A new report from IFLA brings together the results of a survey and additional research in order to offer a snapshot of how libraries and associations are working to champion intellectual freedom. It is an illustration of what is possible, as well as offering models and inspirations for others looking to do more in the field.

One of the key priorities identified by IFLA’s Global Vision in 2018 was the need to be champions of intellectual freedom, recognising that this was a necessary complement to our long-standing work to enable access to information.

Libraries, through giving the possibility to engage with the full range of the world’s knowledge, are key places for stimulating new ideas and reflections, and so creativity and innovation. However, to do this, it is necessary to resist those who wish to censor, discriminate or mislead.

IFLA has for many years had its own Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), which has both engaged in discussions internationally and provided a space for discussing the work of libraries in their own settings to uphold intellectual freedom. Through this, it works to strengthen libraries’ capacity, both in their day-to-day work and in their advocacy.

In this context, we are happy to release the results of a survey of associations and others carried out over the past months, which looks to understand more about how libraries are engaging.

The results provide a useful snapshot of the type of activities libraries carry out, from monitoring and supporting members faced with challenges to more proactive production of guidance and advocacy. It underlines that regardless of the size of an association, it is possible to get involved.

A next step from this is to expand the body of examples of terms of references, tools and other materials collected, in order to provide a model and inspiration for others. We also hope that this report will help strengthen partnerships between libraries and other actors advocating for intellectual freedom.

You can access the report on our Repository, and we welcome any additional suggestions of resources to feature, sent to [email protected]. For more about our work, please do follow the work of our FAIFE Committee.

We are grateful to Martyn Wade, as well as to the FAIFE Committee and Management of Library Associations Section for their help in preparing the survey.