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.