THIS GUIDE was created to help those looking for information

-on intellectual freedom

-on the importance of intellectual freedom

-and on the role it plays in the delivery of library and information services. 

Both the importance of intellectual freedom for the academic community and for those considering services to children are considered.

CONTENTS

Intellectual Freedom Policies

Intellectual Freedom and the Internet

Cyberspace Law

Intellectual Freedom Issues & Children

Censorship

USA PATRIOT ACT

Most Library online resources can be accessed from off campus by current UD faculty, staff, and students. When using links on these pages, you may be prompted for your UDelNetID and password. If you encounter problems accessing Library databases, e-journals, or e-books, use the UD proxy login page.

The profession of librarianship views intellectual freedom as a core responsibility.  Librarians are expected to adhere to the principles of intellectual freedom and uninhibited access to information.  Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas.  

Intellectual Freedom is important because it is essential for a democratic system of governance.  To govern themselves responsibily, people must be well-informed. Libraries provide access to the ideas and information needed for them to do so.

"Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas" (Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A, The American Library Association).

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers" (Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaraion of Human Rights).

American Library Association

American Library Association Library Bill of Rights

Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights 

American Library Association Code of Ethics

American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom

University of Delaware Faculty Senate Resolution

Confidentiality of Library Records

American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

On Freedom of Expression and Campus Speech Codes