Intellectual Freedom Committee

Works to resist all attempts to censor library materials or to restrict public access to information.


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



Committee Charge

• 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.

Committee Composition

Committee membership is not more than ten personal members from diverse types of library settings. Members serve a two-year, staggered term. Chair is appointed by the vice president/president-elect of ILA for one year.

  1. Rose M. Barnes Rose M. Barnes, Co-chair Adult and Teen Services Librarian at Oak Park Public Library

    Term ends 06/30/2018
  2. Tracy Ruppman Tracy Ruppman, Co-chair Reference/Instruction Librarian & Liaison for the School of Education at Loyola University of Chicago

    Term ends 06/30/2018
  3. Joe Collier Joe Collier, Member Mount Prospect Public Library

    Term ends 06/30/2019
  4. Marissa Ellermann Marissa Ellermann, Member Head of Circulation Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

    Term ends 06/30/2018
  5. Rachel M Fuller Rachel M Fuller, Member Director of Adult and Youth Services at Urbana Free Library

    Term ends 06/30/2019
  6. Patricia M. Hogan Patricia M. Hogan, Member Retired

    Term ends 06/30/2018
  7. Emily Knox Emily Knox, Member LIS Educator at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Information Sciences

    Term ends 06/30/2019
  8. Maria F. Meachum Maria F. Meachum, Member Wilmington Public Library District

    Term ends 06/30/2019
  9. Dennis Krieb Dennis Krieb, Board liaison Director at Lewis & Clark Community College

    Term ends 06/30/2018
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