Intellectual Freedom Committee Illinois Library Association

News

Intellectual Freedom Challenges to Library-Initiated Programs: Some Recent Examples from Illinois Libraries: September 1, 2022; Article published by ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee in the September 2022, Volume XL, Issue 3 of the ILA Reporter (Download PDF) Written by Jeremy Andrykowski, Oak Park Public Library and Matt Matkowski, Palos Heights Public Library The Amer…
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Named Recipient of the 2021 Intellectual Freedom Award: July 1, 2021; The 2021 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation. …
Committee Spotlight - Intellectual Freedom Committee: December 10, 2020; The members of the Intellectual Freedom committee are dedicated to defending the rights of their community’s ability to access accurate information and to prevent censorship of library materials. We are available to assist and support…

Events

Jan 18 2023
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023 2:00pm–3:00pm
Mar 8 2023
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Mar 8, 2023 2:00pm–3:00pm

Zoom
May 10 2023
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 2:00pm–3:00pm

Zoom

Report Challenges to Library Materials

Since 1990, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom has maintained a database on challenged materials. You can report challenges to materials in your library's collection by following the link below.

Report a Challenge

IFC Resource Guide

Intellectual freedom issues are on the rise at libraries nationwide. This sheet, prepared by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee for the 2022 Annual Conference, contains resources you can use to help prepare for and respond to incidents. Download the IFC Resource Guide.

Other Resources

Committee Charge

Works to resist all attempts to censor library materials or to restrict public access to information. Keeps abreast of statewide and national issues and challenges. Gathers and disseminates information to the membership. Serves as a clearinghouse and source of information for libraries seeking assistance. Promotes intellectual freedom by actively contacting library and school officials where materials or procedures have been challenged, offering the assistance of the ILA membership. Raises awareness and provides continuing education activities. Selects the Intellectual Freedom Award winner. Provides leadership and assistance in access and privacy for electronic information.

The Intellectual Freedom Committee chair(s) serve(s) ex officio on ILA's Public Policy Committee.