Intellectual freedom manual

Garnar (library director, Amherst College), the current chair of ALA's Intellectual Freedom Committee, joins with Magi (Univ. of Vermont) for this tenth edition of ALA's Intellectual Freedom Manual. The first volume was published in 1974. Each of the book's three parts comprises published ALA documents and selected essays by librarians. The first part outlines essential concepts in intellectual freedom, including basic definitions and guides for creating and supporting related library policies. The second part focuses specifically on the issues of resource access, censorship, children, collection management, copyright, spaces and programming, privacy, interaction with law enforcement, free speech, and equity and diversity. The third part provides information on outreach and communication regarding intellectual freedom issues. Overall, this book is an extremely practical and useful guide for librarians dealing with intellectual freedom topics, offering both foundational understanding of the topic and applicable guidance for navigating related situations. The documents provide definitions and clear steps to troubleshoot associated questions and problems. Drawing all the important intellectual freedom sources for librarians into one place in a highly organized manner, the book provides an informative overview and is easily accessible for real-world practice. [Disclaimer: Choice is part of the American Library Association, which published this book.] Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals. --Eric Jeitner, Stockton University

Now in its 10th edition, this manual remains the singular guide to intellectual property for librarians and library administrators tasked with addressing issues related to copyright, censorship, ethics, and advocacy. Since the publication of the ninth edition, evolving public sentiment and significant changes in federal and international law (such as the expiration of parts of the USA Patriot Act) have necessitated a sweeping revision of the book. In this updated version, editors Garnar (director, Amherst Coll. Lib.) and Magi (reference and instruction librarian, Univ. of Vermont) offer eight new interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, taking on topics such as politics, religion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also included is a new article, "When To Call the Police," which lays out actions that require law enforcement intervention and also details activities that are not illegal in a library, such as breastfeeding or experiencing homelessness. VERDICT Library administrators will find that the guidance included in the 10th edition supersedes that of the ninth edition, particularly in the "Deeper Look" sections, and is thus a crucial replacement. Librarians of all kinds will appreciate the continuing reflection on our professional principles and values.--Jennifer Townes, Ina Dillard Russell Lib., Milledgeville, GA