Mission and Responsibilities

Mission:
The Intellectual Freedom Advisory Panel (IFAP) provides a channel of communication between the Maryland Library Association and Maryland libraries on intellectual freedom matters; it offers a forum in which the concerns of Maryland librarians may be discussed and activities and programs on intellectual freedom may be developed; it further promotes opportunities for MLA members and the Association to become involved in the defense of intellectual freedom.

The IFAP:

• Provides opportunities for MLA members to become involved in the support of freedom of access and freedom of expression in libraries.
• Supports Maryland librarians involved in censorship controversies.
• Monitors intellectual freedom developments affecting Maryland library and information service.
• Provides a forum where MLA members involved in intellectual freedom activities on the state and local level can discuss programs, activities and problems.
• Organizes conference programs on topics related to Intellectual Freedom.

State Privacy Laws Regarding Library Records

The American Library Association encourages all librarians, particularly those in public libraries, to work with their local legal counsel to ensure they understand state confidentiality laws so they may respond quickly to any requests from law enforcement. Forty-eight of 50 states have such laws on the books, but the language varies from state to state. The ALA recommends that each library adopt a policy that specifically recognizes the confidentiality of information sought or received, and materials consulted borrowed or acquired by a library user. These materials may include database search records, circulation records, interlibrary loan records and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs or services, such as reference interviews. Libraries are advised to rely on existing laws to control behavior that involves public safety or criminal behavior.

Libraries should have in place procedures for working with law enforcement officers when a subpoena or other legal order for records is made. Libraries will cooperate expeditiously with law enforcement within the framework of state law.

Guidelines for Developing a Library Privacy Policy
Implementing Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records
Confidentiality and Coping with Law Enforcement Inquiries: Guidelines for the Library and its Staff

Intellectual Freedom Competencies for Librarians*

The Working Librarian:

• Distinguishes his or her personal philosophy from the professional responsibilities within the current working environment.
• Evaluates existing policies for clarity and soundness in intellectual freedom principles and submits written recommendations as needed to library administration. Additionally, the working librarian writes procedures to facilitate the implementation of the policy in a manner both efficacious and respectful of differing opinions.
• Has the ability to develop and deliver clear and cogent presentations concerning intellectual freedom to distinctly different audiences. Additionally, the working librarian is able to market these presentations for community outreach.
• Reviews regularly his or her media interview skills and practices with colleagues in mock interviews.
• Participates in staff training that reiterates the appropriate responses to verbal challenges within the context of the library’s policy and procedures with regard to challenges.
• Responds to challenges appropriately by incorporating good customer service techniques of listening, empathy and feedback and makes suggestions such as: recommending the addition of material to expand viewpoints, offers to locate materials more appropriate to the patron’s point of view.
• Participates in formulating the library’s policy with regard to written responses to challenges to policy or materials. If appropriate, the working librarian contributes well-written, cogent evaluations of contested material or policies and analyzes the material within the context of the selection policy.
• Develops and maintains a contact list of community groups likely to be supportive of First Amendment issues.
  Uses local, state and national issues as focal points to educate the public on First Amendment issues, either through forums, in-library displays or electronic displays (or a combination of all three).

*From Intellectual Freedom Core Competencies posted to the ALA's Intellectual Freedom Round Table site.