IFRT Committees

ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) committee descriptions.

Volunteer for the Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Bylaws and Organization Committee - The Bylaws and Organization Committee is responsible for reviewing, recommending, and seeking approval of changes to the bylaws and guiding documents of IFRT and its committees.

Coalition Building Committee - The Coalition Building Committee, charged with administering the Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award, recognizes that effective coalition building in units provides the necessary framework to oppose censorship at the ground level.

Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award Committee - The Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award Committee recognizes a significant published work in the area of intellectual freedom. Books and articles are awarded in alternate years. (Commonly known as the Oboler Committee)

Executive Committee - The Intellectual Freedom Round Table is governed by an Executive Committee which shall: provide leadership and oversight for the round table; support and facilitate the work of IFRT committees; conduct all business between membership meetings; carry out the formal decisions of membership; review and approve an annual round table budget; provide reports to membership through round table communication channels; and collaborate with other groups and efforts within the broader Association.

John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Committee - The John Phillip Immroth Award Committee serves as the award jury to select and honor notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression. (Commonly known as the Immroth Committee)

Membership Promotion Committee - The Membership Promotion Committee develops and undertakes effective ways to attract new members to IFRT, as well as to retain current members. This committee works with the Executive Committee and other IFRT committees to communicate the value of belonging to the round table.

Merritt Fund Promotion Committee - The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund provides financial support to librarians who are denied employment rights because of their defense of intellectual freedom and privacy, or as a result of discrimination. Members of this committee raise awareness of the Merritt fund.

Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee, chaired by the immediate past chair of the Round Table, shall seek candidates for the Round Table’s elected offices and prepares a slate of candidates for each spring election.

Programming and Events Committee - This committee works to plan and deliver member programming and events that meet the needs and strategic goals of IFRT.

Publications & Communications Committee - The Publications & Communications Committee promotes and documents the activities of the IFRT. This includes providing updates for the IFRT website, publishing the newsletter, producing the annual report, and promoting IFRT through social media channels.