ITEM NUMBER: 4.11 a-b
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-11
Title: Library Initiated Programs as a Resource,
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
Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library by providing users with
additional opportunities for information, education, and recreation. Article I of the Library
Bill of Rights states: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves."
Library-initiated programs take advantage of library staff expertise, collections, services and
facilities to increase access to information and information resources. Library-initiated
programs introduce users and potential users to the resources of the library and to the
library's primary function as a facilitator of information access. The library may participate
in cooperative or joint programs with other agencies, organizations, institutions, or
individuals as part of its own effort to address information needs and to facilitate information
access in the community the library serves.
Library-initiated programs on site and in other locations include, but are not limited to,
speeches, community forums, discussion groups, demonstrations, displays, and live or
media presentations.
Libraries serving multilingual or multicultural communities should make efforts to
accommodate the information needs of those for whom English is a second language.
Library-initiated programs that cross language and cultural barriers introduce otherwise
unserved populations to the resources of the library and provide access to information.
Library-initiated programs "should not be proscribed or removed (or canceled) because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval" of the contents of the program or the views expressed by
the participants, as stated in Article II of the Library Bill of Rights. Library sponsorship of a
program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views
expressed by the participants, any more than the purchase of material for the library
collection constitutes an endorsement of the contents of the material or the views of its
creator.
ITEM NUMBER: 4.11 b
Library-initiated programs are a library resource, and, as such, are developed in
accordance with written guidelines, as approved and adopted by the library's policy-making
body. These guidelines should include an endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and set
forth the library's commitment to free and open access to information and ideas for all
users.
Library staff select topics, speakers and resource materials for library-initiated programs
based on the interests and information needs of the community. Topics, speakers and
resource materials are not excluded from library-initiated programs because of possible
controversy. Concerns, questions or complaints about library- initiated programs are
handled according to the same written policy and procedures which govern
reconsiderations of other library resources.
Library-initiated programs are offered free of charge and are open to all. Article V of the
Library Bill of Rights states: "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or
abridged because of origin, age, background, or views."
The "right to use a library" encompasses all of the resources the library offers, including the
right to attend library-initiated programs. Libraries do not deny or abridge access to library
resources, including library initiated-programs, based on an individual's economic
background and ability to pay.
Adopted January 27, 1982; amended June 26, 1990; July 12, 2000, by the ALA Council.
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-11
Title: Library Initiated Programs as a Resource,
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
Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library by providing users with
additional opportunities for information, education, and recreation. Article I of the Library
Bill of Rights states: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves."
Library-initiated programs take advantage of library staff expertise, collections, services and
facilities to increase access to information and information resources. Library-initiated
programs introduce users and potential users to the resources of the library and to the
library's primary function as a facilitator of information access. The library may participate
in cooperative or joint programs with other agencies, organizations, institutions, or
individuals as part of its own effort to address information needs and to facilitate information
access in the community the library serves.
Library-initiated programs on site and in other locations include, but are not limited to,
speeches, community forums, discussion groups, demonstrations, displays, and live or
media presentations.
Libraries serving multilingual or multicultural communities should make efforts to
accommodate the information needs of those for whom English is a second language.
Library-initiated programs that cross language and cultural barriers introduce otherwise
unserved populations to the resources of the library and provide access to information.
Library-initiated programs "should not be proscribed or removed (or canceled) because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval" of the contents of the program or the views expressed by
the participants, as stated in Article II of the Library Bill of Rights. Library sponsorship of a
program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views
expressed by the participants, any more than the purchase of material for the library
collection constitutes an endorsement of the contents of the material or the views of its
creator.
ITEM NUMBER: 4.11 b
Library-initiated programs are a library resource, and, as such, are developed in
accordance with written guidelines, as approved and adopted by the library's policy-making
body. These guidelines should include an endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and set
forth the library's commitment to free and open access to information and ideas for all
users.
Library staff select topics, speakers and resource materials for library-initiated programs
based on the interests and information needs of the community. Topics, speakers and
resource materials are not excluded from library-initiated programs because of possible
controversy. Concerns, questions or complaints about library- initiated programs are
handled according to the same written policy and procedures which govern
reconsiderations of other library resources.
Library-initiated programs are offered free of charge and are open to all. Article V of the
Library Bill of Rights states: "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or
abridged because of origin, age, background, or views."
The "right to use a library" encompasses all of the resources the library offers, including the
right to attend library-initiated programs. Libraries do not deny or abridge access to library
resources, including library initiated-programs, based on an individual's economic
background and ability to pay.
Adopted January 27, 1982; amended June 26, 1990; July 12, 2000, by the ALA Council.