Intellectual Freedom and Privacy: A Core Value of Librarianship

Abstract

In January of 2024, the American Library Association Council approved an updated list of core values for the profession. These streamlined values are access, equity, intellectual freedom and privacy, public good, and sustainability. The new values have been met with criticism from some members of the community, including from ten past-ALA presidents who “advise that we take a step back, and re-evaluate the recent replacement of ‘our enduring values’” (Statement from 10 ALA Past Presidents Re ALA Core Values 2024).  (Full disclosure: I was a member of the Core values task force). The ALA Council will appoint working groups to expand the basic descriptions of each value this year.