In anticipation of a new edition (11th) of the Intellectual Freedom Manual, the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) is reviewing and updating ALA’s intellectual policies, including the Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights. To that end, several working groups were formed in early 2024 to review and recommend revisions to several Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights. Working groups have reviewed and revised a number of interpretations, and the IFC is asking for feedback on the following four proposed drafts.
- The Universal Right to Free Expression: Current Interpretation (PDF) | Draft Interpretation (PDF) | Feedback Form
- Education and Information Literacy: Current Interpretation (PDF) | Draft Interpretation (PDF) | Feedback Form
- Economic Barriers to Library Access (revised title): Current Interpretation (current title is Economic Barriers to Information Access) (PDF) | Draft Interpretation (PDF) | Feedback Form
- Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin Boards (revised title): Current Interpretation (current title is User-Initiated Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin) (PDF) | Draft Interpretation (PDF) | Feedback Form
- Challenged Resources: Current Interpretation (PDF) | Draft Interpretation (PDF) | Feedback Form
The IFC plans to present these Interpretations to ALA Council for adoption as soon as possible. The committee, therefore, would appreciate receiving any feedback prior to April 10, 2025. The Committee will rely on your feedback in preparing the final drafts for submission to ALA Council for final approval. The IFC anticipates routing additional revised Interpretations, in batches, to ALA members over the next several months.
Thank you in advance for your time and suggestions. Contact IFC Chair Ray James (erayjames@gmail.com) or OIF Director Deborah Caldwell-Stone (dstone@ala.org) if you have any questions.