Professional Statements Regarding Intellectual Freedom

VLA Intellectual Freedom Vision Statement

The Virginia Library Association supports the principle of open access to information and ideas regardless of the medium in which they exist. The Association believes that a democracy can only succeed if its citizens have access to the information necessary to form opinions and make decisions on issues affecting their lives. The Association regards access to this information as a right of free citizens. The Association endorses the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Freedom to Read Statements, the Library Bill of Rights, and the interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights. The Association encourages local library systems to adopt policies consistent with their resources and their mission while supporting these ideals.

Adopted by VLA Library Council June 12, 1998

ALA Code of Ethics

We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.

We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.

We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.

We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.

We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.

We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of the potential members of the profession.

Adopted by the ALA Council June 28, 1995

Library Bill of Rights

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.

Libraries should provide materials and information representing all current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Libraries should challenge censorship in fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.

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 June18, 1948. Amended February 2, 1961 and June 23, 1980 . Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996 , by the ALA Council.

ALA statements and policies are reprinted by permission of the American Library Association.