'Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library' receives the 2014 Eli M. Oboler Award

CHICAGO — The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) announces that "Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library: Scenarios from the Front Lines” by June Pinnell-Stephens is the recipient of the 2014 Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award.

The award will be presented to Pinnell-Stephens at the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas at the IFRT reception on Saturday, June 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award Committee was honored to choose this slim but powerful title for its practical relevance as a guide. "Protecting Intellectual Freedom in Your Public Library Scenarios from the Front Lines” not only details step by step how to combat the censors, but also outlines in clear language  how and why intellectual freedom is a singularly important matter facing all 21st century libraries. Citing U.S. court cases for protection of intellectual freedom rights in libraries, Pinnell-Stephens clearly defines and answers questions critically important to librarians, as well as providing sample forms and policy documents that can be utilized.

The Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award, which consists of $500 and a certificate, is presented for the best published work in the area of intellectual freedom.  The award was named for Eli M. Oboler, the extensively published Idaho State University librarian known as a “champion of intellectual freedom who demanded the dismantling of all barriers to freedom of expression.” The award has been offered biennially since 1986.