Jones called the meeting to order at 2:09 pm, welcomed all and encouraged them to get involved in IFRT.

Perez noted that in Item XIA "Exhibit II" should be "Exhibit 5a" and that in Item XVIII "Exhibit VI" should be "Exhibit IX". Caywood moved, Christos seconded, that the agenda be approved as amended. The motion was approved by acclamation.

The minutes were reviewed and approved as distributed.

Koltutsky presented the final IFRT Budget. Budget was reviewed. Miller recommended revisiting the award levels; high-profile awards should be $1,000, at minimum. Norman noted that unit awards are not mandated to be more than $500. Miller moved, Brynteson seconded, and it was

VOTED, That the Chair appoint an ad hoc committee to review award levels and consider awarding speakers a courtesy membership, and report back to the Board during Midwinter 2006. The motion was approved.

Norman, Miller and Koltutsky volunteered for the committee.

Norman moved, Christos seconded, and it was

VOTED, That the budget be accepted as presented. The motion was approved.

Norman reported that Rosanne Cordell was elected Chair-elect (2005-2006); Julia Glynn was elected Treasurer (2005-2007); Jim Kuhn and Robert P. Holley were elected Directors (2005-2007).

It was noted that the joint meeting of IFC, IFRT, and Division IFCs will be held on Sunday, June 26, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, HIL-Northwest 2. The agenda will be distributed at the meeting. Jones will attend for IFRT.

Norman reported there are many award receptions scheduled and hoped that attendance would fulfill expectations. Norman also suggested that in future we ask that people register in advance so as to allow for better estimating the amount of food required. Christos has created a "webliography" as a handout for the program.

Gulyas indicated that the IFRT/YALSA program was on track with four teens, three librarian panelists, a moderator and a main speaker scheduled. Perez indicated that all IFRT programs will be taped and transcribed.

Klipsch reported on efforts to organize a program tentatively entitled "The Native American Perspective on the American Experience" for ALA Annual 2006 (New Orleans). Klipsch defended the topic as relevant to IF because default censorship occurs when people of color and other diverse populations are not represented in library materials. Anyone who has ideas for this program topic was asked to share them with Klipsch. Norman suggested that a preconference be developed and discussion of the feasibility of this ensued. Norman moved, Klipsch seconded and it was

VOTED, That an ad hoc committee be appointed to develop ideas for a preconference, with proposal due to IFRT Board at or before Midwinter. The motion was approved.

Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) and Association of Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA) were suggested as possible partners for a preconference. Norman, Lauren, and Bonell-Mihalis volunteered for the preconference committee, to be chaired by Norman.

Klipsch reported that IRRT Table has asked IFRT to co-sponsor a program on Intellectual Freedom throughout the world, which would take place on Monday afternoon, 1:30-3:30 during the 2006 ALA Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Caywood moved, Klipsch seconded and it was

VOTED, That IFRT co-sponsor the program. The motion was approved.

A. Resolution on Workplace Speech.

Caywood presented a slightly reworded resolution. It was felt that the proposed Intellectual Freedom Committee wording gave too much ground, but that Caywood should be directed to state that IFRT continued to support the resolution in principle. There was lengthy discussion. Archer moved, Christos seconded and it was

VOTED, That Caywood be directed to use her judgment when the resolution came up at Council. The motion was approved.

B. Resolution on Threats to Library Materials Related to Sexual Orientation.

This resolution, which was written by Caywood at Midwinter, is currently on the agenda for Council I and is in the hands of the Resolution Committee. Some of the clauses need work. Klipsch noted that the IFC had stated that it would be better to send the resolution to state chapters and let them use it as they will. Norman noted that resolutions don't end in complex transmittal clauses any longer, as this makes them too wordy. It is assumed that the usual transmittal steps will be taken for every resolution that passes. Other suggestions were made but it was agreed that it should continue to be shepherded by Garnar as a joint IFRT/GLBTRT resolution. Klipsch moved, Gulyas seconded, and it was

VOTED, That Caywood use her judgment to achieve the further crafting and adoption of the resolution.

Discussion was deferred until after tomorrow's meeting with IFC.

Discussion was deferred till IFRT II.

The projected publication date of the seventh edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual is the 2006 Midwinter Meeting.

At the 2005 ALA Midwinter Meeting, Barbara Jones, IFRT chair, discussed the possibility of working with the Intellectual Freedom Committee on a Festschrift to honor Gordon Conable. The Intellectual Freedom Committee agreed this was a worthwhile project, and Forman and Gardner volunteered to work with the IFRT. The Freedom to Read Foundation also wishes to be involved in this project. Krug suggested one topic could be the Universal Right to Free Expression. Publishers have been contacted and permission granted from the Conable family. Jones referred attendees to the information sheet provided and indicated that Carrie Gardner is coordinating recruitment of contributors.

Discussion was tabled until IFRT II.

This is an Intellectual Freedom issue because Google will use cookies and will be able to track usage of materials and this usage could be made available to law enforcement. Contracts between libraries and Google do not address the privacy issue. It is incumbent on IFRT to help assure that ALA takes leadership on this issue. Centralization is an issue; Fair Use and Copyright must be balanced with access. Koltutsky noted that Google is very secretive and if they are collecting the info and it can be retained then they are violating privacy. Cordell asked if there exists any sort of ALA toolkit on contracting with electronic vendors regarding privacy issues. This would be a good topic for an Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) pre-conference.

Attendees were referred to the agenda; no action needed.

Caywood moved, Klipsch seconded, and it was

VOTED, That IFRT invite the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered Round Table (GLBTRT) to participate in a joint working group to develop a tool kit to answer recurring thorny questions around GLBT issues. The motion was approved.

Caywood, Garner, and Christos volunteered for the working group. Jones will write to the GLBTRTto ask them to appoint three members. Discussion ensued about what to do when someone complains about gay library displays. Klipsch: include materials from all sides and then you can honestly say that you are practicing intellectual freedom.

Klipsch reported that over half of her nominating committee work is done and she continues to look for volunteers to step forward. Christos was appointed Chair Elect of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Florida Library Association. Archer needs copy for the IFRT report by August. It was suggested that the Publications Committee be renamed the Communications Committee with the IFRT Reporter publication under its jurisdiction. The Editor of the IFRT Reporter would then report to the Chair of the Communications Committee. It was moved by Archer, seconded by Garner, and

VOTED, That the Bylaws Committee examine the charge and functions of the Publications Committee and (if appropriate) change its name to the Communications Committee, letting the editor of IFRT Reporter report to the Chair of the Communications Committee. The motion was approved. Norman expressed a desire to survey the membership on how the lists are used. She will draft a survey and mount it on "Survey Monkey" for IFRT Board review.

Caywood referred attendees to Exhibit XXI (Inclusiveness and Mutual Respect Proposed Policy). Klipsch moved, Christos seconded, and it was

VOTED, That our councilor be directed to support this resolution. The motion was approved.

Caywood recommended that IFRT consider offering a special membership discount to support staff. Garner indicated that the Membership Committee did discuss this, and will elaborate on Monday in their full report.

The use of Biometric Technology at Naperville Public Library was discussed. The library is using this technology to clear users for internet access. If a user does not want to have their fingerprint scanned they must request guest access. There was consensus that this kind of technology is dangerous because, once in place, it can be expanded easily, is more convenient for hackers to violate, and can be used by law enforcement to abuse privacy. This technology also requires considerable funds to guard it securely, thus diverting funds from more urgent library priorities. The IFC's Privacy Committee is charged with developing a resolution against the use of biometric technology.

A. Bylaws Committee did not meet.

The Membership Promotion Committee was charged with three major projects for 2004-05. The first was to develop more publicity materials for IFRT that could be used to promote the RT at state and regional conferences. The second was to develop a list of liaisons between IFRT and various groups, such as state chapters and library schools. The third was to come up with ways of making the IFRT list more active and therefore more of a member benefit. Of the three projects, only one has had any real progress. This was the list of liaisons for state chapters. IFRT now has a core group of liaisons representing 9 state intellectual freedom committees. Liaisons were polled on what IFRT can do for them resulting in the following list of requested services:

• developing a speaker's bureau for the IF community for both regional and national speakers
• conference session topic suggestions
• issue summaries
• brochures and fliers on IF topics to distribute to both patrons and staff, including materials for support staff who may lack a theoretical grounding in IF issues
• best practices, tips and suggestions; a network of support
• ideas for enhancing communication within a state association for the purpose of sharing member needs with their state IFC
• information/brochures on IFRT

The next step is to determine what is realistic for IFRT to attempt, prioritize the projects, and start working. One course of action may be to survey other IF groups to see what's currently available in terms of brochures and other resources.

As of June 2005, IFRT has 1,750 members, down from 1,775 in November 2004 and 1,838 in November 2003. IFRT has slipped to third place (behind SRRT at 1,803 and NMRT at 1,778). 424 members are shared with SRRT. The largest source of members from a single division is PLA with 554. Although IFRT is not in imminent danger of losing its Councilor (a privilege of the five largest round tables), this is still a worrisome trend. Methods must be examined for reversing this slide.

Caywood noted that if support staff is not bought into the Intellectual Freedom community, they will not convey related policy to the public and to patrons. The biggest gaps are in front-line staff, and inexperienced librarians. More education is needed, both at the library school level and in the workplace. Garnar moved and it was

VOTED, That a $10 membership level be established for support staff. The motion was approved.

IFRT I Saturday, January 21, 2:00 – 4:00pm
IFRT II Monday, January 23, 8:00 – 10:00am

Jones adjourned the meeting at 5:33pm

Beverly Becker, Kay Boies, Susan Brynteson, Rosanne Cordell, Julia Glynn, Jonathan Kelley, Lynn McIntosh, Linda Saferite, Laurie Sandborg, Jim Teliha, Mike Wessells

Jones called the meeting to order at 8:03am.

Garnar reported on progress and the revised version of the Resolution was reviewed. The Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC), the Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), and the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) have endorsed this Resolution in principle. Caywood confirmed that changes had been made to satisfy requests made by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table (GLBTRT). Caywood moved, Garnar seconded and it was

VOTED, To submit the revised version to Council. The motion was approved.

Caywood will also take copies to the Council Forum. Saferite suggested that the Resolution also be endorsed by those who deal with services to children because most of the attacks are addressed to children's librarians. Klipsch suggested a program be developed on how to deal with this issue in legal terms, which could perhaps be entitled "Librarians and the Law." State chapter leaders could be invited to attend at ALA expense, and the legislative lobbyists for the different divisions could also be invited. Jones will follow up and come to Midwinter with a proposal.

Kelley reported for Kuhn, who sent his apologies for not attending due to family matters. The Merritt Fund was created to support librarians who have suffered in their jobs due to the defense of intellectual freedom. This fund fills an important need and should be advertised more broadly. Most library workers don't know about it. The Office for Diversity has been helpful in getting the message out about the fund. Lucille Thomas has been elected as Merritt Fund Trustee. All present are invited to attend a party in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Fund, in Keith Michael Fields' suite. Three grants were awarded in 2004; two in 2005. In all cases the grant was extremely helpful to the recipients, either for legal expenses or to pay the rent. Recipients are asked to donate back to the fund when they are able. Currently website links are being created to help build awareness of the Fund.

The Resolution on Workplace Speech passed.

Caywood congratulated program chairs for their excellent programs. Turchyn and Gulyas expressed pride in the librarians who served on both programs' panels. Gulyas noted that one lesson learned is that promotion at ALA itself is important, as there is so much competition for events among conference attendees.

Resolution Opposing the Use of Biometric Technology in Libraries Garnar indicated that the resolution opposing the use of biometric technology in libraries will be discussed in the next meeting. It was suggested that the use of such technology would make a good program topic for ALA Annual. Garnar read the text of the Resolution and Caywood moved, Turchyn seconded and it was

VOTED, That we endorse it in principle. The motion carried.

It was noted that, though our President has taken a middle ground on this subject, the use of such technology is "really beyond the pale" and must be opposed forcefully. The use of such technology represents not only a privacy risk but is an undue financial burden on libraries whose budgets are already stressed. This technology does not aid management; just another expensive burden.

It was noted that there needs to be a definition of "disinformation". It was agreed to support the resolution but that it needed more work before submitting to Council.

Brynteson noted that in "Law and Order" episodes NYC Police regularly go into libraries and ask for information and it is given to them without argument, and that a letter should be sent to the writers of the series pointing out this inaccuracy. All agreed that Brynteson should send such a letter.

September 17 is Constitution Day, and all were reminded to do an exhibit in their library. Everybody who gets federal money is required to observe it.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:31.