Intellectual Freedom Manual

The newest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual is more than simply an update of a foundational text that has served as a crucial resource for more than four decades. It is a living document that serves as the authoritative reference for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Whether you’re developing or revising policies, on-boarding new staff or trustees, responding to challenges and controversies, or studying librarianship, you’ll find this an indispensable resource, with features such as

ALA policy statements, approved by committees and Council, articulating core intellectual freedom principles and best practices;
8 new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, which address urgent issues like internet filtering, public performances, political activity, religion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion;
“Issues at a Glance” sidebars which present key concepts, points of law, tips, and questions for reflection;
expanded content about developing library policies that support intellectual freedom;
updated information on censorship of library programs, displays, and databases;
“Advocacy and Assistance,” a section offering concrete guidance when you’re called on to talk to the media or meet with legislators;
Deeper Look essays which examine the laws related to library operations;
advice on when to call the police, when not to, and how to handle personally identifiable information when they arrive; and
an expanded glossary.

Using a topical arrangement with easy-to-read summaries to help readers find information quickly, this manual offers valuable support to library workers as they continue the important work of safeguarding intellectual freedom.

Author Biography

Trina Magi is a library professor and reference and instruction librarian at the University of Vermont. She has chaired state and regional intellectual freedom committees, served on the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and published a number of articles on privacy. She has won several awards for her intellectual freedom advocacy.

Martin Garnar is the reference services librarian and professor of library science at Regis University in Denver, CO. He also teaches professional ethics, library instruction, and foundations of library and information science for the University of Denver’s library and information science program. He has served as chair of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Committee on Professional Ethics.