Category: Intellectual Freedom Issues
Intellectual Freedom: Where Do We Draw the Line?
The American Library Association defines Intellectual freedom as “the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question cause or movement may be explored.”
Is There a Connection Between Mental Health and Intellectual Freedom?
The former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy considers loneliness to be an epidemic in America. Dr. Murthy called it a pathology which can lead to greater risk of “dementia, anxiety, and depression” which in turn negatively “impacts creativity, reasoning, and decision-making.”
‘The Post,’ the Pentagon Papers, and the Era of Fake News
The First Amendment has been front and center in the press under President Donald Trump’s administration. That’s what makes Steven Spielberg’s new movie so incredibly timely. The director’s latest drama, The Post, chronicles The Washington Post’s 1971 effort to publish the legendary Pentagon Papers.
Freedom to Use Your Mind
To fully understand intellectual freedom, it seems crucial to consider what kinds of barriers to these activities might exist in our local communities and broader American society. The ones I initially think of include self-imposed determinations — I can’t question that! — to outside restrictions — library users in this district can’t access this book! — but perhaps there are others.
Sensitivity Reading, Censorship, and the State of Diversity in Children’s Publishing
Alexandra Alter muses on whether or not the common practice of sensitivity editing sanitizes the work of authors writing outside their experience to the detriment of freedom of expression. Alter interviews authors and other book professionals about their experiences with sensitivity reading and internet backlash against books that readers feel have not gone through rigorous vetting before being published.
The Seven Words You Can’t Say at the CDC…?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has banned a list of seven terms. Among them: “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “diversity,” “transgender,” “fetus,” “evidence-based” and “science-based.” The terms are not to be included by employees in any official documents supporting the CDC’s 2019 budget.
Meet the 2018 Intellectual Freedom Bloggers!
On Monday, we flip the calendars to 2018; we resolve to change our lifestyles for the better; and we welcome a new slate of intellectual freedom advocates to share opinions and knowledge about a core value of the librarian profession.
John Green is My Metaphor for Intellectual Freedom
Green’s new novel ponders the many metaphors we use to describe pain, mental illness, and the narratives of our lives…but I left the book with my own new metaphor.
Intellectual Freedom: A Response
As curators of collections, authorities on access, or just plain bookworms, we have an important role to play right now. If intellectual freedom is based on exploring, changing, improving through the discovery of new ideas then we have an opportunity, because of our particular skill set, to help shift the conversation.
OIF By the Numbers
With its three distinguished leaders over the half-century, the office has transformed into a thriving resource for librarians when First Amendment rights have been trampled. And we couldn’t have done it without you. Here are a few stats that highlight the work we’re proud to continue, and the obstacles our team is determined to tackle with your support.