The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for
information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their
services.
- Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,
information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library
serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background,
or views of those contributing to their creation.
- Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of
view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or
removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
- Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their
responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
- Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with
resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
- A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because
of origin, age, background, or views.
- Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the
public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis,
regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their
use.
- All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a
right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should
advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all
library use data, including personally identifiable information
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2,
1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019