Intellectual Freedom And Censorship Policy
Free access to ideas and full freedom of expression are fundamental to the educational process. Academic libraries have a responsibility to ensure that the selection and availability of information resources are governed solely by professional considerations. The policy also affirms the library's commitment to intellectual freedom.
The University of Melbourne Library purchases materials that represent a wide variety of viewpoints. Selection of materials may involve resources which could be considered controversial by some individuals or groups. These materials are acquired to support approved teaching and research programs of the University and to represent all aspects of controversial issues, as well as the diverse needs of the University community. The acquisition of, or access to, such material does not imply approval or endorsement of the content by the Library.
Library users are entitled to rely upon the Library for information in all fields of human activity. The Library does not add or withdraw, at the request of any individual or group, material which has been chosen or excluded on the basis of stated selection criteria. No information resources should be censored or removed because of disapproval of the author's political, social, moral or other opinions.
Selection guidelines protect the library from pressure to acquire or provide access to inappropriate materials.
Collection development and management in the library are guided by:
The ALIA Statement on Free Access to Information (2007)
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Glasgow Declaration on Libraries, Information Services and Intellectual Freedom (2004)
In determining what materials are acceptable, the Library's final guide is the relevant law of Australia. If materials have not incurred penalties under Australian law, such materials cannot be excluded from the Library to satisfy individual or sectional interest.