Intellectual Freedom Manual

Rating:
Summary: Intellectual Freedom Manual
Review: This sixth edition updates the 1996 edition of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom manual. It contains new material related to libraries and the Internet, particularly the "Resolution and Statement on Library Use of Filtering Software" and the article "Libraries and the Internet." Part I provides an overview of intellectual freedom and libraries, both historical and contemporary. The second part explains the Library Bill of Rights, with interpretation and history on each section. Access, diversity, evaluating collections, expurgation, programming, meeting rooms, barriers, and labeling are just some of the areas covered in this section. The third section, titled "Protecting the Freedom to Read," covers policy statements, resolutions, guidelines, and their histories, including confidentiality and Internet filtering. Part IV discusses intellectual freedom and the law, covering the First Amendment and court cases. Parts V and VI focus on preparing for challenges and include strategies and advice on how to respond to them. In many spots, the text refers the reader to ALA's Web site for further information because certain material from previous editions had to be removed to make room for new information. This indispensable title is both philosophical and practical. It should be shared with staff and trustees and consulted often. It is a necessary purchase for every library and especially those serving youth.

Rating:
Summary: Intellectual Freedom Manual
Review: This sixth edition updates the 1996 edition of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom manual. It contains new material related to libraries and the Internet, particularly the "Resolution and Statement on Library Use of Filtering Software" and the article "Libraries and the Internet." Part I provides an overview of intellectual freedom and libraries, both historical and contemporary. The second part explains the Library Bill of Rights, with interpretation and history on each section. Access, diversity, evaluating collections, expurgation, programming, meeting rooms, barriers, and labeling are just some of the areas covered in this section. The third section, titled "Protecting the Freedom to Read," covers policy statements, resolutions, guidelines, and their histories, including confidentiality and Internet filtering. Part IV discusses intellectual freedom and the law, covering the First Amendment and court cases. Parts V and VI focus on preparing for challenges and include strategies and advice on how to respond to them. In many spots, the text refers the reader to ALA's Web site for further information because certain material from previous editions had to be removed to make room for new information. This indispensable title is both philosophical and practical. It should be shared with staff and trustees and consulted often. It is a necessary purchase for every library and especially those serving youth.