Time Schedule:
Angelina M. Gotti
LIS 551
Seattle Campus
Analysis of issues related to intellectual freedom, particularly to implications for libraries and librarians. Consideration of current legal climate, conformity versus freedom in modern world, librarian as censor, social responsibility and individual freedom, intellectual freedom of children, prospects for future. Credit/no credit only.
Class description
By the end of this course, students will be able to: Understand the principles of Intellectual Freedom as they apply to library settings; Understand the role Intellectual Freedom has played in our nation’s history; Articulate their understanding of the IF issues that face libraries today; Apply the IF policies of the ALA to case scenarios; Understand the difference between “selection” and “censorship” in a collection development context; and Defend access (with confidence!)
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture, guest speakers, case scenarios, group projects, and outside reading.
Recommended preparation
Demonstrate appropriate respect for your fellow students, your instructors, and invited guests; Participate in classroom discussions and role-playing activities; Read the course material; Offer feedback to your instructors; Ask questions
Class assignments and grading
Paper – Report on an IF Challenge in a Library (30%); Journal – Increase your awareness of IF issues (30%); Group presentation – Current state of IF in libraries (30%); Class participation – be here, be well-read, be a part of it all (10%)
Credit/ No credit course
