Resolution on Rights of Librarians and Library Workers to Travel
Whereas,
The ALA Charter states that the Association was formed “for the purpose of promoting library interest throughout the world by exchanging views, reaching conclusions, and inducing cooperation in all departments of bibliothecal science and economy”, and
Whereas,
ALA Policy 58.1 International Relations Policy Objectives “encourage involvement of librarians, information specialists, and other library personnel in international library activities and in the development of solutions to library service problems that span national boundaries”, and
Whereas,
U.S. Government policies can prohibit or impede librarians and library workers in or from the U.S. to make professional visits to colleagues in other countries, and prohibit or impede librarians and library staff from the outside the United Stated to make professional visits the United States, therefore be it
Resolved,
That ALA affirm and support the rights of librarians and library workers in or from the U.S to travel to all countries in order to attend and participate in conferences, to purchase books and other library materials, to meet and develop working relationships with librarians, to develop gift and exchange programs, to pursue and establish ties with library and other professional associations and libraries, and to conduct educational and professional library-related activities and
Resolved,
That ALA affirm and support rights of librarians and library workers from outside the U.S. to travel to the U.S., and not be prohibited or impeded by U.S. government policies, to attend and participate in conferences, to purchase books and other library materials, to meet and develop working relationships with librarians and library staff, to develop gift and exchange programs, to pursue and establish ties with library and other professional associations and libraries, and to conduct educational and professional library-related activities.
Endorsed by: International Relations Committee
2006 ALA Midwinter Conference
