Freedom to Read Statement
Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library (Law Library), through its Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles, strives to balance access to and acquisition of information resources that offer the widest possible range of viewpoints. All Law Library patrons have the First Amendment right to read, view, and listen to library resources. The Law Library subscribes to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement which reads:
“The freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Those with faith in free people will stand firm on these constitutional guarantees of essential rights and will exercise the responsibilities that accompany these rights.”
Material will not be excluded because of:
The frankness of language or controversial approach.
The political, moral, social, or scientific views expressed.
The age, race, national origin, citizenship status, cultural or ethnic background, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, economic status, housing status, views, politics, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic of those contributing to their creation or the contents within.
Additionally, the Law Library is guided by the principles of intellectual and academic freedom outlined in the following:
1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure - Association of American College (now the American Association of Colleges and Universities) (AAC&U) and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
Code of Ethics of the American Library Association - American Library Association (ALA)
Free Expression Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023 - Arizona Board of Regents
Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights and Standards for Libraries in Higher Education - Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)
Library Bill of Rights - American Library Association (ALA)
University Handbook of Appointed Personnel Policy (7.01.02) - University of Arizona
Works Cited:
“Freedom to Read Statement.” American Library Association, 26 July 2006. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/node/331. Accessed 22 July 2023.
Additional Resources:
Garnar, Martin (Ed.) (2021). Intellectual Freedom Manual. American Library Association
Pekoll, Kristin. (2019). Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual Freedom Throughout Your Library. American Library Association.
"Policies on Selecting Materials on Controversial Topics.” American Library Association, 25 Dec. 2017. http://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/controversial
"Support for Intellectual Freedom.” American Library Association, 18 Dec. 2017. https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/intellectualfreedom