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Intellectual Freedom Manual
Libraries, havens for the free exchange of ideas and information, face wide-ranging challenges relating to privacy and censorship from government, special interest groups, and others. With the updated seventh edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual, librarians have practical support at hand to address these troubling problems.
This bible for intellectual freedom includes the most up-to-date intellectual freedom guidelines, policies, and interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, along with the ALA Code of Ethics and Freedom to Read Statement.
Eight newly amended policies along with substantively revised policies and new articles from leading experts address timely issues. Now, like never before, libraries must stand strong as beacons of intellectual freedom for all. ALA's Intellectual Freedom Manual provides the answers they need.
This bible for intellectual freedom includes the most up-to-date intellectual freedom guidelines, policies, and interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, along with the ALA Code of Ethics and Freedom to Read Statement.
Eight newly amended policies along with substantively revised policies and new articles from leading experts address timely issues. Now, like never before, libraries must stand strong as beacons of intellectual freedom for all. ALA's Intellectual Freedom Manual provides the answers they need.
521 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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October 3, 2019Candace Morgan will be "very" upset to learn that I've just won an intellectual freedom award named after her! It's truly humbling. That said, and all kidding aside, I will make it known that this IF manual is the last of its kind. The eighth edition combines both intellectual freedom principles and its supplemental history, citing relevant Supreme court cases. Though thicker and more academic in scope, the manual shows users how the principles were derived. Because it encourages critical inquiry, it's still my preference and go-to manual. I hope the new 10th edition, currently in development, will bring back some of the passages from the 8th, while adding new material such as--challenges to graphic novels, trigger warnings and the disinviting of "controversial" speakers on college campuses. I'm looking forward to the update. For now, I will keep the 8th by my nightstand.
February 25, 2016
This incredible book, now in its ninth edition, comes across as a revolutionary text in the vein of the Declaration of Independence or--perhaps more apropos--John Perry Barlow's Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace. In no uncertain words, it repeatedly calls on libraries to resist government intrusion into what patrons read, look up, or discuss, even if that material is in frank opposition to the government. It's a glorious celebration of intellectual freedom and a harsh rebuke to overly zealous government surveillance, replete with case examples of brave librarians fighting (and winning) on behalf of their patrons' constitutional rights. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2008
My class is both kinda awesome and kinda boring simultaneously.
May 12, 2015
We've come a long way.
January 15, 2022
An essential manual for education professionals, especially teacher librarians, to navigate the importance of intellectual freedom and protecting everyone's rights to access information.
February 22, 2022
A lot of good information, especially relevant for current times and issues.
October 6, 2026
[This review is for the book's 2026 edition]
This 304-page volume is a reference work, which should be perused by familiarizing oneself with the definitions and taking note of the parts & chapters for future reference.
Having recently retired from academia after 53 years, I am deeply familiar with the notion of academic freedom, but the expression "intellectual freedom" is new to me. The American Library Association has adopted intellectual freedom as a foundational value, but, strangely, offers no official definition for it. Prior editions of the manual under review gave the following definition:
"... the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides free access to all expressions of ideas, through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored." [p. 3]
The right to privacy is a crucial safeguard to this freedom, ensuring everyone has the right to develop their thoughts and opinions, free of surveillance. As a fundamental human right, included in United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, intellectual freedom is more than just freedom of speech or freedom of thought; it also includes respect for each person and their ability to make their own decisions.
I am writing this review as we observe the Banned Books Week 2026 (October 4-10). It goes without saying that banning books is a direct violation of intellectual freedom, as do other restrictions on libraries, which are acknowledged as an American value.
The manual consists of front matter (5 Actions, Introduction, Prologue), back matter (Glossary, Further Reading, About the Contributors), and three parts.
- Part I. Intellectual Freedom and Libraries (Chs. 1-3)
- Part II. Intellectual Freedom Topics and Best Practices (Chs. 4-12)
- Part III. Advocacy and Assistance (Chs. 13-14)
Chapter 2, entitled "Core Intellectual Freedom Documents of the American Library Association," includes five documents, beginning with "Library Bill of Rights" (adopted June 19, 1939 and amended multiple times thereafter), which is a must-read for every citizen.
The Bill, which includes a short preamble and seven brief articles, is available on-line.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreed...
This 304-page volume is a reference work, which should be perused by familiarizing oneself with the definitions and taking note of the parts & chapters for future reference.
Having recently retired from academia after 53 years, I am deeply familiar with the notion of academic freedom, but the expression "intellectual freedom" is new to me. The American Library Association has adopted intellectual freedom as a foundational value, but, strangely, offers no official definition for it. Prior editions of the manual under review gave the following definition:
"... the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides free access to all expressions of ideas, through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored." [p. 3]
The right to privacy is a crucial safeguard to this freedom, ensuring everyone has the right to develop their thoughts and opinions, free of surveillance. As a fundamental human right, included in United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, intellectual freedom is more than just freedom of speech or freedom of thought; it also includes respect for each person and their ability to make their own decisions.
I am writing this review as we observe the Banned Books Week 2026 (October 4-10). It goes without saying that banning books is a direct violation of intellectual freedom, as do other restrictions on libraries, which are acknowledged as an American value.
The manual consists of front matter (5 Actions, Introduction, Prologue), back matter (Glossary, Further Reading, About the Contributors), and three parts.
- Part I. Intellectual Freedom and Libraries (Chs. 1-3)
- Part II. Intellectual Freedom Topics and Best Practices (Chs. 4-12)
- Part III. Advocacy and Assistance (Chs. 13-14)
Chapter 2, entitled "Core Intellectual Freedom Documents of the American Library Association," includes five documents, beginning with "Library Bill of Rights" (adopted June 19, 1939 and amended multiple times thereafter), which is a must-read for every citizen.
The Bill, which includes a short preamble and seven brief articles, is available on-line.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreed...
August 27, 2022
Easy to read and use in practice
December 5, 2022
Used for research in LI810: Research in Library & Information Science
Foundational text. Approachable and thorough.
Foundational text. Approachable and thorough.
September 4, 2023
Parts of it were agressively redundant, but I get that it's meant to be consulted when an issue arrises more than to be read straight through.
October 4, 2026
Read for class! Could see myself having a copy of this to refer to once I have my own library.
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May 4, 2014Intellectual freedom manual (8th ed.). (2010). Chicago: American Library Association.
Review: http://booklistonline.com/Intellectua...
Reference Type: Handbook
Content/Scope: This tool is used to assist librarians in applying the principles of intellectual freedom to library service. It is beneficial to those who are writing and revising policies.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The Intellectual Freedom Manual is published by the American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book provides well-organized, clear, and thorough information. It's table of contents, glossary, index, and selected bibliography are useful in finding information needed.
Relation to similar works: There are not any similar works in the collection.
Timeliness/Permanence: Four editions have been published since 1996. They are updated as information changes.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book would be used by librarians in any setting. Booklist Online states it is a must purchase for all libraries.
Cost: $65
Review: http://booklistonline.com/Intellectua...
Reference Type: Handbook
Content/Scope: This tool is used to assist librarians in applying the principles of intellectual freedom to library service. It is beneficial to those who are writing and revising policies.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The Intellectual Freedom Manual is published by the American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book provides well-organized, clear, and thorough information. It's table of contents, glossary, index, and selected bibliography are useful in finding information needed.
Relation to similar works: There are not any similar works in the collection.
Timeliness/Permanence: Four editions have been published since 1996. They are updated as information changes.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book would be used by librarians in any setting. Booklist Online states it is a must purchase for all libraries.
Cost: $65
January 11, 2009
A foundational text and a crucial, functional guidebook for any and all librarians.
May 25, 2009
Very poorly written, self-contradictory and inconsistent. Needs a complete overhaul.
November 10, 2009
For an acquisitions and collections class
January 13, 2010
For class. The 75% in the middle is all very informative but very dry. Some of it was also quite repetitive. There is some pretty interesting stuff at the beginning and end though.
February 9, 2012
Refresher read of it so I could take notes for a chapter I'm writing.
October 7, 2012
Have to read it for class, but learning so much from it! Not the worst textbook I've ever had to work through and it is easy to read.
June 30, 2015
Comprehensive.
August 7, 2019
A conveniently easy to use manual. Read for class; will be keeping on my shelf as a reference.
May 19, 2021
Issues faced by librarians and others.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews