Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Gender or
Sexual Orientation:
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
American libraries exist and function within the context of a body of
laws derived from the United States Constitution and the First Amendment. The
Library Bill of
Rights embodies the basic policies which guide libraries in the
provision of services, materials and programs.
In the preamble to its Library Bill of Rights, the American
Library Association affirms that all [emphasis added] libraries are
forums for information and ideas. This concept of forum and its
accompanying principle of inclusiveness pervade all six articles of the Library
Bill of Rights.
The American Library Association stringently and unequivocally
maintains that libraries and librarians have an obligation to resist
efforts that systematically exclude materials dealing with any subject
matter, including gender, homosexuality, bisexuality, lesbianism,
heterosexuality, gay lifestyles, or any facet of sexual orientation:
Article I of the Library Bill of Rights states that
"Materials should not be excluded because of the origin,
background, or views of those contributing to their creation."
The Association affirms that books and other materials coming from
gay presses, gay, lesbian, or bisexual authors or other creators,
and materials dealing with gay lifestyles are protected by the Library
Bill of Rights. Librarians are obligated by the Library Bill
of Rights to endeavor to select materials without regard to the
gender or sexual orientation of their creators by using the criteria
identified in their written, approved selection policies (ALA policy
53.1.5).
Article II maintains that "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." Library
services, materials, and programs representing diverse points of
view on gender or sexual orientation should be considered for
purchase and inclusion in library collections and programs. (ALA
policies 53.1.1, 53.1.9, and 53.1.11). The Association affirms that
attempts to proscribe or remove materials dealing with gay or
lesbian life without regard to the written, approved selection
policy violate this tenet and constitute censorship.
Articles III and IV mandate that libraries "challenge
censorship" and cooperate with those "resisting
abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas."
Article V holds that "A person's right to use a library
should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background
or views." In the Library Bill of Rights and all its
interpretations, it is intended that: "origin" encompasses
all the characteristics of individuals that are inherent in the
circumstances of their birth; "age" encompasses all the
characteristics of individuals that are inherent in their levels of
development and maturity; "background" encompasses all the
characteristics of individuals that are a result of their life
experiences; and "views" encompasses all the opinions and
beliefs held and expressed by individuals.
Therefore, Article V of the Library Bill of Rights
mandates that library services, materials, and programs be available
to all members of the community the library serves, without regard
to gender or sexual orientation.
Article VI maintains that "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." This protection extends to all groups and members
of the community the library serves, without regard to gender or
sexual orientation.
The American Library Association holds that any attempt, be it legal
or extra-legal, to regulate or suppress library services, materials, or
programs must be resisted in order that protected expression is not
abridged. Librarians have a professional obligation to ensure that all
library users have free and equal access to the entire range of library
services, materials, and programs. Therefore, the Association strongly
opposes any effort to limit access to information and ideas. The
Association also encourages librarians to proactively support the First
Amendment rights of all library users, including gays, lesbians, and
bisexuals.
Adopted by the ALA Council, June 30, 1993.
[ISBN 8389-7701-4]
SEE ALSO THESE INTERPRETATIONS TO THE LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
Challenged Materials
Diversity in Collection Development
Meeting Rooms
