A Fresh Look at the Library Bill of Rights - Part I
A Living and Vital Document
Taken from the Fall 1995
NCompass
The Library Bill of Rights is a living and vital document, basic
to all aspects of library practice and operation. Like many documents representing
fundamental principles, the familiarity and institutionalization of the
Library Bill of Rights may render it abstract and meaningless
to librarians involved in day-to-day library operations. In the coming
months, NCompass will print a series of articles exploring the applications
and possible ramifications of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill
of Rights in libraries of all types and sizes. Library Bill of Rights
is printed below:
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries
are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies
should guide their services:
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Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library
serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation.
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Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points
of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed
or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
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Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility
to provide information and enlightenment.
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Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
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A person is right to use a library should not be denied or abridged
because of origin, age, background, or views.
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Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the
public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable
basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups
requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948 Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967, and
January 23, 1980 by the American Library Association Council.
Affirmed as Nebraska Library Bill of Rights April 3, 1981 by unanimous
adoption of the Nebraska Library Commission.