LIBRARY INITIATED PROGRAMS AS A RESOURCE


An Interpretation of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS

Library initiated programs support the mission of the library by
providing users with additional opportunities for information,
education and recreation. Article 1 of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS
states: "Books and other library resources should be provided for
the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the
community the library serves."

Library initiated programs take advantage of library staff
expertise, collections, services and facilities to increase
access to information and information resources. Library
initiated programs introduce users and potential users to the
resources of the library and to the library's primary function as
a facilitator of information access. The library may participate
in cooperative or joint programs with other agencies,
organizations, institutions or individuals as part of its own
effort to address information needs and to facilitate information
access in the community the library serves.

Library initiated programs on site and in other locations
include, but are not limited to, speeches, community forums,
discussion groups, demonstrations, displays, and live or media
presentations.

Libraries serving multilingual or multicultural communities make
efforts to accommodate the information needs of those for whom
English is a second language. Library initiated programs across
language and cultural barriers introduce otherwise unserved
populations to the resources of the library and provide access to
information.

Library initiated programs "should not be proscribed or removed
(or canceled) because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval" of
the contents of the program or the views expressed by the
participants, as stated in Article 2 of the LIBRARY BILL OF
RIGHTS. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an
endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed
by the participants, any more than the purchase of material for
the library collection constitutes an endorsement of the contents
of the material or the views of its creator.

Library initiated programs are a library resource, and as such,
are developed in accordance with written guidelines, as approved
and adopted by the library's policy-making body. These guidelines
include an endorsement of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS and set
forth the library's commitment to free and open access to
information and ideas for all users.

Library staff select topics, speakers and resource materials for
library initiated programs based on the interests and information
needs of the community. Topics, speakers and resource materials
are not excluded from library initiated programs because of
possible controversy. Concerns, questions or complaints about
library initiated program are handled according to the same
written policy and procedures which govern reconsiderations of
other library resources.

Library initiated programs are offered free of charge and are
open to all. Article 5 of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS states: "A
person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged
because of origin, age, background, or views."

The "right to use a library" encompasses all of the resources the
library offers, including the right to attend library initiated
programs. Libraries do not deny or abridge access to library
resources, including library initiated programs, based on an
individual's economic background and ability to pay.

Adopted January 27, 1982. Amended June 26, 1990, by the ALA
Council.

[ISBN 8389-6528-8]


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

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