Our Statement on Access

As reference and user services librarians, we believe that access to information is a human right. We value:

  1. Libraries’ role in providing people with equitable and open access to information in all formats that transcends limitations of personal economics;
  2. Our professional commitment to intellectual freedom and fair use;
  3. Protection of patron privacy;
  4. The freedom to read;
  5. Creation, distribution, and possession of information that is free from interference and censorship;
  6. Equal, ready and equitable access to information collected, compiled, produced, funded and/or disseminated by government agencies.
  7. We support libraries, publishers, and lawmakers in Crafting copyright laws that reasonably preserve authors’ intellectual property without compromising the library user’s access to information;
  8. Providing equitable access to information for all library users;
  9. Ensuring long-term access to print and electronic information through robust preservation and access programs;
  10. Facilitating digital and information literacy among library users.

Draft by RUSA Access to Information Committee, June 24, 2012 and February 24, 2012 Approved by the RUSA Board, Seattle WA, Midwinter Conference, January 2013. Also available here: https://connect.ala.org/viewthread?MessageKey=F571CFF0-73EB-495C-BEB2-46...