Intellectual Freedom Checklist

Request for Assistance from KLA

Confidentiality of Library Records

Library Bill of Rights

School Library Bill of Rights

Freedom to Read and View Statements

Censorship Resources

Mission Statement

Library Policies

Importance of a Materials Selection Policy

Elements of a Materials Selection Policy

General Elements of a Policy

Preparing Policies

Requests for Reconsideration of Library Materials and Programs

General Guidelines for Policies on Requests for Reconsideration

Internal Response to a Request for Reconsideration

External Response to a Request for Reconsideration

Concluding the Request for Reconsideration Process

Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records

Internet Policies

Kansas Public Records Law

Importance Maintaining Records

Intellectual Freedom Documents

Other Sources of Intellectual Freedom Assistance

Examples of Letters and Policies

Intellectual Freedom Quotes

Selected Bibliography

 Intellectual Freedom Handbook

DRAFT DOCUMENT February 14, 2005

Preface This is the first online edition of the Kansas Library Association (KLA) Intellectual Freedom Handbook and the first published version since 1993. It is designed to serve libraries and librarians in a variety of settings. The purpose of this handbook is to assist Kansas librarians as they strive to provide public access to information as they help their communities participate in all the privileges of a democratic society.

Introduction

[Patti Butcher – statement?]

Intellectual Freedom Statement

The Kansas Library Association upholds the constitutional right to free expression and the freedom to read as a corollary of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press. We believe that free, unrestricted access to information, even if that information, is not commonly accepted or popular, is vital in a democracy. We believe Kansans have the right to form their own opinions based upon their free inquiries and interpretations of intellectual materials. We believe it is the responsibility of Kansas libraries to uphold intellectual freedom by selecting and making available a wide range of materials for their communities, by protecting the privacy of their users, by defending users' constitutional rights to access, and by challenging restrictions that limit access. The Kansas Library Association subscribes in full to the principles set forth in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, and subsequent interpretative statements.

Adopted by KLA Council, XXXX XX, 2005.

Seeking Assistance from the Kansas Library Association

The Kansas Library Association cannot provide legal counsel or direct funding to handle requests for reconsideration of materials but will offer the skills, experience and energy of its membership to defend established intellectual freedom principles. The Kansas Library Association is currently headquartered at the Topeka Shawnee County Library, 1020 SW Washburn Ave , Topeka , KS 66604 and may be reached by calling or faxing to 785-235-1383

To help it respond on behalf of libraries and librarians in Kansas who receive requests for reconsideration of items in their collections, the KLA needs to be aware of such incidents. Any library employee, Friend or trustee who knows of a problem is encouraged to contact to file a “Request for Assistance.” Every effort will be made to respond to reported incidents with guidance that is timely, practical and effective. KLA will never interfere with the local librarian's prerogative to resolve their issue in a manner suitable to the local context. KLA may report serious incidents to the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association.