American Library Association

Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Executive Committee Minutes

2004 Annual Conference

Orlando, FL

IFRT I

June 25, 2004 2 – 5:30 PM

Present:

Officers:

Melora Ranney Norman          Chair

Barbara Jones                          Chair-Elect

Christine M. Allen                      Director

Christopher F. Bowen               Director

Susan Brynteson                        Director

Pam Klipsch                               Director

Carolyn Caywood                   Councilor

Sylvia Turchyn                            Secretary

Committees/Liaisons:

Laura Koltutsky                          SRRT Liaison to IFRT

Jim Kuhn                                    IFRT Liaison to SRRT

Martin Garnar                           Chair, Oboler Memorial Award Comm.

Elizabeth J. Dailey                    Chair, SIRS-ProQuest State and Regional Achievement Award Comm.

J. Douglas Archer                     Chair, Publications Comm.

Jim Teliha                                   Member, John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Comm.

Laurence Miller                         Member, John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Comm.

David Cohen                            Chair, Merritt Fund Subcomm.

Nanette Perez                           OIF Staff Liaison

Jonathan Kelley                        OIF Staff 

Members/Guests: Janice Tsai, Tom Weissinger, Michael Sinclair, Jake Sherman, June Pinnell-Stephens, Bryan Baldus

Call to Order: Norman called the meeting to order at 2:09 PM.

Review and Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as presented.

Review of the 2004 Midwinter Meeting Minutes: The minutes were reviewed. Caywood moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That the minutes were approved as submitted. The motion was approved.

IFRT Final Budget: Perez reported for Lombardo that the budget currently shows a balance of $31,099, which will be reduced when bills are paid from Annual Conference. Round Table membership has decreased by 100 members but the increase in dues offset any loss. Archer reported that the IFRT Report issues previously cost IFRT $4,000 per year when it was strictly a paper publication. Currently, as a primarily electronic publication, the Report costs $200 per mailing, or $400 per year. Norman offered that IFRT should use the available funds to support members. Bowen supported a social function or reception to draw in new members with an interest in IF issues and groups. Caywood asked about the quantity of IFRT brochures, with a suggestion to distribute them to those attending the Conference showing of “Fahrenheit 9/11.” Klipsch would rather have funds supporting functions to make IFRT grow, such as a reception in conjunction with the big IF program. Norman tabled further discussion on the budget until the Board discussed other relevant agenda items.

Discussion of Other Educational IFRT Project Ideas: Tsai suggested that IFRT sends a brochure, which would define the various intellectual freedom groups in ALA, to SLIS chapters. Garnar reported that the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table is seeking volunteer liaisons to serve as professional contacts by visiting library schools. Norman created an ad hoc educational group (Norman, Garnar, Kuhn, Turchyn and Tsai) to explore ways to create opportunities for new members to be active. It was suggested that this ad hoc group review a survey, which was prepared by IFRT members a few years ago, to determine which library and information science schools offer intellectual freedom courses or where the concept is supported in the curriculum.

Publications Comm. Report: Archer announced the intent to expand the IFRT Report to four issues instead of two per year. Archer issued a plea for members to provide coverage of programs or to contribute columns of interest.

Norman made a plea for the IFRT list to be used as a way to bring membership to a more active level of participation. The ad hoc education group could consider that possibility. Norman wants the IFRT list to be more meaningful. Caywood noted that the OIF list is open to the world. She asked if it would be repugnant to make the IFRT list open only to members. Caywood moved, Turchyn seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That the IFRT list become a member-only list for posting, with read-only access for non-IFRT members. The motion passed.

Caywood would like to see content on the list include how some members have put together programs on intellectual freedom issues, how a book was defended, how to share successful experiences, etc. Garnar spoke about having a small group to start and support this type of list. Norman spoke about the differences between managing and moderating a list. Caywood spoke in support of a new ad hoc group to promote the list. Norman recommended that an ad hoc group be formed to coordinate this effort. Brynteson asked if there are managerial issues for ALA that should be considered. Perez responded that that would not be a problem. A guest asked if this new list would be redundant with the IFRT Report. Jones and Archer agreed that it could be redundant. Jones said that Archer should be involved in the ad hoc group. Caywood suggested that Archer announce the new format for the IFRT list in the next IFRT Report, with a request that all members be actively involved in the IFRT list. Archer asked for an August 1 deadline on articles covering conference events. Brynteson suggested that Caywood invite all ALA councilors to become read-only members.

Division IFC’s Chairs Brown Bag Lunch: Norman asked Klipsch to report on the brown bag lunch idea, which was initiated at the Midwinter Meeting. Norman envisions this luncheon to be an opportunity for people to network, get acquainted and learn how all of ALA’s intellectual freedom structure works together. It was proposed that the IFRT liaisons would represent Divisional chairs, with the luncheon to be scheduled the day of the Freedom To Read Foundation (FTRF) meeting. Questions were posed regarding the cost of the luncheon and who would pay for it. For this initial luncheon, hosted by IFRT, it was proposed that the twenty-three representatives of Round Tables, Divisions and Committees who have liaisons to FTRF, be invited. Klipsch suggested that the IFRT liaison to the FTRF facilitate the luncheon meeting. Executive Committee members voiced support for the luncheon because it is aligned with the Round Table’s purpose of education of the general membership on intellectual freedom issues. Caywood reminded that the ALA President Elect and President Elect-Elect often attend FTRF so we could invite them. It is expected that hosting will cost the IFRT about $300 to cover the cost of the lunch. Koltutsky spoke in favor of the idea, drawing from her experience as SRRT liaison to IFRT. Pinnell-Stephens reminded that the FTRF program requires scheduling flexibility if we cater this luncheon around its agenda. Allen moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

VOTED, That IFRT organizes a luncheon and orientation program for the Divisional, Committee and Round Table liaisons attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston, 2005, with an allocation of $300 to cover the cost of the luncheon for attendees. The motion was passed.

Other educational issues: Archer asked about handing out IFRT brochures at the “Fahrenheit 9/11” showing. Perez said that she would make a flyer. Archer also asked about planning a reception in conjunction with IFRT’s Saturday program. Klipsch asked about planning an open food reception over the lunch hour were we would honor the IFRT award winners, with the intent to entice conferees to stay for the program. Caywood further suggested that we have an award luncheon for which people can purchase tickets or can just attend gratis to hear without a luncheon ticket. Klipsch was concerned about the inconsistency of the draw of speaker. Brynteson disliked the idea of charging for that which serves as the membership meeting. Klipsch moved, Jones seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That instead of having officers and speakers of IFRT attend a pre-program lunch, that IFRT organizes a program with light refreshments from 12 - 1:30, then move to an adjacent or close room for the IFRT program, to be held at the 2005 Annual Conference, with $2,000 allocated for this event, for which IFRT would seek underwriters. The motion was passed.

Garnar suggested that the award plaques be placed on display at the reception. Caywood suggested that IFRT members man information tables with a goal of IFRT recruitment. Caywood volunteered to do this. Klipsch suggested calling for these volunteers in the IFRT Report and Archer suggested liaising with NMRT.

Norman reported on the Round Table Coordinating Assembly lunch. She spoke about her Idea to have a liaison from IFRT to NMRT and to support a scholarship of $200 for a new IFRT person to attend ALA Annual Conference.

2005 Annual Conference Program Planning: Jones asked for background on the proposed topic, religion and intellectual freedom. Norman spoke about how religion and IF played off against each other. Caywood commented on how the wall of separation runs through the library. Some questions and specific topics suggested for the program were:

·    What constitutes entanglement with religion in libraries? What does that mean and what does that not mean?

·    Help dismiss the misconceptions of what does and does not constitute separation of church and state

·    Why do libraries collect religion materials?

·    Represent both sides of the establishment clause

·    The history of religion in the public schools

·    Explore how intellectual freedom is handled differently in parochial schools

The Executive Committee also suggested the following speakers for consideration:

·    Barry Lynn (Executive Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State)

·    Susan Jacoby (author; Freethinkers: History of American Secularism)

·    Martin E. Marty (author, professor emeritus at University of Chicago)

·    Fr. Andrew Greeley (author, sociologist)

·    R. Scott Appleby (author, Professor of History at University of Notre Dame)

Archer volunteered to help with program planning.

Caywood moved, Brynteson seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT thanks Lauren Christos for her bibliographies and related background work for the 2004 IFRT program. The motion was approved by acclimation.

Preconference Planning for 2006 Annual Conference in New Orleans: Norman reported that IFRT cannot present the “Lawyers for Libraries” program as is. Following discussion with Judith Krug, Norman proposed the topic of “Every day ethics: How to prepare Library Bill of Right library policies.” The timing of this preconference would coincide with the rollout of the 7^th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual. Norman explained that the program would feature lawyers, trustees and librarians who have prepared good library policies. The speakers would bring sample policies, which would be critiqued by the participants. The program would be held on the Friday of conference, with IFRT I being moved up to a start time of 3 PM. Dailey, Weissinger and Norman volunteered to serve as a preconference planning committee.

Norman called for volunteers to help distribute IFRT flyers at 9:30, before the showing of “Fahrenheit 9/11”. Kuhn, Caywood, Norman, Klipsch and Tsai volunteered.

ALA’s One Voice Policy Challenged by SRRT, IFRT, et al. Kuhn reminded that there was not a program on ALA’s one voice policy at this conference. Norman spoke that there is no ALA policy on Round Tables endorsing candidates so if IFRT wanted to use existing fora or publications for that purpose it is OK. What is not allowed is using ALA funds for a special effort, such as a mailing. Caywood recommended that we table the issue until there is attempted enforcement of a non-policy on “one voice.” Koltutsky acknowledged and thanked Kuhn on all of his work on this issue.

Privacy Tool Kit: Kuhn reported that the Privacy Tool Kit will be discussed at the IFC Privacy Subcomm. and he welcomed comments. The Toolkit features a sample privacy policy, how to conduct a privacy audit and how to address privacy issues in libraries. The Subcomm. will be preparing a “to do” list at their meeting on Sunday, 10 AM until noon.

Nominating Comm. Report: Norman reported for Wessells the following election results:

·    Chair-elect - Pam Klipsch (2004-2005)

·    Secretary - Carol Gulyas (2004-2006)

·    Directors - Doug Archer and Sylvia Turchyn (2004-2006)

Other Intellectual Freedom Programs: ACRL’s Intellectual Freedom Committee’s program, with the title “Community Use, Community Pressure” will feature Martin Garnar. Caywood announced that she will speak at ALTA’s closing session, which will focus on privacy policies, the USA Patriot Act and RFID.

Standing Committee Reports:

·    SIRS-ProQuest State and Regional Intellectual Freedom Achievement Award Committee: Dailey reported no business, except giving the award at the IFRT program.

·    Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award Committee: Garnar reminded that the Committee will need a new chairperson and that next year is an off year the Oboler Award. The award will be given at the IFRT program.

·    John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Committee: Turchyn reported no business, except giving the award at the IFRT program.

·    Publications Committee: Archer reported that he wants to get a meeting planned at conference to get more involvement of committee members, so that they function like reporters. The current Issues are now in HTML and PDF, as well as full print. In addition, four back issues are now in PDF. Archer will arrange to have other back issues scanned into PDF, back to the recent history of regular publication of the Report. Archer also asked that potential authors provide some biographical information to accompany their articles.

Brynteson alerted everyone to the 2004 Program Tracks in the conference’s printed program and, specifically, to the lack of intellectual freedom as a track. Brynteson moved, Caywood seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT recommends to those responsible for conference planning tracks and to ALA leadership that, as intellectual freedom is a Key Action Area and established priority of the ALA, it be established as a separate track, if tracking continues, for the 2005 conference. The motion passed.

Norman will represent the IFRT’s displeasure that the IFRT’s program did not get properly listed in this program. Norman will also bring our motion to the joint IFC meeting. Caywood moved, Brynteson seconded the following resolution:

             Whereas librarianship exists to facilitate access, not to obscure access; and

             Whereas the Web has conditioned us to expect multiple paths to lead to the same result; and

             Whereas being restricted to a single track does not reflect the breadth of cross-disciplinary programs, like those on intellectual freedom, and makes them hard to find; and

             Whereas the 2004 IFRT program was not listed under the intellectual freedom subtrack of Issues and Updates, therefore be it

             Resolved that future Conference Programs provide multiple access points to programs by listing all applicable programs in each track, with a page citation to the program description.

Koltutsky recommend that this resolution be presented at an ALA Membership meeting.

Brynteson moved, and Klipsch seconded, and it was

VOTED, That IFRT tables discussion on Caywood’s resolution on program tracking until IFRT 2. The motion was passed.

Intellectual Freedom Manual (7^th ed.) Garnar reported that the IFRT councilor has made multiple comments that have been well received by IFC. Other comments need to be made this afternoon so they can be considered. Garnar noted that one general recommendation was that responsibility be shifted from an entity to a person on a case by case basis (e.g. libraries to librarians). Garnar gave an update on the status and discussions of the current proposed changes in each Interpretation to the Library Bill of Rights. Caywood reminded that three other revisions to Interpretations are in progress.

Norman assigned chairperson duties to Caywood, so that she could depart for another meeting. In the remaining minutes several Executive Committee members expressed concern that ALA Council would vote on the numerous changes to multiple Interpretations in time for the publication deadline.

Recess: Caywood called the meeting into recess at 5:16 PM.

American Library Association

Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Executive Committee Minutes

2004 Annual Conference

Orlando, FL

IFRT II

June 28, 2004 8 – 10 AM

Present:

Officers:

Melora Ranney Norman          Chair

Christine Allen                           Director

Christopher Bowen                   Director

Susan Brynteson                        Director

Pam Klipsch                               Director

Carolyn Caywood                   Councilor

Sylvia Turchyn                            Secretary

Committees/Liaisons:

Laura Koltutsky                          SRRT Liaison to IFRT

Martin Garnar                           Chair, Oboler Memorial Award Comm.

Doug Archer                             Chair, Publications Comm.

Jim Teliha                                   Member, John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Comm.

Francis Buckley                         Senior Trustee, Leroy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund

Wendy Westgate                     NMRT Liaison to IFRT

Nanette Perez                           OIF Staff Liaison

Jen Hammond                          OIF Staff

Members/Guests:

Carol Gulyas, Tom Budlong, Mary Rushfield, Janice Tsai, Janet T. O’Keefe, Fred Stielow, Thomas Wilding

Call to Order: Norman reconvened the meeting at 8:03 AM.

Programming & Conference Tracking Issue: Wilding, ALA Councilor, addressed the IFRT Executive Committee to explain the history and development of program tracking for ALA conferences. He explained that all presidents’ programs, including those for division presidents, were excluded from tracking. Analysis has revealed that programs not tracked had low attendance, including the division presidents’ programs. Another continuing problem with tracking is that scheduling deadlines for tracking occurred before most Round Tables had finalized programs so the Conference Comm. tried to place the Round Table programs into tracks. The Conference Comm. also tried to develop multiple lists, which became unwieldy. The Conference Comm. is still exploring how to successfully use tracking, in particular for areas of wide-ranging interest like LAMA. Caywood explained that the conference’s printed program does not do what we as librarians expect it to do. She added that ALA needs to find a way for a conference program to be searchable by all possible access points. Archer reminded that Intellectual freedom is not like the job-related tracks, but is a topic that affects everyone and has a wide interest to librarians. Budlong spoke in favor of having issues-oriented tracking not compete in a timetable with job-related program tracks. Wilding noted that tracking works well at smaller conferences. Turchyn proposed that ALA Council ask ALCTS’ Subject Analysis Comm. to design tracking options for Council’s consideration. Caywood supported returning to a heavily indexed printed conference program to alleviate the problem. Wilding was asked why all programs are not held in the convention center. He explained that hotel program rooms are complimentary but ALA pays additional fees for the use of convention centers. Brynteson opined that intellectual freedom should have its own track. All agreed that as librarians we should be able to do a better job in this area. Tsai suggested having a conference Web page link to all of the Division pages, which would be available prior to conference. Klipsch reported that only three intellectual freedom programs were tracked for 2004 Annual Conference, while in reality numerous intellectual freedom programs were offered at conference. Caywood moved, Archer seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT tables the Resolution on Conference Tracking until the 2005 Midwinter Meeting. The motion passed.

Norman agreed to take the will of IFRT to Council and to work with Wilding on this issue.

Proposed Joint Project with ALSC and/or YALSA: “IF and Youth: Helping Librarians Stand Strong”: Gulyas made a presentation, which covered the objectives, description of the event, handouts and displays, bibliography, considerations, proposed budget and next steps. Brynteson suggested spelling out “IF”, which Gulyas corrected immediately. Caywood expressed concern that local teens would not want to speak if they could be quoted in the newspaper. Caywood suggested that we shift that part of the program to a speaker giving a general overview of what was happening around the country, followed by a panel of teen reactors. Norman was concerned that IFRT should give them a budget. Klipsch suggested looking at teen advisory boards in libraries as a good area for recruiting potential teen participants. Brynteson did not think that this program would be of interest to academic librarians. Klipsch responded that academic librarians are struggling to provide services to teens who have encountered information roadblocks in schools. Koltutsky spoke in support of involvement of teens first hand. Klipsch suggested this title: “We’ve Got Your Back: Teens and Librarians Speak Out on Intellectual Freedom.” Budlong offered that the title needed to convey that live teens will participate. Caywood wanted to incorporate teen advocacy into this program. The “Best Books for Young Adults” program also brings in teens so maybe the two programs should be coordinated. Caywood moved, Brynteson seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT approves the program as discussed with the tentative title, “Teens Speak Out” with up to $1,000 budgeted for this event. The motion passed.

Teliha reminded IFRT that funding from other sources should be pursued.

Report on Leroy C. Merritt Fund: Perez reported that the Merritt Fund Reception would be held in the Presidential Suite of the Peabody Hotel from 5-6:30 PM.

Report from Councilor: Caywood presented a number of issues and resolutions for comment and/or action:

·    Resolution Against the Use of Torture as a Barbaric Violation of Intellectual Freedom and Human Rights

Members asked if this was a library issue. Klipsch stated that if this is an attempt to prevent free expression, then we stand against that. Caywood noted the citation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bowen moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT directs its Councilor to support the resolution on torture. The motion passed by acclimation.

·    Resolution on Accessible Voting

Klipsch moved, Bowen seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT directs its Councilor to support the Resolution on Accessible Voting. The motion passed by acclimation.

·    Resolution on the Occupation of Iraq

Caywood presented the resolution on Iraq and suggested that IFRT not support it.

·    Resolution on Privacy and Library Use

Caywood reported that Council was expected to appoint a joint task force to address various issues related to privacy practices in libraries and examine extant ALA statements related to privacy. Garnar reported that the IFC Privacy Subcomm. will develop a “Q&A” on the issues.

·    Resolution on Health Care

Caywood presented the resolution, which was submitted to Council by Norman.

Klipsch moved, Allen seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT directs its Councilor to support the Resolution on Health Care. The motion passed.

Koltutsky announced that the Resolution on ALA Partnerships and Sponsorships was withdrawn at Council. Brynteson expressed concern that the ALA Handbook will no longer provide print copies but will only be available online. Caywood suggested that she and Norman work on representing this issue to Council.

Bylaws and Organization Comm.: Brynteson directed attention to the handout with the recommended revisions to the bylaws. Brynteson moved, Bowen seconded

             That IFRT accepts the changes in the Bylaws proposed by the Bylaws and Organization Comm.

In discussion of the motion, Perez, after consultation with Krug, reported that the leading phrase “members of” should be deleted from Article 7, Sect. 5 Garnar added that Coalition Building should be removed from Article 7, Sect. 4. Additional discussion on further editing suggestions ensued. Norman redirected the report back to the Committee for additional work.

LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund: Buckley thanked the IFRT for its support.

Intellectual Freedom Manual (7^th ed.): Caywood moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT endorses in principle the proposed changes to intellectual freedom policies in the Intellectual Freedom Manual. The motion passed.

IFRT Final Budget: Archer reminded that additional funding was needed to expand the number of issues of the IFRT Report from two to four per year. Turchyn moved, Allen seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT increases the amount budgeted for the electronic version of the IFRT Report from $200 to $400. The motion passed.

             Brynteson commended Norman, Kelley and Perez for distributing IFRT flyers at the showing of Fahrenheit 9/11 on Sunday evening.

Based on decisions voted at conference, Perez reported the following additions to the IFRT budget:

             $1000 IFRT program

               $300 Brown Bag lunch

             $2000 IFRT reception

               $300 IFRT membership promotion

               $250 IFRT membership mailing

               $200 IFRT Report mail service

            $3,900 TOTAL

Klipsch moved, Caywood seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT reconfirms the budget as it has been so changed. The motion passed.

Any Other Business That May Properly Come Before the Committee: Kelley reported that David Cohen will be honored with a resolution that will also mention his work with IFRT. Caywood moved, Bowen seconded, and it was

             VOTED, That IFRT endorses in spirit any acclimation or praise in support of David Cohen. The motion passed.

Adjournment: Norman adjourned the meeting at 10:01 AM.