Council resolution calls for libraries to create responsible spaces

CHICAGO - At the 2017 Annual Conference in Chicago, the ALA Council passed a resolution regarding libraries as responsible spaces. As part of the Committee on Diversity report, this resolution is in response to a documented increase in hate crimes occurring in libraries.

The resolution calls for libraries to adopt and enforce user behavior policies that protect patrons and staff from harassment while maintaining ALA’s historic support for the freedom of speech.

Libraries are encouraged to develop community partnership programs with and promote services to underrepresented and unacknowledged community members. Libraries are also encouraged to sponsor programs fostering meaningful and respectful dialogue in the community.

ALA’s Committee on Diversity, with the support of the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS), will be developing materials and programming to assist libraries in creating responsible spaces. A complete text of the resolution can be found on the ALA website.