ITEM NUMBER: 4.13 a-b

CHAPTER 4: Library

Statements

CODE: Policy

COMPUTER ID: LS-13



Title: Access to Library Materials - Restricted

An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Effective Date: 11-24-86

Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees

Date of Last Review: 7-2013



Libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of information. Attempts to restrict

access to library materials violate the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights

.



Some libraries place materials in a "closed shelf," "locked case," "adults only," "restricted

shelf," or "high-demand" collection. Some libraries have applied filtering software to their

Internet stations to prevent users from finding targeted categories of information, much of

which is constitutionally protected. Some libraries block access to certain materials by

placing other barriers between the user and those materials.



Because restricted materials often deal with controversial, unusual, or sensitive subjects,

having to ask a librarian or circulation clerk for access to them may be embarrassing or

inhibiting for patrons desiring the materials. Requiring a user to ask for materials may

create a service barrier or pose a language-skills barrier. Even when a title is listed in the

catalog with a reference to its restricted status, a barrier is placed between the patron and

the publication.

(See also "Labels and Rating Systems

,") Because restricted materials often feature

information that some people consider objectionable, potential library users may be

predisposed to think of the materials as objectionable and, therefore, be reluctant to ask for

access to them.



Limiting access by relegating materials into physically or virtually restricted or segregated

collections or restricting materials by creating age-related, linguistic, economic,

psychological, or other barriers violates the Library Bill of Rights. However, some libraries

have established restrictive policies to protect their materials from theft or mutilation, or

because of statutory authority or institutional mandate. Such policies must be carefully

formulated and administered to ensure they do not violate established principles of

intellectual freedom. This caution is reflected in ALA policies, such as "Evaluating Library

Collections," "Free Acess to Libraries for Minors," "Preservation Policy," and the

ACRL "Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians

."



In keeping with the "Joint Statement on Access

" of the American Library Association and

Society of American Archivists, libraries should avoid accepting donor agreements or

entering into contracts that impose permanent restrictions on special collections. As stated

ITEM NUMBER: 4.13 b





in the "Joint Statement," it is the responsibility of libraries with such collections "to make

available original research materials in its possession on equal terms of access."



All proposals for restricted access collections should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that

the purpose is not to suppress a viewpoint or to place a barrier between certain patrons

and particular content. A primary goal of the library profession is to facilitate access to all

points of view on current and historical issues.



Adopted February 2, 1973 by the ALA Council; amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991;

July 12, 2000;

June 30, 2004



(ISBN 8389-7552-6)