Intellectual Freedom Manual

September 15, 2015

The ninth edition of ALA's Intellectual Freedom Manual is almost half the size of the 2010 edition but covers much of the same ground: the Library Bill of Rights, access to digital resources and meeting rooms, access issues for the disabled and minors, the freedom to read, and guidelines on policy development. New topics include copyright, laws on labeling and rating systems, greater coverage of Internet filtering, and an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights concerning prisoners' right to read. Magi's and Garner's supplement, A History of ALA Policy on Intellectual Freedom, now contains the historical essays about policy statements. Magi (library science, Univ. of Vermont; Protecting 'our Precious Liberties') and Garnar (library science, Regis Univ.) used their intellectual freedom advocacy expertise to shape a thought-provoking guide to current issues about information access, censorship, and the legalities facing librarians as they serve diverse patrons. Mark Alfino's and Laura Koltutsky's The Library Juice Press Handbook of Intellectual Freedom explores philosophical concepts and contemporary controversies for those seeking further reading. VERDICT Administrators, reference librarians, and library school students can all benefit from this convenient, recommended overview of intellectual freedom and the ongoing need to protect information access.--Betty J. Glass, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2021

Now in its 10th edition, this manual remains the singular guide to intellectual property for librarians and library administrators tasked with addressing issues related to copyright, censorship, ethics, and advocacy. Since the publication of the ninth edition, evolving public sentiment and significant changes in federal and international law (such as the expiration of parts of the USA Patriot Act) have necessitated a sweeping revision of the book. In this updated version, editors Garnar (director, Amherst Coll. Lib.) and Magi (reference and instruction librarian, Univ. of Vermont) offer eight new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, taking on topics such as politics, religion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also included is a new article, "When To Call the Police," which lays out actions that require law enforcement intervention and also details activities that are not illegal in a library, such as breastfeeding or experiencing homelessness. VERDICT Library administrators will find that the guidance included in the 10th edition supersedes that of the ninth edition, particularly in the "Deeper Look" sections, and is thus a crucial replacement. Librarians of all kinds will appreciate the continuing reflection on our professional principles and values.--Jennifer Townes, Ina Dillard Russell Lib., Milledgeville, GA

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.