Library Bill of Rights

Library Bill of Rights. The Library Bill of Rights is a foundational policy statement of the American Library Association affirming the principles of intellectual freedom and equitable access to information. First adopted in 1939, it serves as a cornerstone for library ethics in the United States and has influenced similar documents globally. The policy outlines the essential role of libraries as forums for information and ideas, opposing censorship and advocating for service to all community members.

History and development

The document was originally drafted by librarian Forrest Spaulding for the Des Moines Public Library in 1938, amid rising global tensions from Nazi Germany and domestic pressures during the Great Depression. Spaulding's draft was formally adopted by the American Library Association at its annual conference in San Francisco in 1939. The policy has been amended several times, with significant revisions occurring in 1948, 1961, 1967, and 1980, often in response to societal changes like the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and debates over The Pentagon Papers. Key figures in its evolution include Judith Krug, the first director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and successive American Library Association councils.

Text and interpretation

The text is a concise, declarative statement comprising six articles. It begins by asserting that materials should not be excluded due to the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. Subsequent articles address libraries providing materials presenting all points of view, challenging censorship, cooperating with concerned individuals or groups, denying use of facilities based on beliefs or affiliations, and providing fair service to all. Official interpretations, issued by the American Library Association Council, expand on applications to specific issues such as age-restricted access, meeting room policies, and privacy of library records. These interpretations are considered integral to understanding the policy's scope.

Key principles and provisions

The core principles are intellectual freedom, opposition to censorship, and universal access. A central provision mandates that libraries provide materials representing all sides of issues, including those considered unorthodox or unpopular. Another key tenet prohibits the removal of materials because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval, a stance formalized by the Freedom to Read Statement. The policy also explicitly forbids discrimination in service based on race, religion, personal background, or political views, linking it to broader civil liberties upheld by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Impact and influence

The policy has profoundly shaped professional practice, providing the ethical basis for the American Library Association's Code of Ethics and its Office for Intellectual Freedom. It is frequently cited in legal defenses against book bans and challenges, such as those involving Island Trees School District v. Pico. Internationally, it has inspired similar charters, including the IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. Its principles are embedded in library policies nationwide, guiding responses to controversies over works by authors like Judy Blume, Mark Twain, and Toni Morrison. The annual Banned Books Week is a direct public outreach initiative stemming from these ideals.

Criticisms and challenges

Criticisms often arise from its absolutist stance against censorship, with some communities and groups arguing it can conflict with local values or parental rights, as seen in disputes over materials concerning LGBTQ themes or critical race theory. Practical challenges include balancing free access with the need to curate collections responsibly and addressing harassment in libraries. Some legal scholars note tensions between the policy's ideals and the legal limitations imposed by entities like the Supreme Court of the United States or local governing bodies. Debates also persist regarding its application in school libraries versus public libraries, a distinction highlighted in cases like Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico.

Category:American Library Association Category:Intellectual freedom Category:1939 documents