Intellectual Freedom

Definition
Intellectual Freedom is a human right, as defined by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 states: The American Library Association (ALA) defines intellectual freedom as:
 * Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without
 * interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. (1)
 * Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of
 * view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all
 * sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored.(2)

Advocacy
Chapter 2.3.1 of The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions' (IFLA) statutes endorses:
 * the principles of freedom of access to information, ideas and works of imagination and
 * freedom of expression embodied in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (3)

ALA's stated mission is: NYLA adopted the protectection of Intellectual Freedom as part of it's mission:
 * To provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information
 * services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to
 * information for all. (4)
 * To protect and promote intellectual freedom and the first amendment right of free expression and to ensure
 * equitable access to information (5)

Links
ALA's Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q and A