Contents:
- Commitment to Intellectual Freedom
- Academic Freedom
- Statements of Concern
- Related Links
- Cross References
- Revision History
COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM:
Library collections, activities, and related materials support the University Libraries’ mission to inspire intellectual discovery and learning through robust information resources and academic collaborations in teaching and research that connect the Penn State community and citizens of Pennsylvania to the world of knowledge and new ideas. This commitment to intellectual discovery relies on a commitment to intellectual freedom as well.
Penn State University Libraries adhere to the principles of intellectual freedom as defined by the American Library Association (ALA):
“Intellectual freedom is the right of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment.”
From the ALA Bill of Rights:
- “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.
- Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.
- Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
More information on this definition of intellectual freedom can be found in the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements, and the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.
ACADEMIC FREEDOM:
Academic freedom “refers to the environment provided by the University that permits faculty members to engage in their scholarly pursuits of teaching, research, and related activities at institutions of higher education” (Penn State Policy AC64 Academic Freedom (formerly HR64)).
Penn State University Libraries employees, who are qualified through education and experience, are responsible for selecting items for collections, organizing activities, and managing related materials to support this environment. "Librarians are free to select and make available any materials supporting the teaching, research, and general learning functions of the academic community" (Penn State Policy AC64). Students, faculty, and staff may make recommendations for purchase - however, Penn State librarians make all final decisions regarding the material selected for the library's collections. It is the position of the Penn State University Libraries that civil, rigorous, academic discussion and the exchange of ideas and viewpoints are the essence of what is protected as academic freedom.
For further information on the University Libraries collections policies and guidelines, also see the following link(s):
STATEMENTS OF CONCERN:
If any Penn State community member or Pennsylvania resident who has a current Penn State University Libraries account wishes to make a statement of concern regarding any material, space, art, etc., they should contact any Penn State University Libraries location.
RELATED LINKS:
Effective Date: May 8, 2024
Date Approved: April 2024 (Dean's Library Council)