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The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians.

The IFRT Members Community group is the central hub for discussion, library and events. It is visible to all ALA members but only IFRT members can participate in the conversation.

  • 1.  ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 03, 2025 01:39 PM

    Hi, everyone. I wanted to share some engagement opportunities for ALA Annual 2025!

    First: We could use volunteers to help out at the Banned Books from the Big Chair booth! This is a great opportunity to network, talk up your group or round table, and meet other attendees. We expect some authors will also pop in, so you might have a chance to talk to them as well!

    Sign up here. (More volunteers means that more people will have a chance to participate. Please share this opportunity with your colleagues.)

    Tina Coleman has set up the following opportunities for round tables in/near the ALA Connect Lounge:

    • 20 Minute Huddles: Schedule a quick-format discussion group for attendees around bite-sized topics. Slots will be available Saturday – Monday (the Lounge closes at 2pm on Monday). Fill out the 20 Minute Huddles form. This is a great way to engage with attendees to get feedback on ideas or to highlight projects your Round Table is working on. (DEADLINE JUNE 6)
    • ROUND TABLE COUNTER: Sign up to have member volunteers from your Round Table staff the Round Table Counter for a two-hour block. This is a great opportunity to talk to conference attendees that stop by the Lounge and talk about what your members are working on and how they can join and get involved. Sign up HERE . (DEADLINE JUNE 6)

    Finally: Join the Freedom to Read Foundation, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and University of Illinois School of Information Sciences for a celebration of intellectual freedom heroes during the Intellectual Freedom Awards at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27 (Philadelphia Marriott, Salon E). 

    Find a full listing of IF, privacy, and advocacy events here (email oif@ala.org if anything is missing): Your Guide to Intellectual Freedom, Privacy, and Advocacy at ALA Annual 2025

    Intellectual Freedom Blog remove preview
    Your Guide to Intellectual Freedom, Privacy, and Advocacy at ALA Annual 2025
    Welcome to your guide to intellectual freedom and privacy at ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2025, June 26 - 30! With unceasing censorship attempts in our communities and legislative attacks from the federal level on down, this year's conference lineup includes sessions and meetings that tackle these critical issues.
    View this on Intellectual Freedom Blog >

     

    Thank you!

    Betsy



    ------------------------------
    Betsy Gomez
    Assistant Director of Communication and Public Outreach
    American Library Association
    She/Her/Hers
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 11, 2025 09:51 AM

    Hello, all.

    Just following up to let you know that if you need space to  convene on site, the tables in the Connect Lounge will be available by appointment on Friday before Exhibits open. If you want to request time, please respond here or email me so I can make arrangements. 

    Thanks,
    Betsy



    ------------------------------
    Betsy Gomez
    Assistant Director of Communication and Public Outreach
    American Library Association
    She/Her/Hers
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 17, 2025 03:54 PM
    • I'm filling out a huddle form for the question: "In regards to intellectual freedom, what's on your mind right now?" for Saturday from 2 to 2:20PM.
      • Betsy, I used you as the ALA contact.
      • Sorry I couldn't come up with a better question on the fly!
    • There are no more slots for the Banned Books chair volunteers at the moment.
    • I signed up for 11AM to 1PM on Sunday for the RT Corner (immediately before the IFRT meeting) with LearnRT.
      • I'd especially like to attend one program from 11 to 12 but I'll skip it if there's no one else that can do RT Corner from IFRT then and there's not any better time that anyone has available!

     

     

    Steph Barnaby

    IDEAS Librarian

    Information Delivery & Access Services

    Northeastern University Library

    s.barnaby@northeastern.edu

    617-373-8346 | 270 Snell Library

    Pronouns: she/her/ hers

     

    My working day may not be your working day. I frequently work night and weekend hours in USA East Coast time zones. Please do not feel obligated to reply to this email outside of your normal working hours!

     

     




    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 17, 2025 04:05 PM


    It won't let me respond - but I put it on my agenda - to fit in


    Wanda Mae Huffaker

    The County Library | Tyler Branch

    whuffaker@slcolibrary.orgt i

    Phone: 801-944-7853

    Mobile: 801-842-9178

    8041-Wood Street, Midvale, UT, 84047

    thecountylibrary.org





    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 17, 2025 04:14 PM

    Thanks, Steph!

    There will be some slots available for the Big Chair soon. Turns out the anomalous sign up was just that, so I need to clear it out and relist the available times. I'll reshare the link as soon as I sort it out!

    Best,

    Betsy 



    ------------------------------
    Betsy Gomez
    Assistant Director of Communication and Public Outreach
    American Library Association
    She/Her/Hers
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: ALA Annual 2025: Engagement Opportunities and Call for Volunteers

    Posted Jun 17, 2025 04:24 PM

    Hi, all!

    The Big Chair sign up form has been updated. There are several slots available. I'd very much appreciate it if you could help or share this form with folks who can -- it's a good time!

    https://forms.gle/nx7dJgRbjvZfL2Xv7

    Thank you,

    Betsy



    ------------------------------
    Betsy Gomez
    Assistant Director of Communication and Public Outreach
    American Library Association
    She/Her/Hers
    ------------------------------

    Original Message