Resisting the Backlash: Empowering Librarians to Champion Academic Freedom

This presentation traces the importance of Intellectual Freedom as a core value of librarianship since it was formalized nationwide by the ALA on June 19, 1939. Drawing from the Florida International University Libraries’ experience, the presenters show how faculty librarians can work through governance structures to establish a permanent voice for academic and intellectual freedom. The presentation will also consider real-world scenarios and how an established discussion group can advise and influence the outcome of challenges. The presentation ends with practical steps that attendees can use on their own or with a group of colleagues at their own institutions.