From the Editor

Doug Archer, archer.1@nd.edu

Welcome to the latest issue of the IFRT Report, No. 56, Spring 2005. With this issue we begin a new quarterly schedule. Our goal is to provide both pre- and post- conference issues for both Annual and Midwinter meetings.

Once again, we encourage you, our readers, to submit reports, articles, news, columns, reviews and anything else related to intellectual freedom which might be of interest or help to other readers of this publication. Lastly, if you are not a member of the IFRT why not consider joining at "How to Join the Intellectual Freedom Round Table". Our dues are cheap ($15.00) and our cause is just!

IFRT Councilor’s Report, ALA Midwinter 2005

Carolyn Caywood, IFRT Councilor, ccaywood@vbgov.com

            Midwinter 2005 ALA Council meetings were swift and efficient, possibly because the ALA-Allied Professional Association (APA) finally got its own meeting. The Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) resolutions passed easily thanks to extensive groundwork and communication with the rest of ALA. They were the last three revisions of “Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights” (Labeling, Media Centers, Electronic Resources) to be considered before the publication of the next revision of ALA's Intellectual Freedom Manual and a resolution on RFID endorsing the work of Book Industry Study Group (BISG) in developing privacy principles. The IFC report echoed a Memorial resolution honoring Gordon Conable who will be truly missed both by Council and the IF community. The Committee on Legislation (COL) was equally successful with its action items which included opposition to drivers’ license standardization as a back-door approach to a national ID and endorsement of Stop Before You Click, an anti-UCITA (Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act) media & information campaign.

            In other business, Council agreed to reduce the minimum number of Council candidates the Nominating Committee must propose, approved Honorary Memberships despite an objection to one of those named, passed Melora Ranney Norman’s Resolution on Health Care, a resolution to add school library media centers to No Child Left Behind, the International Relations Committee’s proposal for tsunami relief, and a revised resolution on the closing of the Salinas, California public libraries. Nevertheless, a resolution to ban cell phones during ALA meetings failed, mostly out of a sense that not every infraction requires legislation. Newly elected Executive Board members are June Pinnell-Stevens, Francis Buckley, Pat Smith and Terri Kirk, the last being a nomination from the floor because the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) felt un-represented.

            Still to come, on the Spring Ballot is the question of whether to reduce the quorum for an ALA Membership Meeting to 75 people. Council passed this to make it possible for Membership Meetings to pass resolutions, though one of the prices was to strip the meetings of real power. I voted against it in Council because I think 75 trivializes the idea of “Membership” in an organization the size of ALA.

            The Resolution on Workplace Speech, which IFRT endorsed, was postponed to Annual Conference. Other possible resolutions at Annual are a condemnation of political grandstanders who want to excise GLBT authors from libraries and a condemnation of the practice of spreading disinformation.

            It’s probably time for IFRT members to start thinking about running for this position of IFRT councilor. My term expires after Annual 2006, so candidates should have made their decision by the end of this year. I’ll be glad to talk about my experience if anyone has questions. It is definitely plenty of work, but a very rewarding office.

The Featured Joint IF Program, Chicago 2005 – Religion and Intellectual Freedom: Divine Revelation in the Marketplace of Ideas

Melora Ranney Norman

Can religion and free speech comfortably co-exist? What is the role of religion in censorship, and in libraries?

According to IFRT's panelist Susan Jacoby, religious groups play a key role in the censorship of speech. In her book Freethinkers, she writes:

"By the turn of the century, the most important reinforcement of censorship came not from formal prosecutions but from the informal cultural controls promoted not only by churches but also by members of the rapidly expanding Christian women's organizations established after the Civil War, most notably the Women's Christian Temperance Union."

I recall the day when a minister's wife came into the library I worked in and expressed her displeasure with a book she had checked out--a mystery novel featuring two gay men. When I suggested that gay people in the community probably appreciated having books like these to read, she said she just objected to not knowing what it was about before she started reading it; however, when we looked at the cover of the book, it clearly said who was in it and what it was about. She left, but some of the staff were upset--and the book eventually disappeared from the shelves.

What happens when people in our communities, buoyed up by their religious convictions, object to materials that others in our communities want to read or view? Jacoby notes that when it came to pro-censorship efforts, " . . . the WCTU worked closely with Protestant ministers right from the start." Arguably, the groups of women who continue this kind of grassroots moral activism (even those within our libraries) are direct descendants of the WCTU, and are inspired by their own personal religious values.

Another of our panelists might seem to agree with Susan. In his book When Faiths Collide, religious scholar Martin Marty writes:

"People who form communities devoted to belief in God, or who adhere to particular religious outlooks such as Buddhism that do not include God, often create problems for others. When they encounter people who revere other gods or hold to other outlooks, some of them become threats and challenges. Picture it: a person or group from an unfamiliar tribe or clan or nation arrives on an alien scene. Those who feel that they alone have the right to belong in that territory display fear that the strangers will subvert their values."

It would appear from these examples that religion and free speech are predictably at odds with one another. If an individual's religious belief tells him or her that the only way to salvation is adherence to the only true set of morals, values, and behaviors, then how can they tolerate--let alone support--an entirely different set of religious beliefs, or the rights of people who are humanists or secularists?

Marty explores these issues and outlines some ways in which civil pluralism may be achieved. One strategy, "to work for the erosion of boundaries among religious groups," may result in attacks upon important features of religions, which is obviously going to upset the people who subscribe to those views. Another approach is a "leveling or balancing intention" that may lead to "the warm appreciation of the other by those who have belonged." Then he offers the idea that "groups of believers" may "use the presence of the stranger to help them reappraise and enrich their own commitments."

Can any of these approaches mitigate the seemingly divisive and incompatible elements of differing belief systems--including secularism? How can libraries respond to (and navigate) the conflict between those who insist that access to information is necessary to support their views when it comes up against the demands of those who insist that censorship is the only way to show respect for their core values?

In our IFRT panel discussion, Jacoby and Marty will address these kinds of questions and will be joined by two librarians with unique points of view. Doug Archer and Mike Wessells share at least two things in common: they are both ordained ministers as well as longtime active members of IFRT and of the intellectual freedom community. How they reconcile their appreciation of both free speech and religious conviction should offer librarians unique insight into a seemingly perplexing problem.

Speakers:

Martin Marty

Martin Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of the History of Modern Christianity in the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, where he taught for 35 years. He has written for the Christian Century since 1956, has authored over 50 books and is a frequent speaker and commentator on religion in modern American. Among many other honors, Professor Marty has received the National Humanities Medal, the National Book Award, the Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Susan Jacoby

Susan Jacoby is the director of the Center for Inquiry Metro New York, a rationalist research and advocacy organization, an independent scholar and a writer. She is the author of seven books, including Wild Justice: The Evolution of Revenge (a Pulitzer Prize nominee), and Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism. She has been a reporter for The Washington Post and has contributed articles to numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Nation, AARP Bulletin, Vogue, Newsday, and TomPaine.com.

Responders:

Mike Wessells

Mike Wessells is a Regional Library Manger for the Timberland Regional Library system of Washington state and a fundamentalist pentecostal pastor. Mike is a past chair of IFRT and served on the ALA's Intellectual Freedom Committee

Doug Archer

Doug Archer is Reference and Peace Studies Librarian at the University Libraries of Notre Dame and an ordained minister of the Church of the Brethren. Doug is a member of the IFRT Board and editor of the IFRT Report.

Other IF Programs, Chicago 2005*

Washington Office Update: Breakout 1, Results of the OITP PATRIOT Act Study

Report on a two year study of the PATRIOT Act’s impact on the public in public and academic libraries.

Saturday, June 25, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon

To Save or Not to Save? Strategies for Protecting Patron Information Revised

Protecting patron privacy while collecting and maintaining data essential for services.

Sunday, June 26, 8:30 - 12:00 noon, sponsor: LITA

We've Got Your Back: Librarians and Teens

Teens and librarians sharing their experiences with real life challenges to intellectual freedom. Practical information on defending IF for young adult librarians.

Sunday, June 26, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, sponsors: IFRT and YALSA

Protecting Anonymity on the Internet

Why anonymity is important and how to protect it.

Monday, June 27, 10:30 - noon, sponsors: ALA IFC and COL

Intellectual Freedom: A Casualty of War?

The history of IF in wartime and the current state of affairs. Speaker will be Geoffrey Stone, author of Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime.

Monday, June 27, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, sponsors: ALA IFC, AAP and ABFFE

Tiny Trackers: Protecting Privacy in an RFID World

Recent developments in RFID technology and their implications for libraries.

Monday, June 27, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, sponsors: ALA IFC and YALSA

* Program descriptions are summarized from American Library Association Annual Conference and Exhibition 2005, a Supplement to American Libraries Magazine.

IFRT Membership Needs YOU!

Martin Garnar, mgarnar@regis.edu

As the ALA grassroots organization that's dedicated to intellectual freedom, IFRT is uniquely positioned to serve as a national forum for sharing ideas, materials, and alerts related to intellectual freedom. We'd like to see the IFRT electronic mailing list become an active bulletin board that lets members both send and receive information. To accomplish this, we need your help. We're looking for volunteers to serve as liaisons from each state library association. These liaisons would post information on the IFRT list about what's happening in their state, whether it be an IF challenge or information on an upcoming program. Likewise, liaisons would forward information from the IFRT list to their local library lists to help us get the word out about IFRT activities and programs. We'd estimate that this would require a commitment of 15 minutes a week, so we're not talking about an undue burden.

In addition to sharing information within IFRT, we need ambassadors to connect with local and regional library communities. These ambassadors would be IFRT's visible presence at state and regional conferences, and at LIS education programs. We're in the midst of developing a promotional packet that will be give our ambassadors all they need to know about IFRT and provide all the materials you need to sign up new members. The largest part of the time commitment is directly related to time spent at your local conference and can range from dropping off materials at a literature table to staffing an information table for all or part of your conference.

If you're interested in serving as a liaison or ambassador (or both!), contact Martin Garnar, chair of the IFRT Membership Promotion Committee at mgarnar@regis.edu or by calling 303-964-5459. To remain a vital grassroots organization, we need the roots to get involved!

Intellectual Freedom 2005, a Conference Report

Eduardo Fojo, fojoe@fiu.edu, and Lauren Christos, christol@fiu.edu

Intellectual freedom is a core value of librarianship and must be defended. This point was well illustrated by Judith Krug, Kathy Hoeth, and Howard Simon, the three speakers at the Intellectual Freedom in Libraries: Challenges and Status, 2005 program. Held at Fort Lauderdale’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center Auditorium on February 18, the event was organized and coordinated by Dr. Laurence Miller, Board Member of the Florida Library Association, past chair of the Intellectual Freedom Roundtable, and Executive Director of the Florida International University Library. This event, along with a similar one in Tampa, was sponsored by the Florida Library Association and co-sponsored by ACLU of Florida, TBLC (the Tampa Bay Library Consortium and SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network.)

Keynote speaker Judith Krug, the director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, stressed the importance of intellectual freedom as the essential component of libraries’ service to their communities. She added that a self-governing people must have access to information in order to make informed, intelligent decisions, and libraries, as purveyors of information, are a vital part of this process. Krug also named patron privacy as another key component of librarianship and discussed the ramifications of the USA Patriot Act on patron privacy, especially Section 215, which, in requiring organizations to give all information deemed relevant in investigating suspected terrorists, makes it impossible for libraries to protect patron confidentiality. Describing the post-9/11 information landscape, Krug observed that large amounts of previously unclassified information have been removed from websites and depositories by the government without notice and without records being kept of what had been removed. Among the types of information removed, she cited quality of drinking water, safety information on airplanes, trains and automobiles, and tire safety. Krug added that an independent government-funded inquiry determined, ironically enough, that keeping this information available did not threaten national security.

Krug also discussed the threat to intellectual freedom posed by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which she said claims to have the right to enforce trade restrictions against enemy nations, including prohibiting US publishers from publishing works by authors from enemy nations, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Sudan. Following a lawsuit, the government loosened its restrictions, now only requiring a publisher to have a license to publish. However, Krug noted, works from enemy nations can only be published in the US with ‘no value added’ – meaning no editing, grammar or spelling corrections, or translations into English. The work can only be published ‘as is.’

Krug then discussed the pros and cons for libraries of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which utilizes a millimeter sized chip with ID number and transponder used to track any commercial products and US currency. On the plus side, these devices are helpful for inventory purposes, self checkout and free up staff for other duties. However, Krug noted that RFID can compromise patron privacy as information is collected by third parties. On a positive note, she said that measures under consideration to protect patron privacy from RFID include splitting transactional information from personal information and preventing patron information from being gathered via RFID.

Kathy Hoeth’s presentation, “What to Do Before the Censor Comes,” illustrated the importance of having established policies and procedures to deal with patron challenges to library materials. She stressed that all library staff, whether full-time, part-time, or student workers must know what to do and whom to contact when confronted with patron complaints regarding items in the collection. Everyone on staff must be aware of their library’s collection development policy and be able to explain why disputed materials were chosen for the collection. Hoeth urged librarians to maintain close ties with advisory groups, Board’s of Governors, Friends of the Library, and other non-librarians. Sensitivity to patrons’ concerns, coupled with the ability to convince them of librarians’ expertise in selecting materials for their communities consistent with the intellectual freedom principles of librarianship, are a must, Hoeth said. Librarians must also cultivate good relationships with community journalists, she added.

Florida ACLU Executive Director Howard Simon’s presentation “Developing Patriot Act Polices and Procedures,” discussed the Patriot Act in the broad context of understanding the need for greater security protections. However, he stressed that many sections were excessively invasive and should be removed. Of the 15 federal acts and 831 separate statutes, the most problematic were Sections 215 and 505 according to Simon. Section 505 allows the FBI to get obtain personal information as long they believe that it is relevant to an investigation of terrorist activities. Prior to the Patriot Act, such actions required authorization from the Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General. Presently, any local FBI office may obtain such an authorization whenever they choose. Essentially this act violates Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures.

Question and answer sessions followed each speaker’s presentation, enabling both audience and participants to elaborate on the issues raised. These rounded out an enlightening and stimulating afternoon dealing with intellectual freedom, the crucial issue of ongoing concern to librarianship.

Immroth Award 2005

Nanette Perez, nperez@ala.org

The Hays (Kansas) Public Library Board of Trustees have been named the recipients of the John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award for Intellectual Freedom for 2005, presented by the American Library Association (ALA) Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT).

The Immroth Award honors intellectual freedom fighters in and outside the library profession who have demonstrated remarkable personal courage in resisting censorship. The award consists of $500 and a citation.

The Immroth Award Committee recognizes the Hays (Kansas) Public Library Board of Trustees because, in the words of Chair Laurence Miller, "The Board persevered long after many others would have been discouraged and defeated. The result has been a series of victories that have made Hays Public Library a role model for other libraries throughout the country."

Starting with an effort to remove Jennifer Aho's "Learning about Sex" in 1981, to a controversy in 1998 over "Daddy's Roomate," to the current pressures to limit access to the Internet, the Board has resisted and defeated censorship efforts that "call the roll" of major censorship issues of the last quarter century. The Board also has fought off organized efforts to "pack" its membership with censors.

The Immroth Award will be presented Saturday, June 25, 2005, at a special awards reception at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

For more information on this and other intellectual freedom awards, visit http://www.ala.org/ifrt.

The PATRIOT Act: Articles and Quotes

Doug Archer, archer.1@nd.edu

Due to the kind generosity of Prof. John Robinson of the Notre Dame Law School, I've been made aware of two excellent articles on the legal implications of the USA PATRIOT Act for American libraries. They are:

Michael J. O'Donnell, "Reading for Terrorism: Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Constitutional Right to Information Privacy." Journal of Legislation, Vol. 31, No. 1, 2004, pp. 45-68.

O'Donnell specfically focuses on section 515 (the section most applicable to libraries) and possible lines along which a constitutional challenge might be mounted to it. While this article is written for use within the legal community it is generally accessible for most librarians.

If you are unfamiliar with procedures for dealing with law enforcement inquires, the first thing to read is ALA OIF's page "Confidentiality and Coping with Law Enforcement Inquiries: Guidelines for the Library and its Staff" at http://tinyurl.com/6faza. If you are familiar with such procedures (or have at least read the OIF page) and want more information, this article should do the trick. It explains in detail the reasoning, cases, and opinions behind the OIF guidelines. But be warned, this article is written by lawyers for lawyers.

The issue containing this article is a theme issue titled "The War on Terrorism Touches the Ivory Tower -- Colleges and Universities after September 11." If you can get a copy of the complete issue, there are other articles of interest for academic librarians. In particular, you may want to at least skim if not digest Jamie Lewis Keith's "The War on Terrorism Affects the Academy," pp. 239-337. It's a biggie at 97 pages of legalese.

In the aftermath of 9/11 Ben Franklin was frequently quoted (and misquoted) on the relationship of liberty and security. Here is that famous statememt as documented by the Congressional Research Service in Respectfully Quoted, a Dictionary of Quotations Requested from the Congresssional Research Service. , Suzy Platt, ed. (Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 1989), p. 201, #1056. A slight variation is on the base of the Statue of Liberty.

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Here's another quote which is rapidly becoming ominously prophetic -- from the same source, p. 299, #1593.

On leaving Independence Hall at the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Franklin was asked "Well, Doctor, what have we got -- a Republic or a Monarchy." According to Dr. James McHenry, a Maryland delegate, he replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it."

This source of quotations is particularly valuable as it provides thorough documentation.

If you would like to recommend an interesting article or share a favorite quotation, please send them to the editor or any member of the the Publications Committee. Full contact information is provided on the IFRT Report's home page at http://www.nd.edu/~jarcher/ifrtreport/home.html.

American Library Association

Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Executive Committee Minutes

2005 Midwinter Conference

Boston, MA

IFRT I

January 15, 2005 2 – 4:00 PM

Present:

Officers:

Barbara Jones                         Chair

Pam Klipsch                           Chair-Elect

Christine M. Allen                  Director

J. Douglas Archer                   Director

Lauren Christos                      Director

Sylvia Turchyn                       Director

Carolyn Caywood                   Councilor

Carol Gulyas                       Secretary

Committees/Liaisons:

Laura Koltutsky                      SRRT Liaison to IFRT

Jim Kuhn                                IFRT Liaison to SRRT; Member, Program Committee

Martin Garnar                         Chair, Membership Promotion Committee

Melora Ranney Norman         Chair, Nominating Committee; Past Chair, IFRT

Pamela Bonnell-Mihalis         Chair, Oboler Memorial Award Comm.; FTRF Liaison

Christopher Bowen                 Chair, SIRS-ProQuest State and Regional Achievement Award Comm.

Laurence Miller                      Chair, John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Comm.

Elizabeth Dailey                     Member, Oboler Memorial Award Comm.

Nanette Perez                         IFRT Staff Liaison

Members/Guests:

Joan Beam, John Beekman, Fred Stielow, Eric Suess, Jim Teliha 

Call to Order: Jones called the meeting to order at 2:07 PM. After introductions, Jones invited all new attendees to get involved in Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and indicated that Caywood would serve as parliamentarian. Perez shared the sad news that Gordon Conable had passed away unexpectedly, and that a memorial service would be held on Monday at Midwinter, with time and place TBD. His family requests donations to Freedom to Read Foundation. A sympathy card was circulated. David Cohen’s wife’s passing was also announced. Intellectual Freedom Round Table will invite Intellectual Freedom Committee to join together on a festschrift, or other suitable memorial as appropriate. Archer moved, Allen seconded, and it was

VOTED, That staff liaison be directed to explore this idea. The motion was approved.

Review and Approval of Agenda: Kuhn noted that “Speaking with One Voice” discussion needed to be added to the agenda. Caywood moved, Christos seconded, and it was

            VOTED, That the agenda be approved as amended. The motion was approved.

Review of the 2004 Annual Meeting Minutes: The minutes were reviewed. Archer moved, Norman seconded, and it was

            VOTED that the minutes be approved as submitted. The motion was approved.

Review of the Agenda for the Joint Meeting with ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and Division Intellectual Freedom Committees:

The agenda for the joint meeting was approved.

Nominating Comm. Report:

Norman asked for volunteers and passed around a signup sheet. Koltutsky volunteered to run for Treasurer and also volunteered to fill in as Treasurer through the end of Cindy Lombardo’s term, which ends at ALA Annual 2005.

Seventh Edition of IF Manual: Garner encouraged all to share their comments, which can be taken up until Tuesday, 1/18/2005 at end of day.

Stielow expressed concern that Intellectual Freedom Round Table be highlighted in the Manual as a place where members can go if they have a complaint, and asked that we consider other ways Intellectual Freedom Round Table can get its name out into the public sphere.

BISG/ALA RFID Privacy Principles:

Kuhn asked for comments and questions. Bowen reported that the Book Industry Study Group has been involved in developing the Radio Frequency Identification privacy principles. One goal is that the statement be broad enough to remain valid as technology changes. The Book Industry Study Group visited this morning’s Intellectual Freedom Committee meeting, in which two important issues were brought up by Nancy Kranich: 1) no personal information should be on any chip, and 2) “promiscuity” in Radio Frequency Identification tags is a problem. Tags are being widely used in business. All agreed that this is a problem. The purpose of the resolution is to pass the recommendations back to ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy, with the ultimate goal of creating library-specific policy documents for library use. Such guidelines would direct libraries to develop a “privacy-friendly” policy. Caywood noted that many businesses are not recognizing the constitution, and that it is important to cite the Radio Frequency Identification principles that have already been developed. Stielow and Gulyas registered concern that the resolution may be worded so vaguely as not to have enough teeth.

Turchyn moved, Archer seconded, and it was

VOTED, that the resolution move forward to Council, co-sponsored by the Office for Information Technology Policy. The motion was approved.

IF Alerts:

A. Resolution Opposing a National Identification Card. Caywood recommended deferring comment until the most up to date version is available. Perez will provide latest version for review at IFRT II.

B. Gay Book Ban Goal of State Lawmaker. Stielow urged that a stand be taken on educational principles, vs. openly opposing the ban. Bonnell-Mihalis noted that in the Freedom to Read Foundation meeting it was reported that the bill wasn’t going to survive and doesn’t have co-sponsors. Garnar indicated that the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table was also discussing this matter, and that ALA has already issued a statement against this ban. It was agreed that the legislation does not merit attention at this time.

C. Orange Libraries Ban ‘Unaccompanied Adults’ from Kids’ Area. There was general discomfort with this rule coupled with understanding of how it might be necessary in some libraries, especially libraries with very small staffs. Turchyn noted that this would ban teachers and other adults who work with children from researching teaching materials for children. It was noted that this problem predates the internet. Caywood suggested ignoring the rule until someone complains that their access is being denied. After discussion, it was agreed that the situation would be monitored and reviewed at Annual 2005.

D. Other alerts

Norman noted that an entire Mississippi library system had banned Jon Stewart’s book America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction, then backed off. This situation will be monitored.

Course Management Systems. Jones pointed out a concern that Blackboard software allows for faculty to see what students are reading, constituting an invasion of privacy. Jones to look further into the issue, contact the Association for College and Research Libraries, and generate discussion about this issue on the Intellectual Freedom Round Table member list. Jones will develop the Course Management Privacy Committee, and develop a “think piece” for discussion at Annual 2005.

Caywood: Virginia State Legislature making state aid to public library funding contingent on installing filtering on all computers. Talking points are needed as to why this is an invalid extension of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. More communication with state Intellectual Freedom Committees is needed. Jones appointed Caywood to head a subcommittee on better coordination/dissemination of Children’s Internet Protection Act information, with Norman, Christos and Allen as members.

Gulyas noted that this kind of legislation is really a way de-fund libraries by making library funding subject to political ends, and that the round table should be mindful of the larger issue.

Program Planning

Norman: Susan Jacoby, author of Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism will be on the panel about religion. Archer suggested a librarian responder panel. Mike Wessels and Archer were asked to appear as the responder panel. There was much discussion as to whether the award should be given at the program or at the separate reception. As the two events are right next to each other, the Program Committee will consider all comments and make a recommendation at IFRTII. Information on the program and the award needs to be sent out to the library schools, the Catholic Library Association, and ALTA in an email broadcast. This matter was referred to the Membership Promotion Committee.

Preconference Planning

There is budget for a Preconference for 2006. Discussion of the merits of having a Preconference was tabled.

Publications Committee: The IFRT Report is published. Archer suggested that there needs to be more involvement by the committee membership in its production. The next issue needs to be published as soon as possible. Archer is studying XML so that he can more easily enter content and transition it to the next editor. Christos suggested attaching a membership form; Stielow suggested an online hall of fame. Archer encouraged all to contribute ideas.

Jones declared the meeting in recess at 4:01 pm.

American Library Association

Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Executive Committee Minutes

2005 Midwinter Conference

Boston, Massachusetts

IFRT II

                                                   January 17, 2005 8-10am 

Present:

Officers:

Barbara Jones                         Chair

Pam Klipsch                           Chair-Elect

Christine M. Allen                  Director

Doug Archer                           Director

Sylvia Turchyn                       Director

Carolyn Caywood                   Councilor

Laura Koltutsky                      Acting Treasurer

Carol Gulyas                       Secretary

Committees/Liaisons:

Laura Koltutsky                      SRRT Liaison to IFRT

Jim Kuhn                                IFRT Liaison to SRRT; Member Program Committee

Martin Garnar                         Chair, Membership Promotion Committee

Janice Tsai                              Member, Membership Promotion Committee

Melora Ranney Norman         Chair, Nominating Committee; Past Chair, IFRT

Pamela Bonnell-Mihalis         Chair, Oboler Memorial Award Comm.; FTRF                                                                     Liaison

Christopher F. Bowen            Chair, SIRS-ProQuest State and Regional Achievement Award Comm.

Nanette Perez                         IFRT Staff Liaison

Members/Guests: Eric Suess, L. Hitchcock, Janice Tsai, Carrie Gardner

Call to Order:

Jones called the meeting to order at 8:09 am.

Review and Approval of Agenda: Garnar, liaison to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table, added discussion of a joint resolution to the agenda. The agenda was approved as amended.

Joint Resolution with GLBTRT:

Garnar reported that the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered Round Table was uncertain about preparing a resolution against the Alabama statewide ban of gay literature in libraries. Caywood proposed working with the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered Round Table, between now and Annual 2005, to draft a broader resolution that condemns efforts to deprive any citizen of access to information on sexual orientation. Garnar to suggest this possibility to the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered Round Table.

IFRT Preliminary Budget: The budget is in good shape, with surplus funds available. Perez confirmed that the Liaison Luncheon and honoraria for three speakers at $500 are included in the budget. Archer noted that the budget should indicate that there are four issues of IFRT Report, not two. There is also sufficient funding for a festschrift, as well as funds for an additional program for 2006. There is a fund balance of $41,000. Caywood moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

            VOTED, That the budget be approved. The motion was approved.

Program Planning:

Gulyas reported that regarding the Intellectual Freedom Round Table/Young Adult Library Services Association joint program on Intellectual Freedom and Youth, scheduled for ALA Annual 2005, the proper co-sponsorship form has been submitted.

Publications Committee:

Archer indicated that February 15, 2005 is deadline for copy for the IFRT Report, with a target publication date of March 1, 2005. The deadline for the June 1^st issue is May 15.

Round Table Coordinating Assembly:

Caywood reported that comments to the American Library Association 2010 Strategic Plan are due January 31. Caywood recommended that a bullet be added to indicate that we do not restrict access, and that the word “ethics” be added to the bullet concerning the profession. Other members will provide their comments on the Strategic Plan via email.

Nell Chenault is on the Conference Coordinating Committee for 2006; we should provide as much information as possible to her, so that our programs have a better chance of getting tracked appropriately. Caywood recommended nominating a member of IFRT to the Conference Program Coordinating Committee for 2008; this should be added to the Agenda for ALA Annual 2005. Carla Hayden, Immediate Past President of American Library Association, attended the Round Table Coordinating Assembly, and took suggestions from Caywood regarding the fact that the Conference Program needs a subject index so that programs can be more easily found.

Caywood suggested we cultivate a closer relationship with the Library Support Staff Interests Round Table. Klipsch may be interested in exploring a liaison relationship. Discussion needs to occur on how we will relate to the Diversity Interest Network & Exchange.

Candidate Presentation:

Leslie Burger, a candidate for President of American Library Association, visited the meeting and promoted her candidacy.

Resolutions:

Resolution on Privacy and Standardized Driver’s Licenses and Personal Identification Cards. Kuhn reported that this resolution is undergoing revision for review at the Intellectual Freedom Committee III meeting today, and recommended that we endorse it in principle. Norman moved, Caywood seconded, and it was

            VOTED, That we endorse the resolution in principle. The motion was approved.

Program Planning:

The “Religion and Intellectual Freedom” program was discussed. Norman reported that the Program Committee would like to spend time during the reception honoring the award recipients and letting friends and colleagues talk with them, while also spending time acknowledging recipients during the program. Caywood mentioned that food and handouts should be provided at the reception. Someone will be designated to receive guests, provide handouts, promote membership, and direct attendees to the food (which will be covered until the appropriate time). Christos and Turchyn volunteered to do this. Kuhn would like the recipients to address the program attendees for two minutes. Caywood suggested the Downs Award event could be used as a model. The reception is scheduled from 12 noon until 1:30, and the program runs from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Jones noted the importance of a good transition. The Program Committee will review all suggestions and design a workable schedule. This event should be promoted in the IFRT Report and other member materials. Norman will confirm Susan Jacoby’s attendance and facilitate the library responder panel, which needs to particularly address the tension in the library setting between collection development and patrons’ responses and viewpoints. The responder panel will touch on the issues that affect staff at the point of use. The speakers will have 20 minutes to half an hour to speak, and panelists will have 10-15 minutes.

Report of Officers:

Jones: No Report

Klipsch reported that the first Liaison Luncheon went well. Response was very positive among the 26 attendees. Evaluation forms indicated that attendees found it valuable. It was suggested that the Chair-elect could take responsibility for this project in future, and that the event be held annually. Klipsch will start making committee appointments directly after this conference, and asked for cooperation. The

Conference program for 2006 is still taking shape; topic under consideration is how minority perspectives are reflected in collections. New Orleans provides opportunities to have Native American library voices heard. Norman moved, Koltutsky seconded, and it was

VOTED, That the Liaison Luncheon become a regular feature at Midwinter Conference. The motion was approved.

Allen: No Report

Archer: No Report

Turchyn reported that she had been slated to speak at a state conference on Women in Indiana Libraries, but the conference was cancelled for lack of registration. Turchyn will present at the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science.

Caywood reported that the Intellectual Freedom Committee endorsed in principle the Resolution on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Privacy Principles; and the Committee on Legislation’s Draft Resolution on Privacy and Standardized Driver’s Licenses and Personal Identification Cards. The Resolution on Abuse of Patron Data was deferred to Intellectual Freedom Committee on Privacy, where it rests. Caywood read aloud the Resolution on Workplace Speech. Caywood moved to endorse, Gulyas seconded, and it was

            VOTED, That the IFRT endorse the Resolution on Workplace Speech. The motion was approved.

The Resolution on Health Care has been resubmitted. Council I debated the Resolution on Salinas Libraries, which was tabled. Caywood noted that the resolution is too vaguely worded and its use of the word “support” implies financial commitment. The resolution on ALA Partnerships was not addressed. “One Voice” Policy will not be addressed. Nominees for Intellectual Freedom Committee Executive Board are being considered. The IFRT trusts Caywood to make the right decision regarding this Resolution if it is brought to Council.

Candidate Presentation:

Christine Lind Hage, candidate for ALA President, addressed the group.

Preconference Program:

Discussion of a Preconference was tabled until Annual. Norman will bring up the topic on the IFRT list.

Standing Committee Reports:

Membership Promotion Committee:

Garnar reported that IFRT Member Packets have been developed. Beverly Becker will contact state Intellectual Freedom Committee chairs about the packets. Membership totals 1,775 as of November 30; IFRT is now 50 members larger than Social Responsibilities Round Table.

State and Regional Achievement Award Committee:

Bowen reported that there are as yet no nominees; deadline was extended until end of January, 2005. Bowen and Perez will send a message to the State Intellectual Freedom Committee lists calling for nominees.

Bylaws Committee:

Jones reported that this committee will have a document to review at Annual.

John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Committee:

Norman reported that the committee approved the Hayes, Kansas Public Library as winner of the award. Under enormous pressure, this library has resisted internet filtering and struggled to keep books on the shelf.

Oboler Memorial Award Committee Report:

No report.

2005 Annual Conference (Chicago, IL) Tentative Schedule

IFRT I Friday, June 24, 2-5:30pm

Religion and Intellectual Freedom Program, Saturday, 6/25 1:30 to 3:30

IFRT/Youth Joint Program, Sunday, 6/26, 1:30 to 3:30

IFRT II Monday, June 27, 8 to 10

Adjournment: Jones adjourned the meeting at 10:03 AM.

Contributors

Carolyn Caywood: Carolyn has been a librarian since 1972 when she graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit. She manages a Virginia Beach Public Library branch and a Subregional library for the blind. She is IFRT Councilor, a member of the IFC subcommittee on privacy, and a past Board member of the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Lauren Christos: Lauren is an IFRT Director and is a member of the Program Committee. She is a Reference Librarian at the Biscayne Bay Library of Florida International University and a Director of IFRT.

Eduardo Fojo: Eduardo is an Archivist at the Florida International University Library and a first time contributor to the IFRT Report.

Martin Garnar: Martin is the new chair of the Membership Promotion Committee and the immediate past chair of the Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award Committee. He is a reference & instruction librarian at Regis University in Denver, CO.

Carol Gulyas: Carol is the IFRT Secretary and an active member of SRRT. She is Reference & Instruction Librarian at Columbia College, Chicago.

Melora Ranney Norman: Melora is immediate past chair of the IFRT and the current chair of its Program Committee. She is past chair of the Maine Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee and is currently Coordinator of Outreach Services for the Maine State Library.

Nanette Perez: Nanette is Project Coordinator for ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Staff Liaison for IFRT. She is our “go to” person who sees that all of the behind the scenes things get taken care of.

Doug Archer: Doug is Editor of the IFRT Report and an IFRT Director. When he is not being a Reference and Peace Studies Librarian at the University Libraries of Notre Dame, he splits his time between being a Church of the Brethren minister and pastor’s spouse and raising three pre-school aged grandchildren.