Intellectual Freedom policy

The right to intellectual freedom is a foundation of a strong and representative democracy, and of a society in which everyone can contribute to, participate in and benefit from the intellectual, creative and cultural life of their community.

Intellectual Freedom means “freedom of access to information and freedom of expression.”

The concept of ‘intellectual freedom’ (sometimes also referred to as “freedom of access to information and freedom of expression”) is defined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as:

“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.”

Download Intellectual Freedom Policy Documentation

• Intellectual Freedom, Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression for Librarians and Information Professionals [Download]

• CILIP Policy Guidelines: Intellectual Freedom [Download]

• Datganiad Polisi CILIP: Rhyddid Deallusol, Rhyddid Mynediad at Wybodaeth a Rhyddid Mynegiant i Lyfrgellwyr a Gweithwyr Gwybodaeth Proffesiynol [Lawrlwythwch]

• Canllawiau Polisi CILIP: Rhyddid Deallusol [Lawrlwythwch]

At the core of our libraries

Intellectual freedom is a topic where CILIP can continue to cement its position as a global leader, to build on on CILIP’s Managing safe and inclusive public library services: A Practical Guide, Dr David McMenemy’s REVEAL work with CILIPS, and other activities by CILIP in recent years.

In many ways, intellectual freedom is the ‘core business’ of librarians, library workers and information professionals. CILIP’s Ethical Framework states that:

“As library and information professionals we are committed to upholding, promoting and defending human rights, equality and diversity, and intellectual freedom including freedom from censorship.“

In practice, librarians, library workers and information professionals have to make thousands of ethical choices every day, which impact on their users’ access to information.