RESTRICTED ACCESS TO LIBRARY MATERIALS

An Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS

Libraries are a traditional forum for the open exchange of
information. Attempts to restrict access to library materials
violate the basic tenets of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS.

Historically, attempts have been made to limit access by
relegating materials into segregated collections. These attempts
are in violation of established policy. Such collections are
often referred to by a variety of names, including "closed
shelf," "locked case," "adults only," "restricted shelf," or
"high demand." Access to some materials also may require a
monetary fee or financial deposit. In any situation which
restricts access to certain materials, a barrier is placed
between the patron and those materials. That barrier may be age
related, linguistic, economic, or psychological in nature.

Because materials placed in restricted collections often deal
with controversial, unusual, or "sensitive" subjects, having to
ask a librarian or circulation clerk for them may be embarrassing
or inhibiting for patrons desiring the materials. Needing to ask
for materials may pose a language barrier or a staff service
barrier. Because restricted collections often are composed of
materials which some library patrons consider "objectionable,"
the potential user may be predisposed to think of the materials
as "objectionable" and, therefore, are reluctant to ask for them.

Barriers between the materials and the patron which are
psychological, or are affected by language skills, are
nonetheless limitations on access to information. Even when a
title is listed in the catalog with a reference to its restricted
status, a barrier is placed between the patron and the
publication (see also "Statement on Labeling").

There may be, however, countervailing factors to establish
policies to protect library materials--specifically, for reasons
of physical preservation including protection from theft or
mutilation. Any such policies must be carefully formulated and
administered with extreme attention to the principles of
intellectual freedom. This caution is also in keeping with ALA
policies, such as "Evaluating Library Collections," "Free Access
to Libraries for Minors," and the "Preservation Policy."

Finally, in keeping with the "Joint Statement on Access" of the
American Library Association and Society of American Archivists,
restrictions that result from donor agreements or contracts for
special collections materials must be similarly circumscribed.
Permanent exclusions are not acceptable. The overriding impetus
must be to work for free and unfettered access to all
documentary heritage.

Adopted February 2, 1973; amended July 1, 1981; July 3, 1991, by
the ALA Council.

[ISBN 8389-7552-6]


Information provider:
  Unit:    American Library Association
  Email:   Edward.Valauskas@ala.org
  Posted:  24 Apr 1994

[Made available by permission of the American Library Association.]