Foundations of Intellectual Freedom

by Emily J.M. Knox

Featuring questions for further study and inquiry in each major chapter, this book introduces the key concept of intellectual freedom to those about to enter the profession, providing a concise overview of principles, ongoing and current debates, and best practices.

Enshrined in the mission statement of ALA, intellectual freedom is one of the core values of the information professions. The importance of ensuring information access to all, and the historical, social, and legal foundations of this commitment, are powerfully explored in this essential primer. Designed to function as both an introductory text for LIS students as well as a complementary resource for current professionals, this book provides a cohesive, holistic perspective on intellectual freedom. Extending beyond censorship to encompass such timely and urgent topics as hate speech and social justice, from this book readers will gain an understanding of:

• the historical and legal roots of intellectual freedom, with an in-depth examination of John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" and Article 19 of the U.N Declaration of Human Rights, and its central concepts and principles;
• the intersection of intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, and social justice;
• professional values, codes of ethics, ALA's Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read/View Statements;
• pro- and anti- censorship arguments and their use in impeding and facilitating access to information;
• book banning and internet filtering;
• privacy and its relationship to information services;
• U.S. case law and precedents;
• the basics of U.S. copyright law, including fair use, and how it differs from international copyright law; and
• emerging global issues and their impact on future intellectual freedom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2022

About the author

Emily is an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Her research interests include intellectual freedom and censorship, the intersection of print culture and reading practices, and information ethics and policy.

She loves Tamora Pierce, Bach, and all things Star Wars.

Reviews

[DW]

Highly relevant to anyone in the field of libraries and public discourse.

[Shannen]

This book was very interesting and gave some significant perspective to the ideas of intellectual freedom and censorship. I look forward to digging further into the ideas discussed via the recommended readings listed throughout the book.

[Sara]

review to come but an excellent survey course from the incomparable emily knox!

[Ashton]

Professor Knox does a fantastic job of exploring the discourse of Intellectual Freedom. I appreciated the recommended reading in this book.

[Megan]

Very informative, but very dense