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Intellectual Freedom Round Table

Jen Hammond, Staff Liaison
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4223
jhammond@ala.org

Mission

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.

The IFRT
  • Provides broad opportunities for ALA members to become involved in the support of freedom of access and freedom of expression in libraries
  • Supports librarians involved in censorship controversies
  • Monitors intellectual freedom developments affecting library and information services
  • Provides a forum where ALA members involved in intellectual freedom activities on the state and local level can discuss programs, activities, and problems
  • Organizes conference programs on topics related to intellectual freedom

Awards

The Eli M. Oboler Award


The Eli M. Oboler Award honots a literary work or series of works, in the area of intellectual freedom, including matters of ethical, political, or social concerns related to intellectual freedom. Presented biennially.

The John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award

The John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award honors notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression.  Presented annually.

The ProQuest/SIR State and Regional Intellectual Freedom Achievement Award

The ProQuest/SIRS State and Regional Intellectual Freedom Acheivement Award honors the state library association or state educational media association intellectual freedom committee or state intellectual freedom coalition that has implemented the most successful and creative state IFC project durign the year.  Presented annually, and sponsored by ProQuest.

Membership

Joining IFRT

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is a forum for discussion of intellectual freedom issues for libraries and librarians, and a channel of communication on intellectual freedom matters.  Any personal or institutional ALA member may become an IFRT member.  Institutional members are non-voting. 

Personal Membership


To join as a personal member, visit the online Personal Membership in ALA form.  If you prefer to mail your application and fee, you may print the application (PDF).  (Also see instructions under Dues, below.)

Institutional Membership

To apply for Organizational Membership in ALA, down-load a print-ready application (PDF) to pay by check, credit card, or purchase order.

Dues

Individual members, $15; institutions, $20; student members, $5.  If you are a member of the American Library Association, you may send a check for the appropriate membership status (payable to the American Library Assocation) to Intellectual Freedom Round Table, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611.  Be sure to write your ALA membership number and IFRT membership status on your check.

Membership Benefits

  • Receive notice of the online IFRT Report, published twice a year.
  • Vote for IFRT officers
  • Serve on IFRT committees
  • Run for IFRT office

Initiatives & Projects

National Conversation on Privacy
The Leroy C. Merritt Fund


Upcoming Meetings

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table; check back in October for our Midwinter schedule of meetings

By-Laws, Ballot Information, and Current and Past Chairs

IFRT Bylaws

Forms for IFRT Candidates

IFRT Chairs