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)
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)