(YALSA), Information Technology & Telecommunication Services, Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS), Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR), Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange RT (EMIERT), Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT), Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601 | 1.800.545.2433, Intellectual Freedom: Issues and Resources. for Library Service to Children (ALSC), Assn. By Kristin Pekollwith ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom 2001). Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen. The presence of books and other resources in a library does not indicate endorsement of their contents by the library. It would be a barren marketplace of ideas that had only sellers and no buyers. Lamont v. Postmaster General, 381 U.S. 301 (1965). of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Assn. Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q&A (2007), Social Media Guidelines for Public and Academic Libraries (2018). The First Amendment protects the right to exercise those freedoms, and it advocates respect for the right of others to do the same. First Amendment [Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition (1791)] (see explanation) Second Amendment [Right to Bear Arms (1791)] (see explanation) Third Amendment [Quartering of Troops (1791)] (see explanation) Fourth Amendment [Search and Seizure (1791)] (see explanation) Fifth Amendment [Grand Jury, Double Jeopardy, Self . Intellectual Freedom: A Manual for Library Workers VI. We are not saying that every book should be in every single library, said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who is also the state librarian and was the driving force behind the legislation. New York Gov. The right to direct the education of the minor child; 2. "So for example, to operate a circular meat slicer at a deli, you'd have to be 18. Text - H.Res.553 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Honoring the life Law Library of Congress; Guide to Law Online; Teacher Lesson Plans; State Legislature Websites; Bill Status Bulk Data; Congress.gov API; Roll Call Votes; Challenged Resources: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights It does not prevent restrictions on speech imposed by private individuals or businesses. For more information about Intellectual Freedom in libraries, the board and director should review the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement, as well as its own policies. Related Groups, Organizations, Affiliates & Chapters, ALA Upcoming Annual Conferences & LibLearnX, Holding Space: A national conversation series with libraries, Technology Access and Assistive Technology, ALA and Affiliate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statements, Cultural Programming to Promote Diversity, Hateful Conduct in Libraries: Supporting Library Workers and Patrons, Libraries Respond: Combating Xenophobia and Fake News in light of COVID-19, Libraries Respond: Cyber-bullying and Doxxing, Libraries Respond: Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers, Libraries Respond: National Day of Healing, Libraries Respond: Protecting and Supporting Transgender Staff and Patrons, Library Services for Patrons with Alzheimer's/Dementia, Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained, ALA Statement on Censorship of Information Addressing Racial Injustice, Black American History, and Diversity Education, Poll: Voters Oppose Book Bans in Libraries, Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A, Meeting Rooms, Exhibit Spaces, and Programs, 3-D Printing in Libraries: Policies and Best Practices, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Assn. Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition | ALA Store The written permission of the copyright owners in materials not in the public domain is . of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Assn. In this screenshot from a livestream broadcast by the State of Illinois, Gov. Biden signs bipartisan gun control bill into law - CBS News The Bill of Rights is unique in that it is not a top-down policy from ALA itself. Still, Wurth says the bill would set a foundation for tackling the issue. They are, The Crawford County Quorum Court has approved a $60,000 appropriation for anticipated legal costs to defend against two lawsuits alleging unconstitutional library censorship. Labeling systems present distinct challenges to these intellectual freedom principles. "So at least kids have that basic foundation and protection of a sensible legal framework. Ratified December 15, 1791. The American Library Association affirms the rights of individuals to form their own opinions about resources they choose to read, view, listen to, or otherwise access. V. A persons right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. Library Bill of Rights suggests otherwise. The Bill of Rights: A Brief History Document Date: March 4, 2002 " [A] bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse." - Thomas Jefferson, December 20, 1787 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. The library serves a population of 26,743 residents . These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights." Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the . The public library is getting attacked for having a queer staff member (the boogeyman here is their dress when the reality is this is an open queer person living openly). Rights assessment is your responsibility. The First Amendment only prevents government restrictions on speech. But giving in either by removing the books, moving the books, or changing access to the books is not only wrong, but it also undermines the work of the folks who were in these same positions during other high times of censorship over the last 70 years. Edited by Shannon Oltmann with ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom "My niece and nephews would not have been able to detassel corn at ages 12 and 13, despite their parents knowing they were mature enough to handle the job," Boswell said in her testimony. just rejected 3 board nominees from their not-great mayor. Recent redistricting the most politically balanced in years, Illinois adopts new LGBTQ+ protections for community deemed under attack in the US, Illinois Gov. : Book Censorship News, May 26, 2023, A Bill in Connecticut Would Fund Sanctuary Libraries: Book Censorship News, May 19, 2023, How To Prepare Library Pride Displays: Book Censorship News, May 12, 2023, 2023 Right to Read Bills Under Consideration: Book Censorship News, May 5, 2023, The Next Generation United Daughters of the Confederacy: Book Censorship News, April 28, 2023, So, What Are Agents Seeing in the Era of Book Bans? Actions taken by library governing bodies during official sessions or meetings pursuant to the librarys collection development policy, or litigation undertaken in courts of law with jurisdiction over the library and the librarys governing body, and actions taken by legislative bodies are considered a legal process.. Opposition to the Constitution And while children are generally prohibited from doing hazardous work in other sectors, there's an exception for agriculture. Bill Latest Title Relationships to S.1201 Relationships Identified by Latest Action; Alert: Scroll right to see more data H.R.2700: Employee Rights Act: Identical bill CRS It is important we know and understand the document, as well as use it as a guiding tool for ensuring libraries remain open, accessible, and as equitable as possible to all. (State of Illinois via AP). ' They dont even come to have a discussion so, Natrona County School District (WY) is keeping, Community Library Network in North Idaho now belongs to the far-right so, Wantagh Union Free School District (NY) is currently, A proposal for a rating system of materials at the Christian County Librarys four branches was rejected by its governing board.. Challenged Resources: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2019) Did Illinois State House Pass a Bill Prohibiting Book Bans in Libraries? The censor wants to prejudge materials for everyone. VII. of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Assn. The quoted language in this interpretation from Diverse Collections: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (adopted July 14, 1982, by the ALA Council; amended January 10, 1990; July 2, 2008; July 1, 2014 under previous name "Diversity in Collection Development"; and June 25, 2019) was updated to reflect the June 2019 revision. The booksare not in the district. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. Intellectual Freedom Manual (2021) Divided into seven parts, the book covers intralibrary censorship, child-oriented protectionism, the importance of building strong policies, experiences working with sensitive materials, public debates and controversies, criminal patrons, and library displays. Libraries, no matter their size, contain an enormous wealth of viewpoints and are responsible for making those viewpoints available to all. Library workers should not permit their personal biases, opinions, or preferences to unduly influence collection-development decisions.2, This applies with equal force to library resources and services provided to students and minors.3. While its true that kids need guidance, and that some ideas can be objectionable, trying to weaponize local government to force one-size-fits-all standards onto the entire community for reasons of bigotry, or as a substitute for active and involved parenting, is wrong, Stava-Murray said Monday at the bills signing, which took place at a childrens library in downtown Chicago. If the amount is spent, it would bring the countys cost to almost $130,000 over the issue., A Fremont County School Board (WY) member, offended by seeing the sexual education book, Four books under debate in West Bend Schools (WI), Because four books require more attention in order to come to a decision on whether or not they should remain in the school district, Frederick County Schools (MD) will, When asked how the library should handle books for teens regarding LGBTQ+ relationships and sexuality, Owens said, I dont think its an age thing. 1791: US Bill of Rights (1st 10 Amendments) - with commentary All Rights Reserved. Libraries should not limit the selection and development of library resources simply because minors will have access to them. My first impression re mains. Edited by Martin Garnarand Trina Magi with ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. 4Bantam Books, Inc. v. Sullivan, 372 U.S. 58 (1963). Legal Directories Publishing Company, Inc. - 1313 Oates Drive, Mesquite, Texas 75150 - (800) 447-5375 (214) 321-3238 Article I of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights states, "Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation." Article II further declares, "Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." Wurth is hopeful that with the national reckoning happening around child labor in recent months, this time will be different. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. The Supreme Court reaffirmed that the right to receive information is a fundamental right protected under the U.S. Constitution when it considered whether a local school board violated the Constitution by removing books from a school library. These included the Cold War, where the Association responded to growing censorship during McCarthyism (libraries were seen then, as now, as leftist and communist institutions); the Civil Rights era, wherein race, religion, nationality, and more were addressed (and indeed, some communities took this as the opportunity to close their libraries because they refused to participate in desegregation); and in the late 1960s and again in 1996, the organization stood firm that age was not a factor in access to materials provided by the library (in other words, young people were not subject to restrictions something that clearly is not resonating with some public libraries today who are choosing restrictive access to anyone under 18, including ending access to all minors until re-registered under the new restriction choices by their parents). While the Library of Congress created most of the videos in this collection, they include copyrighted materials that the Library has permission from rightsholders to present. 2 Court opinions establishing a right to receive information in a public library include Board of Education v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982); Kreimer v. . The Diverse Collections: An Interpretation of the, Related Groups, Organizations, Affiliates & Chapters, ALA Upcoming Annual Conferences & LibLearnX, Holding Space: A national conversation series with libraries, Technology Access and Assistive Technology, ALA and Affiliate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statements, Cultural Programming to Promote Diversity, Hateful Conduct in Libraries: Supporting Library Workers and Patrons, Libraries Respond: Combating Xenophobia and Fake News in light of COVID-19, Libraries Respond: Cyber-bullying and Doxxing, Libraries Respond: Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers, Libraries Respond: National Day of Healing, Libraries Respond: Protecting and Supporting Transgender Staff and Patrons, Library Services for Patrons with Alzheimer's/Dementia, Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained, ALA Statement on Censorship of Information Addressing Racial Injustice, Black American History, and Diversity Education, Poll: Voters Oppose Book Bans in Libraries, Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A, Meeting Rooms, Exhibit Spaces, and Programs, 3-D Printing in Libraries: Policies and Best Practices, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Assn. Jamie Martin protests the phrasing of Francis Howell School Board members Jane Puszkars conservative comments during the public comment portion of the St. Charles City-County Library Board on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the Spencer Road Branch in St. Peters. How Much Have Book Bans Impacted Author Visits? As issues have come up during the course of its existence, the Bill has stood, with only additions not subtractions made to the document. During the debates on the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, its opponents charged that the Constitution as drafted would open the way to tyranny by the central government. The Library Bill of Rights is the American Library Association's statement expressing the rights of library users to intellectual freedom and the expectations the association places on libraries to support those rights. All rights of parents identified in Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, including the right to access and review all school records relating to the minor child; 3. Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections or in resources accessible through the library. J.B. Pritzker on Monday signed into law a bill that he says will make Illinois the first state in the nation to outlaw book bans. Areas of assistance include policy development, minors rights, and professional ethics. Clauses of the First Amendment | The National Constitution Center, Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition: Common Interpretations and Matters for Debate | National Constitution Center, First Amendment - Religion and Expression | FindLaw, Censorship is the suppression of ideas and information that some individuals, groups, or government officials find objectionable or dangerous. 'First of its kind' Illinois law will penalize libraries - AZFamily Deciding what is and is not protected speech is reserved to courts of law. 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. Illinois public libraries that restrict or ban materials because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval will be ineligible for state funding as of Jan. 1, 2024, when the new law goes into effect. Savage is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Inquiries can be directed via email to oif@ala.org or via phone at (312) 280-4226. Your students will analyze primary sources spanning five centuries--colonial codes of law, the Federalist Papers, the . Expurgation as defined by this interpretation includes any deletion, excision, alteration, editing, or obliteration of any part(s) of books or other library resources by the library, its agent, or its parent institution (if any). A year ago, Wayne Wiegand of Wisconsin's Library School asked me to review the Library Bill of Rights as a lawyer. Farm workers fill up bins in the back of a truck with zucchini on a farm in Florida City, Florida, in 2020. (YALSA), Information Technology & Telecommunication Services, Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS), Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR), Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange RT (EMIERT), Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT), Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601 | 1.800.545.2433, Intellectual Freedom: Issues and Resources, Challenged Resources: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, Diverse Collections: An Interpretation of the, Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: An Interpretation of the, Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries. Every restriction on access to, and use of, library resources, based solely on the chronological age, apparent maturity, educational level, literacy skills, emancipatory or other legal status of users violates Article V. This includes minors who do not have a parent or guardian available to sign a library card application or permission slip. Downers Grove Democrat Rep. Anne Stava-Murray sponsored the legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives after a school board in her district was subject to pressure to ban certain content from school libraries. Library Bill of Rights - Escondido Public Library The Supreme Court and other courts have held conclusively that there is a First Amendment right to receive information as a corollary to the right to speak. [Amendment I.] Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Bill of Rights, in the United States, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which were adopted as a single unit on December 15, 1791, and which constitute a collection of mutually reinforcing guarantees of individual rights and of limitations on federal and state governments. Exciting visuals from current events, an engaging historical narrative, brief scholar interviews, and memorable quotes will make this 8-minute video perfect for use on Bill of Rights Day, and every day! Visit our Fight Censorship page for easy-to-access resources. Services, materials, and facilities that fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of providing library services and should be determined on an individual basis. Today, if a labor inspector goes to a farm and finds a 12-year-old working a 14-hour shift in a tobacco field, there would be no violation to report, she notes. The new law will require the states libraries to uphold a pledge not to ban material because of partisan disapproval, starting on Jan. 1, 2024. North Shelby Library Board (AL) may have heard from the vocal minority against a Pride display in the library childrens area, but. JB Pritzker signed the. The Bill of Rights: How Did it Happen? | National Archives The Bill of Rights: A Transcription | National Archives ERIC - Search Results The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. (CNN, BLUEROOMSTREANM) By The Associated Press and CLAIRE SAVAGE Published: Jun. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. THE LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Challenged resources should remain in the collection, and access to the resources remain unrestricted during the review process. This right is explicit in Article Twelve of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. 70 Years of the Library Bill of Rights: Book Censorship - BOOK RIOT Content filtering is exclusive, not inclusive, and cannot effectively curate content or mediate access to resources available on the internet. Facebook and other social media can regulate or restrict speech hosted on their platforms because they are private entities. Ruiz is taking up the mantle from another California Democrat, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, who first introduced the measure in 2005 and repeatedly reintroduced it without success. School and public libraries are charged with the mission of providing services and resources to meet the diverse interests and informational needs of the communities they serve. Restricted Access to Library Materials: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (2014) Dealing with censorship challenges at your library or need to get prepared for them? Revisions to the Library Bill of Rights came in response to several major historical events that impacted U.S. citizens and their First Amendment Rights. Auditing the First Amendment at Your Public Library Im paywalled from this article, though I was able to confirm it via the group instigating Hide the Pride, which is the most messed up sentence to write: you cant get your news from the news, but need to get it from the bigots behind the news story. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. (a) In general. Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 159 the following: " 160. One of the ten amendments of the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment gives everyone residing in the United States the right to hear all sides of every issue and to make their own judgments about those issues without government interference or limitations. Resources Library. Bill of Rights | U.S. Constitution | US Law | LII / Legal Information II. 13 books have been banned in Horry County Schools (SC) this year, and there have been material access restrictions as well. Any attempt, be it legal or extralegal, to regulate or suppress resources in libraries must be closely scrutinized to the end that protected expression is not abridged. The right to speak and the right to publish under the First Amendment has been interpreted widely to protect individuals and society from government attempts to suppress ideas and information, and to forbid government censorship of books, magazines, and newspapers as well as art, film, music and materials on the internet. Justice William Brennan elaborated on this point in 1965: The protection of the Bill of Rights goes beyond the specific guarantees to protect from Congressional abridgment those equally fundamental personal rights necessary to make the express guarantees fully meaningful.I think the right to receive publications is such a fundamental right.The dissemination of ideas can accomplish nothing if otherwise willing addressees are not free to receive and consider them. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signs law to protect doctors providing out Sanders signs a law that makes it easier to employ children, 12-year-olds can't buy cigarettes but they can work in tobacco fields. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. J.B. Pritzker signs a bill, Monday, June 12, 2023, at Harold Washington Librarys Thomas Hughes Childrens Library in downtown Chicago. Libraries: An American Value states, We protect the rights of individuals to express their opinions about library resources and services., Freedom of expression, although it can be offensive to some, is protected by the Constitution of the United States.