IFRT Members Community (Open)

 View Only
last person joined: 14 hours ago 

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.

Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

Standing Up for Core Values and the First Amendment

  • 1.  Standing Up for Core Values and the First Amendment

    Posted Sep 24, 2025 05:41 PM

    Dear Colleagues,

    Library core values of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and intellectual freedom have been central to my practice of librarianship, including as a school librarian and a librarian educator.

    At this point in our country's history when library values are under threat, I expect my professional organization and community to be engaged in discussion and strategizing how to take action to protect and preserve these values for the sake of our patrons and our country.

    I may have missed something, but scanning/reading the ALA/AASL/ALSC/YALSA/IFRT Connect posts, I am not seeing/reading about the alarm I feel in response to the current government-sponsored repression of our values and rights, including those rights afforded by the First Amendment.

    I understand the threats the administration has made against non-profit organizations and yet, I, personally, cannot in good conscience ignore the many ways our library and democratic principles are being eroded or extinguished.

    I am a 35-year member of ALA. I currently serve on the Intellectual Freedom Round Table Membership Promotion Committee. I also volunteer with the Freedom to Read Foundation. I write letters to the editor and op-eds in Tucson, Arizona focused on library values, including the First Amendment (see my homepage: storytrail.com). I join in protests organized nationally and locally and regularly at my Congressional representative's office.

    But my voice is just one in a tumult of information, disinformation, and resistance competing for people's time and attention.

    What else can I – can we – do both as individuals and as an organization and community?

    Sincerely seeking your response,

    Judi

    Reading: The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech-And Why They Fail by Greg Lukianoff and Nadine Strossen. Foreword by Jacob Mchangama. Heresy Press, Cambridge, MA: 2025.



    ------------------------------
    Judi Moreillon, M.L.S., Ph.D.
    Literacies and Libraries Author and Consultant
    She/Her/Hers
    info@storytrail.com
    http://storytrail.com
    ------------------------------