This week, the OIF Blog will be featuring wrap-ups of last month’s ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, each post featuring a different intellectual freedom group. Today’s featured group: the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.

• IFRT endorsed in principle the “Resolution to Protect Library User Confidentiality in Self-Service Hold Practices” (drafted by the IFC Privacy Subcommittee) and unanimously endorsed the “Resolution to Continue Opposition to the Use of Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Use of National Security Letters to Violate Reader Privacy” (IFC/COL joint resolution) for ALA Council to adopt. The full text of each Resolution can be found in the IFC Report to Council. Both Resolutions were adopted by ALA Council during its third session on Tuesday, June 28.
• Incoming Chair, Carrie Gardner, put out a call for volunteers to fill out open IFRT committee positions.  To join IFRT and volunteer for a position, please visit the IFRT Membership Page.
• On Saturday, June 25, IFRT recognized the work of Michael Blasenstein and Michael Dax Iacovone by presenting them with the John Philip Immroth Award.  Photos of the event can be found on the IFRT Facebook page.
• Following the awards reception, IFRT sponsored a program featuring Rick Falkvinge, founder of the first Pirate Party, and moderated by IFRT Chair Loida Garcia-Febo.  The program, “New Technologies: The Impact on Government Transparency,” was well received, and Mr. Falkvinge offered his thoughts after the program: