Resolution on Access to the Use of Libraries and Information by Individuals with Physical or Mental Impairment

Whereas, The Intellectual Freedom Committee is concerned with freedom of access; and

Whereas, The  Library Bill of Rights  states that "books and other library resources should be provided for the interests, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves'' and "a person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged ...''; and

Whereas, Federal and state constitutional and statutory laws forbid public institutions from discriminating against handicapped individuals, i.e., persons who have a physical or mental impairment; and

Whereas, Court opinions have clearly interpreted said laws as proscribing discrimination against persons who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("AIDS''), AIDS-related complex ("ARC''), or who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV''); and

Whereas, The American Medical Association and the United States Department of Health and Human Services have opined that while the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS is a contagious disease, it cannot be transmitted by casual contact; now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association which insures access to library facilities, materials and services by all people of the community includes individuals with physical or mental impairments; and be it further

Resolved, That the American Library Association deplores discrimination against and denial or abridgment of library and information access to persons of all ages who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("AIDS''), AIDS-related complex ("ARC''), or who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV'').

Adopted January 13, 1988, by the ALA Council.