The
Library Bill of Rights as passed by the
American Library Association in 1948 supposed acts the a set of guiding principals to the
ALA and all those
Working in the Library. The
ALA's
freedom to read statement is a restatement of the
Library Bill of Rights and together they play a big part of motivating
librarians everywhere to fight
censorship and similar nasties.
There is a progressive/left wing element within librarianship, as evidenced by the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table, the Progressive Librarians Guild and forums such as the Library Juice who are active in maintaining the ALA's role in this area against pressures to sell out.
The American Library Association affirms that all
libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that
the following basic policies should guide their services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided
for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all
people of the community the library serves. Materials
should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information
presenting all points of view on current and historical
issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed
because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment
of their responsibility to provide information and
enlightenment.
-
Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups
concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and
free access to ideas.
-
A person's right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or
views.
-
Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms
available to the public they serve should make such
facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of
the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups
requesting their use.
source:http://www.ala.org/work/freedom/lbr.html