azlaplanningdocument

Intellectual Freedom

From AZLA Planning Document

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

GOAL: THE ARIZONA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO DEFEND AND PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLES OF INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM.

I. OBJECTIVE: AzLA will continue to support the training of library staff, Friends and trustees in intellectual freedom and censorship issues.

a. Intellectual Freedom (IF) training sessions will be presented in various communities each year as requested.

RESPONSIBILITY: Intellectual Freedom Committee

BEGIN: Ongoing

COMPLETE: Ongoing

Intellectual Freedom Chair 2007:  It was suggested to me during the planning session to keep this objective flexible in order to facilitate the greatest good by being able to offer whatever is needed to any library community in need.  It was also suggested that I attend county librarian meetings to talk with other librarians about the potential IF needs of their library communities and how to meet those needs.

b. Collaborate with AzLA divisions, Special Interest Groups and Committees to address specific Intellectual Freedom concerns.

RESPONSIBILITY: Intellectual Freedom Committee

BEGIN: Ongoing

COMPLETE:

TLD 2006 Ann did a pre- conference presentation at the 2006 conference for teacher-librarians. Jennifer Mullett and Cathie Fox appointed as representatives to AzLA IF committee TLD 2007 Darlene Roach with Cathie Fox and Jennifer Mullett are representatives to AzLA IF.  A program proposal has been submitted for the 2008 Conference TLD 2008 Two high school books challenged: Gossip Girls and A List.

II. OBJECTIVE: AzLA will promote communication of information in relation to Intellectual Freedom issues.

a. Will request the IF Handbook be moved or copied to the Publications area of the AzLA website.

RESPONSIBILITY: Intellectual Freedom Committee Chair, Communications Chair and Association Management Company

BEGIN: May 2007

COMPLETE: January 2008  

Communications Chair 2007:  I think that this objective is very good as is.  There are several things that I think would be good in disseminating information:  I could put in the newsletter a continuing small column that would have news or links on IF issues; I could put a statement and link to the IF handbook on the home page; and I could publish online and/or in the newsletter regular articles by the IF Chair.  I will put the IF Handbook on the Publications page, as soon as it is sent.  Note: Handbook also available on the IF webpage of the AzLA website.

Intellectual Freedom Chair 2007: I agree to send in regular articles for the newletter to further the dessemination of information on IF issues.

b. Submit pertinent information to AzLA newsletter every 6 months for publication updating status of Intellectual Freedom issues and where to go for up to date information (e.g. ALA websites).

RESPONSIBILITY: Intellectual Freedom Committee Chair

BEGIN: July, update in January

COMPLETE: Ongoing

Intellectual Freedom Chair 2007: I submitted an article on Banned Books Week and the Freedom to Read for the July/August issue of the AzLA Newsletter. 

c. Offer a "Train the Trainer" session on Intellectual Freedom at the regional forum and/or the annual conference.

RESPONSIBILITY: Intellectual Freedom Committee

BEGIN: 2008

COMPLETE: Yearly

Intellectual Freedom Chair 2007:  The Intellectual Freedom Committee would facilitate training on IF issues which would be in turn shared with librarians around the state.  Topics might include the following:  Challenged materials, USA Patriot Act, CIPA and DOPA, or Creating a collection development policy.