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.
News
- Committee Spotlight from the ILA Alert
- 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…
- Committee Spotlight from the ILA Alert
- February 20, 2020
- Intellectual Freedom is a concept near and dear to our hearts. Our Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee works to resist all attempts at censorship and serves as a ready brigade to assist you and your library with any cha…
- Dr. Nicole Cooke, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Named Recipient of the Intellectual Freedom Award
- July 16, 2019
- The 2019 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to Dr. Nicole Cooke, Associate Professor and MS/LIS Program Director University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The award, presented by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee, …
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.
Other Resources
- ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
- Banned Books Week
- Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
- Freedom to Read Foundation
- Intellectual Freedom Round Table
- Intellectual Freedom Video Series
- National Coalition Against Censorship
Committee Reports
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.
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Leigh Anne Wilson, Chair
Librarian at Carol Stream Public Library
Chair Term ends 06/30/2021
Member Term ends 06/30/2021
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Suzanne Arist, Member
Wilmette Public Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2022
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Antony Deter, Member
Dixon Public Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2021
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Jennifer Hunt, Member
Deputy Director at Schaumburg Township District Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2021
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Julia Nephew, Member
Librarian at Addison Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2022
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Barb Posinger, Member
Sandwich Public Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2022
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Edward G Remus, Member
Social Sciences Librarian at Northeastern Illinois University
Member Term ends 06/30/2022
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Timothy P. Jarzemsky, Board liaison
Library Director at Bloomingdale Public Library
Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2021
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Cyndi Robinson, Staff liaison
Deputy Director at Illinois Library Association
Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025
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