3. Policy Statement
Libraries Tasmania supports intellectual freedom as a fundamental human right, as outlined the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights1 and is committed to making decisions that uphold and respect these rights.
It is a core democratic commitment that all members of a community are of equal worth and that everyone has the right to seek out, share and explore all kinds of information and ideas according to their individual preferences. Libraries Tasmania is committed to providing equitable access to diverse resources and fostering an environment where individuals can explore a wide range of ideas, challenge assumptions, and engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
Library and information professionals encourage people to cultivate curiosity and form ideas by questioning the world and accessing information from diverse viewpoints and formats without restrictions or censorship2.
At the same time as we uphold the right to intellectual freedom, Libraries Tasmania must also ensure that our spaces are safe and inclusive and are not used as platforms for harm, discrimination, or exclusion.
The policy aligns with the following related national and international position statements:
- Free access to information statement – Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
- Statement on the freedom to read – National State Libraries Australasia (NSLA)
- Statement on libraries and Intellectual Freedom – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
- Freedom of opinion and expression – United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 18 and 19) – UN General Assembly.
1 Article 18 and 19 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations)
2 Core Values of Librarianship | American Library Association (ALA)
