Intellectual Freedom

Function: The Intellectual Freedom Committee shall promote a greater awareness among SCASL members of intellectual freedom and issues related to the free access to library materials.

Composition: The committee is made up of a committee chair and members selected by the committee chair.

Chairperson: The chairperson is appointed by the SCASL President.

Duties:

Promotes greater awareness among SCASL members of intellectual freedom and censorship of library media centers.

Recommends to the association and the Executive Board such steps as may be necessary to safeguard the rights of library users, libraries, and librarians.

When assistance is formally requested, serves as support and source of information for media specialists and/or districts dealing with an intellectual freedom issues.

Works with other state organizations to promote intellectual freedom.

Works cooperatively with the South Carolina Library Association in awarding the SCASUSCLA/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award.

Awards a recipient through SCASL every other year in rotation with the SouthCarolina Library Association (SCLA).

This award recognizes those who advocate for the First Amendment Rights of students, teachers,and citizens of South Carolina. The South Carolina Association of School Librarians supports and upholds the U.S. Constitution, the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights,and the freedom to read. The Intellectual Freedom Award is our celebration of this advocacy.

The next SCASL Intellectual Freedom Award will be given in 2013.