A Reflection on Intellectual Freedom in Academic Libraries

A Reflection on Intellectual Freedom in Academic Libraries

The following blog intends to explore the topic of intellectual freedom in the setting of academic libraries. Different terms were used in order to search for the appropriate content. Besides using the term “Intellectual Freedom”, I also used “censorship”, and “Freedom of Information.” The content includes articles that discuss intellectual freedom, web resources, grants, journals, and more.

Towards the end of the project I concluded that even though we have gotten far in the area of freedom of information, we still have a long way to go. The ALA infographic on intellectual freedom states that 3% of banned materials take place in academic libraries. Evidently, information and resources are there to support intellectual freedom, it’s just a matter of making the most out of these resources. Intellectual freedom is fundamental in libraries, its what libraries are all about, it’s what democracy is all about. 

Individuals have the right to access and receive information regardless of the personal biases of those in power. Libraries essential task is to provide information to all while taking into consideration different perspectives, and allowing citizens the right to be informed. When certain sources are banned or censored, librarians must be objective and make ethical decisions that best suit the needs of the community it serves.