“He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.”—Thomas Paine

“If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.”—Noam Chomsky

What Is the IFRT?

Founded in 1973, the Intellectual Freedom Round Table is the grass roots intellectual freedom organization within the American Library Association.

Mission Statement

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.

The IFRT

• Provides broad opportunities for ALA members to become involved in the support of freedom of access and freedom of expression in libraries
• Supports librarians involved in censorship controversies
• Monitors intellectual freedom developments affecting library and information services
• Provides a forum where ALA members involved in intellectual freedom activities on the state and local level can discuss programs, activities and problems
• Organizes conference programs on topics related to intellectual freedom

Who May Join the Intellectual Freedom Round Table?

Any personal or institutional ALA member may become an IFRT member. Institutional members are non-voting. To join as a personal member, visit the online Personal Membership in ALA form. If you prefer to mail your application and fee, you may print the application (PDF). (Also see instructions under Dues, below.)

To apply for Organizational Membership in ALA, download a print-ready application (PDF) to pay by check, credit card or purchase order.

Dues 

Individual members, $15; institutions, $20; student members, $5. If you are a member of the American Library Association, you may send a check for the appropriate membership status (payable to the American Library Association) to Intellectual Freedom Round Table, American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Be sure to write your ALA membership number and IFRT membership status on your check.

Membership Benefits

• Receive notice of the online IFRT Report, published twice a year
• Vote for IFRT officers
• Serve on IFRT committees
• Run for IFRT office

IFRT E-List

How to subscribe to the e-list

OIF Staff Liaison to the Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Nanette Perez, American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-280-4223 or 800-545-2433, ext. 4223; Fax: 312-280-4227; nperez@ala.org

See also IFRT Roster and IFRT Blog.

Links to non-ALA sites have been provided because these sites may have information of interest. Neither the American Library Association nor the Intellectual Freedom Round Table necessarily endorses the views expressed or the facts presented on these sites; and furthermore, ALA and IFRT do not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on these sites.