What is the ALA Library Bill of Rights and how does it protect intellectual freedom in libraries?
To address concerns about library materials, ALA encourages libraries to create their own collection policies, using The Library Bill of Rights as a basis. The ALA Library Bill of Rights constitutes its basic policy on intellectual freedom. It remains “a vibrant statement of principle and a useful guide to action for librarians in all library settings.” To answer questions arising from how to apply these principles to specific library practices, ALA also provides Interpretations to the Library Bill of Rights. These policies address such issues as access to library resources and services regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation; diversity in collection development; access to libraries for minors; labels and rating systems; access to meeting rooms; and privacy. How do librarians protect children from sensitive materials? ALA believes that it is “the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library and its resource
