The Intellectual Freedom Advisory Panel

Events and Programs

Future Programs

• Beyond Fifty Shades – The Whole Crayon Box: Erotica in Public Libraries
  A program of the MLA/DLA Annual Conference in Ocean City, Maryland

  Katie Dunneback – Selection Librarian, National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
  Mary Hastler – Director, Harford County Public Library
  Monica McAbee – Selection Librarian, Prince George's County Memorial Library System

  Thursday, May 9, 2013, 9:00 – 10:15 AM

  The publicity surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey brought new attention to the topic, but public libraries have always faced complex questions about erotica and sexual content in their collections. What are the boundaries of the categories and labels we use? How do we gauge community standards and the changing views of our customers? How do we balance intellectual freedom and customers' objections? How can we provide good reader's advisory service to customers who specifically look for – or wish to avoid – erotic content? Hear from a library director and two selection librarians about these and other questions, and ask ones of your own during the discussion.

  Sponsor: RAIG, PSD and IFAP
  This program is worth 1 contact hour of continuing education

  MAD about Libraries: Comics, Satire, and Censorship in Libraries
  A program of the MLA/DLA Annual Conference in Ocean City, Maryland

  Joe Raiola – MAD Magazine
  Steve LaBash – Retired

  Friday, May 10, 2013, 9:30 – 10:45 AM

  Joe Raiola has had a flourishing career as a solo performer, comedy writer, producer, director and speaker on first amendment issues. He is currently MAD Magazine's "Senior Editor," a title he insists "means nothing since I work at the only place in America where if you mature, you get fired." Steve LaBash has served as the MLA Intellectual Freedom Officer, has been elected twice as ALA Councilor from Maryland, and has been a member of the MLA Intellectual Freedom Panel for over 20 years. He is the retired Director of the University of Baltimore's Langsdale Library. Come hear these two experts riff on intellectual freedom and censorship issues in libraries.

  Sponsor: IFAP
  This program is worth 1 contact hour of continuing education

PAST Programs

• Protect Patron Privacy: It's the Law!
  A program of the MLA Annual Conference in Ocean City, Maryland

  Carrie Gardner, Assistant Professor, Department of Library Science and Information Technology, Kuztown University and San Jose University
  David Rocah – Staff Attorney, ACLU of Maryland
  Angela Maycock – Assistant Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association

  How does the issue of privacy and confidentiality affect your library, its patrons and your work? Are you confused about the current privacy laws? Do you find that you’d like to know more about this important issue, but never seem to have the time to wade through the information? This is your opportunity to gain an understanding about what is often considered a confusing, muddy aspect - and core value – of library work.

  Three speakers will help participants gain an understanding of "privacy basics." You will learn enough about specific legislation (such as the Patriot Act) to understand how it directly pertains to your library. The day begins with the speakers’ presentations and ends with a forum discussion addressing questions posed throughout the presentation. This workshop is designed to benefit library staff and administrators. Join us as we explore the various aspects of privacy and confidentiality and what this means for each of us in our day-to-day library work. Walk away with a clearer understanding about how you can ensure privacy for your patrons, yourself and your library.

  Sponsor: IFAP
  This program is worth 5.5 contact hours of continuing education.

  Harmful to Minors
  
  Date: Monday, October 1, 2007
  Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
  CEUs: 4 hours of continuing education units (.4 CEUs)
  Registration: $50 MLA members, $75 non-MLA members, $42.50 students

  • Please register securely online by September 24, 2007.
  Location: West County Branch AACPL, 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
  Directions: http://www.aacpl.net/branch_info/wco.html

  Many adults object strongly and sincerely to various materials they believe are inappropriate for children and teens to see, hear, or read. In the name of protecting minors, they urge libraries to filter, remove, or otherwise restrict access to certain kinds of material. Is this ever appropriate or justified? Or does it constitute censorship and violate the rights of minors? How can a library provide access to all materials to its users in the face of community pressure, threats of withholding funding, and restrictive legislation? To what extent do any of these kinds of materials cause actual harm to minors? Dr. Gardner will explain how and why libraries should uphold the rights of youth to access library materials. If you work with children or teens in a library setting (public or school), or if you make policy for your library system, you will want to hear what Dr. Gardner has to say.
  
  Sponsored by: IFAP, PSD, CSD
  
  Printable program description

• Presenter: Dr. Carrie Gardner, Assistant Professor Coordinator, School Library Media Program, School of Library & Information Science, The Catholic University of America
• Description:
  
  
  • School libraries carry "Harry Potter, Judy Blume, and a book with the word "scrotum" on the first page.
  • Public libraries display magazines with nudity right on the cover.
  • Unfiltered access to the Internet leads to kids printing out pornographic images.
  • Rap albums in the music collection contain violent and misogynistic lyrics.

Last updated 13 May 2013.