How library collections promote Intellectual Freedom

The webinar I chose to include is a good base for promoting intellectual freedom within academic libraries. It is titled: Collection Development Basics. The webinar can serve as a good starting point for those starting library employees who need training on the concepts of intellectual freedom, and can also serve as a refresher course for those library employees who manage library collections and promote library services.

The workshop’s main objectives are the following: Definition of collection development; Concepts of Intellectual Freedom that inform collection development; Outline of the collection development cycle; and Basic community needs assessment tools. The webinar discusses how a library collection is dependent on proper selection and the importance of deciding which materials should be added to a library collection. The webinar payed special focus on how library resources must represent in some way or form the members of its community. The resources of the library should reflect the information needs of its members. The webinar discusses what intellectual freedom is. Intellectual freedom involves the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. Libraries should provide free access to all expressions of ideas. The contrary to this concept is censorship. Censorship is the suppression of ideas and certain information. The workshop mentions that people can get upset at libraries when they object to certain contents that are made available. Common issues that have been challenged by patrons are: graphic novels, articles that discuss abortion or drugs, books on locksmith, the Coran and books that include racial slurs.

Library staff should understand that perceptions and standards are not the same as everyone’s. Libraries protect people’s right to read and view information- the Library Bill of Rights.

Overall, the webinar is very informative on what the concept of intellectual freedom is about and its relationship to the members of the community. The workshop mentions the community’s role when it comes to building a collection. Understanding the needs and having an idea of who are the people that make up a community is vital to creating a collection that appeals to as much people as possible. Generally, intellectual freedom and freedom of information in libraries is viewed through the sources or services offered by the library. I believe this is a good tool to understanding intellectual freedom. Being clear as to what this entails will make sure library staff are upholding one of the library’s main tenets.

Citation:

Idaho State Library. “Collection Development Basics." Webinar. Alternative Basic Library Education. 2011.