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MLA Intellectual Freedom Resources
The mission of the Intellectual Freedom Committee is to promote awareness of intellectual freedom issues,
and to provide support to the Massachusetts library community in upholding the principles of intellectual freedom.
Massachusetts Library Association Statements
Resolution Supporting the American Library Association in Its Legal Challenge to Federally Mandated Internet Filters
Internet Filtering Statement
(Approved by the MLA Executive Board, January 5, 2001)
Massachusetts Library Association Testimony
at State House on June 4, 2001
American Library Association Statements
The Library Bill of Rights is available in Spanish and English. Also read its interpretations.
International Statements
The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Committee has Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom and also provides a World Report on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom
Learn more about Intellectual Freedom and Get Involved
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
provides very detailed information about intellectual freedom issues and provides help to those who oppose censorship.
Join the Freedom to Read Foundation
On April 6th, the Massachusetts Library Association Executive Board approved a resolution supporting the American Library Association's challenge to federally mandated filters as required in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). ALA has established an excellent site devoted to CIPA, the regulations and the litigation at http://www.ala.org/cipa. Check it out!
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION IN ITS LEGAL CHALLENGE TO FEDERALLY MANDATED INTERNET FILTERS
WHEREAS, Congress has enacted the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) mandating that libraries and schools install and use content filtering software on public Internet computers as a prerequisite to receiving federal funds for programs including Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and e-rate funds; and
WHEREAS, No filtering software has proven to successfully block out all illegal content while allowing access to all constitutionally protected material; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Online Child Protection (COPA), which was appointed by Congress to study child safety on the Internet, concluded that "no single technology or method will effectively protect children from harmful material online. Rather the Commission determined that a combination of public education, consumer empowerment technologies and methods, increased enforcement of existing laws, and industry action are needed to address these concerns;" and
WHEREAS, Public and school libraries are a crucial source of Internet-accessible information for all users, but especially and critically for those who cannot afford computers and therefore rely on their local libraries for Internet access; and
WHEREAS, Massachusetts libraries and librarians are partners with parents and work to help their communities become information literate by teaching them to access, evaluate and use information; and
WHEREAS, The Massachusetts Library Association strongly believes that educating parents and children to use the Internet wisely provides children their best protection, now and in the future; and
WHEREAS, The Massachusetts Library Association strongly encourages local libraries to adopt and implement Internet use policies designed to protect juveniles and deter illegal activity while not requiring the use of "technological protection measures" (filters); and
WHEREAS, The Massachusetts Library Association does not recommend the use of Internet filters in libraries, and emphatically opposes attempts by federal and state governments to set local policy; and
WHEREAS, The American Library Association has challenged the constitutionality of CIPA in federal court; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Massachusetts Library Association endorses and supports this legal action by the American Library Association and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Massachusetts Library Association will work with the members of the State Legislature and local public officials to find additional ways to educate the public about intellectual freedom, safety and the Internet.
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