Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC)
Charge
To recommend such steps as may be necessary to safeguard the rights of library users, libraries, and librarians, in accordance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Library Bill of Rights as adopted by the ALA Council. To work closely with the Office for Intellectual Freedom and with other units and officers of the Association in matters touching intellectual freedom and censorship.Roster
When you are logged in as an ALA member, the roster will display the committee members' contact information, in addition to their names, positions, and terms.Public Posts from ALA Connect
Resources
Composition
The Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) consists of a 11 members who are appointed by the Council Committee on Committees, in cooperation with the ALA president-elect. Members serve 2-year terms and are led by the chair.Subcommittees & Task Forces
IFC Privacy subcommittee monitors ongoing privacy developments in technology (in cooperation with LITA), politics and legislation (in cooperation with COL), and social trends; to identify needs and resources for librarians and library users; to propose action to IFC on resolutions, policies, and guidelines as well as on educational, informational, promotional and other projects; and to collaborate with other organizations (e.g., LITA and COL).
Origin
In 1940, one year after the adoption of the Library's Bill of Rights, the Association established the Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC). The 1940 charge to the IFC was "to recommend such steps as may be necessary to safeguard the rights of library users in accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, as adopted by Council." Although the IFC's role has varied throughout the years, its main function has been to recommend policies concerning intellectual freedom, especially--but not limited to--maters involving violations of the Library Bill of Rights.Get Involved
ALA values committed and active committee members. Qualified members are welcome to volunteer to serve on Intellectual Freedom Committee. Committee members must have an interest in the work of the committee; be able to attend Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings to participate in the meetings and activities of the committee; and be able to work between conferences via e-mail and ALA Connect. Express your interest in serving on this or other committees by filling out an application form. Appointments take place once a year, during the spring. Committee service usually begins following Annual Conference, about July 1.Staff Liaison
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Acting Director, Office for Intellectual Freedomdstone@ala.org
312-280-4224
Nanette Perez, Program Officer, Office for Intellectual Freedom
nperez@ala.org
312-280-4225
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