Intellectual Freedom Manual

by American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Library Science, School, Librarianship, Education, Textbooks

521 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[❂ Ann ❂]

Candace 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.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

My class is both kinda awesome and kinda boring simultaneously.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've come a long way.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential manual for education professionals, especially teacher librarians, to navigate the importance of intellectual freedom and protecting everyone's rights to access information.

[Megan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good information, especially relevant for current times and issues.

[Mary Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and use in practice

[Taylor Worsham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for research in LI810: Research in Library & Information Science

Foundational text. Approachable and thorough.

[Shannen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kendra Doolin]

Intellectual 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

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A foundational text and a crucial, functional guidebook for any and all librarians.

[Lane Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poorly written, self-contradictory and inconsistent. Needs a complete overhaul.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an acquisitions and collections class

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kristin Fletcher-spear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Refresher read of it so I could take notes for a chapter I'm writing.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive.

[Amanda Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A conveniently easy to use manual. Read for class; will be keeping on my shelf as a reference.

[Ida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issues faced by librarians and others.