Intellectual Freedom Committee

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, …

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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



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.

Committee Composition

Composed of up to ten members,  serving two-year, staggered terms.

Committee Reports

  1. Suzanne Arist Suzanne Arist, Co-chair Wilmette Public Library District

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2022
    Member Term ends 06/30/2022
  2. Betsy Mahoney Betsy Mahoney, Co-chair Branch Manager at Six Mile Regional Library District

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2022
    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  3. Jeremy Andrykowski Jeremy Andrykowski, Member Director of Operations at Oak Park Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  4. Matthew Matkowski Matthew Matkowski, Member Public Services Librarian at Palos Heights Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  5. Julia Nephew Julia Nephew, Member Librarian at Addison Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2022
  6. Barb Posinger Barb Posinger, Member Sandwich Public Library District

    Member Term ends 06/30/2022
  7. Catherine Purcell Catherine Purcell, Member Library Associate at Champaign Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  8. Edward G Remus Edward G Remus, Member Social Sciences Librarian at Northeastern Illinois University

    Member Term ends 06/30/2022
  9. Cassandra Thompson Cassandra Thompson, Member SHARE Director at Illinois Heartland Library System - Edwardsville

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  10. Michelle Oh Michelle Oh, Board liaison Education Librarian at Northeastern Illinois University

    Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2022
  11. Cyndi Robinson Cyndi Robinson, Staff liaison Deputy Director at Illinois Library Association

    Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025
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