The new tenth edition of the “Intellectual Freedom Manual,” published by ALA Editions in collaboration with ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is now available. This new edition was made possible with the help of UVM Libraries' own Trina Magi (Assistant Editor). Both in and out of the library, Trina works tirelessly to advocate for privacy and intellectual freedom. The UVM Libraries offers hearty congratulations to Trina and Martin Garner (Editor) on another invaluable edition of this foundational resource! For more information on the “Intellectual Freedom Manual” and ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, see the press release below. You can find the manual in the Howe Library collection.

For Immediate Release:

CHICAGO — The new tenth edition of “Intellectual Freedom Manual,“ published by ALA Editions in collaboration with ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), is more than simply an update of a foundational text that has served as a crucial resource for more than four decades. It is a living document that serves as the authoritative reference for day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people. Whether you’re developing or revising policies, on-boarding new staff or trustees, responding to challenges and controversies, or studying librarianship, you’ll find this an indispensable resource, with features such as:

• ALA policy statements, approved by committees and Council, articulating core intellectual freedom principles and best practices;
• 8 new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, which address urgent issues like internet filtering, public performances, political activity, religion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• “Issues at a Glance” sidebars which present key concepts, points of law, tips, and questions for reflection;
• expanded content about developing library policies that support intellectual freedom;
• updated information on censorship of library programs, displays, and databases;
• “Advocacy and Assistance,” a section offering concrete guidance when you’re called on to talk to the media or meet with legislators;
• Deeper Look essays which examine the laws related to library operations;
• advice on when to call the police, when not to, and how to handle personally identifiable information when they arrive; and
• an expanded glossary.

Martin Garnar (editor) is the director of the Amherst College Library. He has taught professional ethics, library instruction, and the foundations of library and information science for the University of Denver’s LIS program. He has served as chair of the ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Committee on Professional Ethics and as president of the Freedom to Read Foundation. Trina Magi (Assistant Editor) is a library professor and reference and instruction librarian at the University of Vermont. She has chaired state and regional intellectual freedom committees, served on the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and published numerous articles on privacy. She has won several awards for her intellectual freedom advocacy.

Established December 1, 1967, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

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