For immediate release | January 8, 2021

OIF’s updated Intellectual Freedom Manual

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CHICAGO — The new tenth edition of “,“ published by ýEditions in collaboration with ALA's is more than simply an update of a foundational text that has served as a crucial resource for more than four decades. It is a living document that serves as the authoritative reference for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Whether you’re developing or revising policies, on-boarding new staff or trustees, responding to challenges and controversies, or studying librarianship, you’ll find this an indispensable resource, with features such as:

  • ýpolicy statements, approved by committees and Council, articulating core intellectual freedom principles and best practices;
  • 8 new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, which address urgent issues like internet filtering, public performances, political activity, religion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion;
  • “Issues at a Glance” sidebars which present key concepts, points of law, tips, and questions for reflection;
  • expanded content about developing library policies that support intellectual freedom;
  • updated information on censorship of library programs, displays, and databases;
  • “Advocacy and Assistance,” a section offering concrete guidance when you’re called on to talk to the media or meet with legislators;
  • Deeper Look essays which examine the laws related to library operations;
  • advice on when to call the police, when not to, and how to handle personally identifiable information when they arrive; and
  • an expanded glossary.

Martin Garnar (editor) is the director of the Amherst College Library. He has taught professional ethics, library instruction, and the foundations of library and information science for the University of Denver’s LIS program. He has served as chair of the ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Committee on Professional Ethics and as president of the Freedom to Read Foundation. Trina Magi (Assistant Editor) is a library professor and reference and instruction librarian at the University of Vermont. She has chaired state and regional intellectual freedom committees, served on the ýIntellectual Freedom Committee, and published numerous articles on privacy. She has won several awards for her intellectual freedom advocacy.

Established December 1, 1967, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is charged with implementing ýpolicies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, from the ýStore. purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ýauthors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ýEditions | ýNeal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

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Rob Christopher

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rchristopher@ala.org

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