Foundations of Intellectual Freedom

Emily J. M. Knox (Author)

9780838937839

Paperback / softback, published 9 March 2022

144 pages
25.4 x 17.7 x 0.7 cm, 0.363 kg

"An excellent addition to ALA Neal-Schuman’s 'Foundations' series ... Some parts of this book may appeal to students and academics interested in brushing up on current definitions of key concepts related to intellectual freedom: freedom of expression, access to information, censorship, and privacy. Other parts of this book contextualize intellectual freedom within the library profession and will be best appreciated by librarians grappling with professional ethics in a changing socio-political landscape ... Knox offers a primer on intellectual freedom for library students and librarians alike, succinctly revealing the complexity of this timely topic."—Library Journal

"The book’s central chapters explore the intersections between intellectual freedom and the often competing values of freedom of expression, information access, privacy, and copyright, and the two concluding chapters focus on their implications for information professionals. While the inclusion of discussion questions and annotated lists of recommended reading will make this a natural fit for MLIS courses, Knox’s concise approach ensures its usefulness for librarians and library workers at all levels."—Booklist

Featuring case studies and questions for further study and inquiry in each major chapter, this book introduces the key concept of intellectual freedom to those about to enter the profession, providing a concise overview of principles, ongoing and current debates, and best practices.

Enshrined in the mission statement of ALA, intellectual freedom is one of the core values of the information professions. The importance of ensuring information access to all, and the historical, social, and legal foundations of this commitment, are powerfully explored in this essential primer. Designed to function as both an introductory text for LIS students as well as a complementary resource for current professionals, this book provides a cohesive, holistic perspective on intellectual freedom. Extending beyond censorship to encompass such timely and urgent topics as hate speech and social justice, from this book readers will gain an understanding of

• the historical and legal roots of intellectual freedom, with an in-depth examination of John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” and Article 19 of the U.N Declaration of Human Rights, and its central concepts and principles;
• the intersection of intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, and social justice;
• professional values, codes of ethics, ALA’s Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read/View Statements;
• pro- and anti- censorship arguments and their use in impeding and facilitating access to information;
• book banning and internet filtering;
• privacy and its relationship to information services;
• U.S. case law and precedents;
• the basics of U.S. copyright law, including fair use, and how it differs from international copyright law; and
• emerging global issues and their impact on future intellectual freedom.

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1: Intellectual Freedom: A Core and Contested Value
• Chapter 2: A History of Intellectual Freedom
• Chapter 3: Freedom of Expression
• Chapter 4: Information Access and Censorship
• Chapter 5: Privacy and Intellectual Freedom
• Chapter 6: Copyright and Intellectual Freedom
• Chapter 7: Intellectual Freedom and the Information Professions
• Chapter 8: Current and Future Issues in Intellectual FreedomIndex