Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT)
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.
Get your tickets now! IFRT 40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, June 28, 2013 - Chicago Cultural Center
For Members and Potential Members
How to Join (and Rejoin!) the Intellectual Freedom Round Table
Communicating and Networking
Intellectual Freedom Round Table Roster
ALA Support for Round Tables
ALA Round Table Coordinating Assembly
Working with Others
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Tool Kit
Other Intellectual Freedom Resources
Intellectual Freedom Committee
Committee on Professional Ethics
LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund
State Intellectual Freedom Committee Chairs
Contact Information
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
c/o Shumeca Pickett
50 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4220
spickett@ala.org
Mission
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
Awards
The Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award
The Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award honors a literary work or series of works, in the area of intellectual freedom, including matters of ethical, political, or social concerns related to intellectual freedom. Presented biennially.
The John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award
The John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award honors notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression. Presented annually.
Membership
Joining IFRT
The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is a forum for discussion of intellectual freedom issues for libraries and librarians, and a channel of communication on intellectual freedom matters. Any personal or institutional ALA member may become an IFRT member. Institutional members are non-voting.
Personal Membership
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.)
Institutional Membership
To apply for Organizational Membership in ALA, down-load 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 Assocation) to Intellectual Freedom Round Table, American Library Association, 50 E. 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
Initiatives & Projects
Communicating and Networking
Conference/Meeting Schedule
ALA 2013 Annual Conference
Chicago, Illinois
IFRT I
Friday, June 28
1:30 - 3:30 pm
IFRT 40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, June 28
7:30 - 10:00 pm
IFRT Program
Saturday, June 29
8:30 - 10:00 am
IFRT II
Monday, July 1
8:00 - 10:00 am