Join us at the first-ever Intellectual Freedom Round Table preconference to celebrate the American Library Association‘s Library Bill of Rights. Learn how one of our profession’s core documents has helped library intellectual freedom activists deal with the challenges they themselves have faced.

The preconference is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, 1:00-4:00 p.m., in conjunction with the 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Tickets are only $25 each.

After the keynote address delivered by Dr. Carrie Gardner, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and current member of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, learn what happens when:

. . . Subject experts on a university faculty object to library materials they consider inaccurate—Rosanne Cordell, Head of Reference Services, Schurz Library, Indiana University, South Bend, IN, and current Chair, Intellectual Freedom Round Table

. . . A librarian is accused of sexual harassment because he recommended a controversial book—Scott Savage, Head of Reference and Instruction, Ohio State University, Mansfield, OH

. . . Internet filtering is supposed to prevent a hostile work environment in a private university setting—J. Douglas Archer, Reference and Peace Studies Librarian, Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame, IN

. . . A librarian refuses to give police library circulation records without a subpoena—Michele M. Reutty, Library Director, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

. . . A librarian receives a National Security Letter (NSL) from the FBI—Barbara Bailey, Director, Welles-Turner Memorial Library in Glastonbury, CT

. . . A book challenge provides an opportunity to help school administrators understand the practicality and importance of the Library Bill of Rights—Kelley McDaniel, School Library Media Specialist, King Middle School, Portland, ME

. . . Gay and lesbian library displays are challenged—June Pinnell-Stephens, Collection Services Manager, Retired, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK

. . . A local challenge involving erotica occurs—Kent Oliver, Executive Director, Stark County District Library, Canton, OH, and current Chair of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee

Following their presentations, each panelist will facilitate table discussions focusing on the many interpretations that expand on the guiding principles of the Library Bill of Rights.

To register, check off “Celebrating the Library Bill of Rights” on your ALA paper or online form. If you’ve already registered for the Conference, call 1-800-545-2433, extension 5, to add this preconference to your itinerary.

Visit ALA online for more information on the American Library Association Annual Conference.