Intellectual Freedom: Not Just For Us Library Types!

We tend to think that only we library types are interested in intellectual freedom (IF) issues. That is not the case. We have plenty of company in our fight against censorship. In addition to ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedomand the Freedom to Read Foundation the following organizations promote the cause of intellectual freedom.  If facing a real or potential challenge, these groups can prove to be powerful allies.

American Booksellers Association (ABA) - national retail book industry trade association with a long history of defending First Amendment rights; they originated Banned Book Week  www.bookweb.org

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) -- This national, nonpartisan organization is dedicated to protecting the principles embodied in the United States' Bill of Rights. Activities include litigation, legislation, and public education.  www.aclu.org

American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) --supports the rights of free expression of individual authors. The committee sponsors the annual I Read Banned Books campaign.  www.asja.org

The Authors Guild -- a national society of professional authors, long involved in preserving and defending First Amendment rights, including school book banning cases.  www.authorsguild.org

Free Expression Network (FEN) -- a national coalition that include writers, artists, librarians, filmmakers, booksellers, publishers, recording producers, musicians, journalists, lawyers, and more, united in the belief that "free expression and free access is he indispensable precondition of liberty."

www.freeexpression.org

Media Alliance -- The Media Coalition is an association that defends the First Amendment right to produce and sell books and magazines.  www.media-alliance.org/section.php?id=42

National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) -- an alliance of national organizations that include religious, educational, professional, artistic, labor, and civil rights groups committed to defending freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression.

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) --  the national professional organization for English educators includes an "intellectual freedom center" and a standing committee against censorship.

www.ncte.org/action/anti-censorship

People for the American Way -- dedicated to making the promise of America real for every American including the freedom of speech.  www.pfaw.org

Thanks to The Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association which provided some of the content of this column.