters, and improve our services. Collection development should be based on the principles of intellectual freedom and our community's needs.

As human beings, we all have our belief systems and values.  Yet, these often come face to face with information, ideas and materials in our libraries everyday that disagree or challenge these beliefs and values.  So, how do we create collections, develop policies and protect a person's right to information when they challenge us personally?

Learning Objectives for Session 5:

• To examine and understand our personal beliefs and values affect many library decisions
• To understand the legal issues related to intellectual freedom, censorship and confidentiality
• To understand the following standards, as listed in In Service To Iowa:

1. Standard 47 (p. 17) 
2. Standard 56 (p. 20) 

Assignments for class:

• Reading assignment
• Written assignment - None assigned for this session
• Web board discussion questions
• Additional reading and resources