Intellectual Freedom
A commitment to intellectual freedom transforms your library.
ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom—the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all people of its community.
Featured
The Journal of Intellectual Freedom & Privacy includes peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, the latest book banning incidents, court rulings, and legal controversies.
The Intellectual Freedom News is a free weekly compilation. Every Friday, explore privacy, censorship, access, and First Amendment news articles from all over the country - right in your inbox.
Explore core documents, guidelines, publications, toolkits, and Q&As about intellectual freedom and privacy in libraries.
Other Resources
Banned Books Week
Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. I
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage.
Intellectual Freedom Blog
Assistance & Consultation
The staff of the Office for Intellectual Freedom is available to answer questions or provide assistance to librarians, trustees, educators and the public about intellectual freedom issues and resources. Areas of assistance include policy development, First Amendment issues, and professional ethics. Inquiries can be directed via email to oif@ala.org or via phone at (312) 280-4226.
Contact
American Library Association
225 Michigan Ave, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
312-280-4226
oif@ala.org
Become a member of the International Freedom Round Table for only $15 a year.
