Library Bill of Rights
Services
Confidentiality of Library Records & Customer Files Policy
Use
Customer Use of Library Spaces Policy
Support
Facilities
Library Facility Ownership Policy
Site Selection and Acquisition Policy
Management
Capitalized Asset / Small and Attractive Asset Management Policy
Library Administrative Policies Policy
Finances
Business Expense Reimbursement Policy
Adopted June 18, 1948 by the ALA Council
Revised February 2, 1961
Revised June 27, 1967
Revised January 23, 1980
Inclusion of "age" reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council
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 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.