News
- Committee Spotlight: Intellectual Freedom Committee
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December 11, 2024
- Intellectual Freedom, the patron’s right to seek and access the materials and ideas of their choice, is a core value of our profession and touches every aspect of the work we do. But in the last four years it has come under serious threat…
- IFC is Hosting a Virtual Discussion
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November 22, 2024
- Soft Censorship, Self-Censorship, and the Chilling Effect in Libraries Join members of the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee as they lead a discussion about the impacts that various forms of censorship are having on libraries. Participants are encou…
- Congratulations To Lia Neveu for the Intellectual Freedom Award
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July 17, 2024
- Lia Neveu Selected as 2024 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award Recipient The 2024 Illinois Library Association (ILA) Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to Lia Neveu, a current student of Lakes Community High School an…
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Unite Against Book Bans in Illinois
A coalition of Illinois library organizations including ILA, AISLE, RAILS, IHLS, and CARLI coordinate regional teams of local school, academic, and public library staff who would be willing to get involved on a local level to help preserve intellectual freedom.
Request Help Form Volunteer
Report Challenges to Library Materials
Since 1990, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom has maintained a database on challenged materials. You can report challenges to materials in your library's collection by following the link below.
Report a Challenge
IFC Resource Guide
Intellectual freedom issues are on the rise at libraries nationwide. This sheet, prepared by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee for the 2022 Annual Conference, contains resources you can use to help prepare for and respond to incidents. Download the IFC Resource Guide.
Other Resources
Committee Charge
Works to resist all attempts to censor library materials or to restrict public access to information. Keeps abreast of statewide and national issues and challenges. Gathers and disseminates information to the membership. Serves as a clearinghouse and source of information for libraries seeking assistance. Promotes intellectual freedom by actively contacting library and school officials where materials or procedures have been challenged, offering the assistance of the ILA membership. Raises awareness and provides continuing education activities. Selects the Intellectual Freedom Award winner. Provides leadership and assistance in access and privacy for electronic information.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee chair(s) serve(s) ex officio on ILA's Public Policy Committee.
Committee Composition
Composed of up to ten members, serving three-year, staggered terms.
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Elizabeth Lynch, Chair
Head of Teen Services at Addison Public Library
Chair Term ends 06/30/2025
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Benjamin De Biasio, Member
Community Learning & Outreach Librarian at Rebecca Crown Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2026
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Jolie Duncan, Member
Info Services Manager at Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2026
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Holly M Eberle, Member
Eastgate Branch Adult Librarian at Algonquin Area Public Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2025
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Alix Frazier, Member
Collection Development Librarian at Decatur Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2027
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Leah A Gregory, Member
Illinois Heartland Library System
Member Term ends 06/30/2027
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Jawuan Walters, Member
Information Services Librarian at Rockford Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2027
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Anna Wassenaar, Member
Director at Blue Island Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2025
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Jennifer Mills, Board liaison
Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2027
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Kristin Pekoll, Staff liaison
Conference and Continuing Education Manager at Illinois Library Association
Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025
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