Intellectual Freedom Handbook, 1999
Library Initiated Programs as a Resource:
An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
Library initiated programs support the mission of the library by
providing users with additional opportunities for information, education
and recreation. Article 1 of the Library Bill of
Rights states: "Books and other library resources should be
provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people
of the community the library serves."
Library initiated programs take advantage of library staff expertise,
collections, services and facilities to increase access to information
and information resources. Library initiated programs introduce users
and potential users to the resources of the library and to the library's
primary function as a facilitator of information access. The library may
participate in cooperative or joint programs with other agencies,
organizations, institutions or individuals as part of its own effort to
address information needs and to facilitate information access in the
community the library serves.
Library initiated programs on site and in other locations include,
but are not limited to, speeches, community forums, discussion groups,
demonstrations, displays, and live or media presentations.
Libraries serving multilingual or multicultural communities make
efforts to accommodate the information needs of those for whom English
is a second language. Library initiated programs across language and
cultural barriers introduce otherwise unserved populations to the
resources of the library and provide access to information.
Library initiated programs "should not be proscribed or removed
(or canceled) because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval" of the
contents of the program or the views expressed by the participants, as
stated in Article 2 of the Library Bill of Rights. Library
sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the
content of the program or the views expressed by the participants, any
more than the purchase of material for the library collection
constitutes an endorsement of the contents of the material or the views
of its creator.
Library initiated programs are a library resource, and as such, are
developed in accordance with written guidelines, as approved and adopted
by the library's policy-making body. These guidelines include an
endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and set forth the
library's commitment to free and open access to information and ideas
for all users.
Library staff select topics, speakers and resource materials for
library initiated programs based on the interests and information needs
of the community. Topics, speakers and resource materials are not
excluded from library initiated programs because of possible
controversy. Concerns, questions or complaints about library initiated
program are handled according to the same written policy and procedures
which govern reconsiderations of other library resources.
Library initiated programs are offered free of charge and are open to
all. Article 5 of the Library Bill of Rights states: "A
person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because
of origin, age, background, or views."
The "right to use a library" encompasses all of the
resources the library offers, including the right to attend library
initiated programs. Libraries do not deny or abridge access to library
resources, including library initiated programs, based on an
individual's economic background and ability to pay.
Adopted January 27, 1982. Amended June 26, 1990, by the ALA Council.
[ISBN 8389-6528-8]
Copyright (c) 1999, American Library Association.
