JCKL Policies and Procedures

By booking a study room, you agree to the following:

• When not reserved, study rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.
• Study room users without reservations must leave immediately when requested by an individual or group with proof of a valid reservation.
• Vacate the room promptly when your reservation period ends so that the next individual or group can have their full time.
• Do not start a timed test or other activity that will extend beyond your reserved time. If there is another reservation, you will be asked to leave.
• Rooms are meant to be shared by as many students as possible. Back-to-back and/or multiple reservations by a group beyond the daily two hour limit are not allowed even if different people in the group are reserving the room. Such reservations may be canceled by library staff.
• The library reserves the right to remove unattended belongings if the reservation period is expired and the room is reserved by another patron. Belongings may be claimed at the Information Desk lost and found.
• The library assumes no responsibility for unattended personal belongings.
• Study rooms are not intended to provide privacy. Library staff may enter the rooms as needed for security, maintenance, or other issues.
• Children and service animals may not be left alone in study rooms at any time.
• Respect the equipment and furnishings. You will be held responsible for any damage to the equipment, furniture, or the room itself during your reservation.
• Please clean up the room before you leave so that it is ready for the next user. This includes erasing the white board.
• Respect others studying nearby and keep the noise down. The study rooms are not sound-proof.
• If you are unable to resolve a dispute over the use of a room, please seek assistance at the Information Desk on the first floor.

Failure to follow these policies may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of access to the study rooms. Your cooperation and courtesy are appreciated.

All library charges (fines, replacement fees, etc.) are sent to Student Financial Services.  Fees and fines may be paid at Student Financial Services or through your MyCentral account.

Approved by Library Services Council, August 4, 2016

Updated May 10, 2022

• A late fee of $1 per day will be charged if you do not return the laptop, with peripherals and accessories, on time. The maximum late fee is $60. 
• The billing charge for an unreturned laptop is $100.
• Lost or damaged peripheral devices will be charged at the following rates
  • Power cord: $35.00

Approved by JCKL Council, Aug. 5, 2019, updated July 20, 2021, updated May 10, 2022

The Library has an obligation to maintain a welcoming, comfortable, safe, and harassment-free environment for library patrons and university employees. Usage of library computers must support such an environment.

The James C. Kirkpatrick Library complies with all UCM policies and regulations, including the following:

• Acceptable Use Policy

In addition to university policies, the following expectations concerning computer and internet use apply:

• In keeping with the spirit of UCM’s values, we expect library users to be guided by courtesy, sensitivity, and respect for others when accessing and viewing Internet material and using library computers in general.
• Users may not maliciously access, alter, damage, or destroy any computer system, network, program, or data.
• Computers may not be used for commercial purposes or in violation of state or federal laws or applicable university policies.
• Every effort is made to keep the computer workstations and printers updated and in good working condition. The Library, however, is not responsible for equipment failures and network outages that result in lost data and uncompleted work. The Library is not responsible for any personal information transmitted by computer users over Library networks, including passwords and other personal identifiers.
• Users should observe applicable intellectual property laws, including United States copyright laws.
• Users must adhere to electronic resource licenses, agreements, and guidelines, including those limiting or prohibiting systematic download, duplication, transfer, sale, or commercial exploitation.
• Computers are intended for research, scholarship, and other academic work.
• While the James C. Kirkpatrick Library supports open access to the Internet, employees may ask a public access computer user to vacate a computer for the following reasons:
  • Priority is given to those using government resources
  • A 30-minute time limit may be imposed when others are waiting
  • Use of computers for chat room messaging, social media communications, games, and commerce is not permitted
• Please see the James C. Kirkpatrick Library Patron Behavior Guidelines for additional information.

Approved by LSC 9-12-2023

• A replacement fee of $75.00 will be applied for each item reported lost.
• Replacement fees for technology may vary.
• JCKL will not accept replacement copies of library materials in lieu of lost/damaged item fees.
• For each lost item returned in good condition, the lost fee will be waived, however overdue fees may apply.
• Lost books that are returned within one (1) year from the due date will be refunded the replacement fee.
• Lost technology items that are returned within six (6) months from the due date will be refunded the replacement fee minus the overdue fine.

Approved by Library Services Council, January 7, 2017,

updated September 22, 2017, updated October 12, 2021, updated May 10, 2022

• The Library limits technical support to ensuring the Office of Technology-approved system on the device is operational.
• Students, faculty and staff take full responsibility for the compatibility of any software or media they may use with library technology.

Approved by LSC, Aug. 4, 2016

Updated July 20, 2021, December 12, 2024

When a library patron believes that a library fine and/or fee regarding the use of library materials is incorrect, they may initiate an appeal.

The library patron must fill out and submit the Library Patron Fines & Fees Appeal Form.  When appropriate, copies of fine/fee payment or other appropriate documents must be included in the form to support an appeal.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Library Fines & Fees Appeals Committee.  The Board will review the appeal and make a determination within 3 working days of the appeal submission.  A student may request an expedited appeal if warranted. The Client Services Manager will contact the patron by UCM email. The Board reserves the right to request more information and may contact the patron as needed.  The burden of proof in the appeal process lies solely with the individual raising the appeal.

Approved by LSC on Aug. 4, 2016, rev. by JCKL Council on Aug. 6, 2018

Updated May 10, 2022

Interlibrary Loan (ILL), a division of JCKL Client Services, provides materials for patrons which are not available in UCM’s collection. This is accomplished through the borrowing and lending of items in cooperation with other libraries.

I.    Borrowing

• Any student, faculty, staff, alumni, emeritus, or current public patron may use Interlibrary Loan service.
• Materials not owned or available by JCKL will be requested for borrowing by Interlibrary Loan staff.
• JCKL will make the best effort to obtain materials you request, but cannot guarantee that the request will be filled.
• The loan period is determined by the lending library but usually ranges from one to four weeks. Renewal requests are accepted per the lending library's policy.

• Patrons must abide by any use restrictions imposed by the lending library. Any restrictions will be clearly relayed to JCKL patrons.
• The JCKL currently covers ILL charges for UCM students, faculty and staff. Public patrons are charged the amount the lending library specifies.
• Interlibrary Loan adheres to copyright law.

II.   Lending

• All circulating materials within the collection are available for lending.  Specific items not available for lending include: software, bound journals, items on course reserves and special collections material.

• All materials sent out on Interlibrary Loan will be for a period of four weeks. Books may be renewed one time, unless a hold has been placed on the book by a UCM patron.  Any materials that UCM has loaned to another library are subject to recall at any time.

• Charges for loans are:
  • Reciprocal library partners:  Free
  • Non-reciprocal library partners: $20.00 per loan
• Charges for articles or book chapters are:
  •  Reciprocal library partners:  Free
  •  Non-reciprocal library partners: $15.00 per article or book chapter
• Requests are accepted through OCLC or email.

III.   Interlibrary Loan Patron Data Retention

In accordance with the Missouri Secretary of State Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Requests Agency Records Disposition Schedule Series 1158, James C. Kirkpatrick Library (JCKL) will not retain patron interlibrary loan data longer than three fiscal years.

JCKL will have the OCLC Tipasa Interlibrary Loan system set to follow this length of time for record retention. Patron record histories older than three years will be deleted from the system. De-identified Interlibrary Loan usage statistics will be retained for analytical purposes.

 LSC approved Oct. 3, 2016, Reviewed and updated by LSC Sept. 12, 2023

Non-Reciprocal Library Fees - JCKL Council approved Jan. 7, 2019

Patron Data Retention - LSC approved Feb. 24, 2021

 

JCKL offers a Course Reserves service whereby student course content is made available by instructional faculty through JCKL without requiring students to purchase course content. A single copy of the course content, usually an electronic copy of an article, part of a book, etc. from the JCKL collections may be placed on Course Reserve for a particular course.

Eligible Materials to be Placed on Course Reserves

In adherence with the Copyright Laws as outlined in Title 17 of the United States Code and the UCM Copyright & Fair Use Policy the following materials in brief are eligible to be placed on Course Reserves.

• Required reading for courses being taught in the current semester.
• Materials not available in quantity.
• Electronic copies of articles or chapters of books, or photocopies of content owned by JCKL.
• CDs, DVDs, and other media supported by UCM.

Materials that Generally Cannot be Placed on Course Reserves

• Periodicals / Journals
• Non-circulating books
• Reference Materials
• Textbooks
• Workbooks

Course Reserves Options

JCKL offers course reserves in electronic or physical format. Electronic format, when available, is strongly encouraged as it enables simultaneous multi-user access to the information.

Electronic Reserves

All requests for articles or chapters of books will be processed in electronic format if held as part of JCKL collections. If the material is not available in electronic format then a physical copy of the material will be placed in Course Reserve as outlined below.

Electronic course reserves (E-Course Reserves) are accessible to students enrolled in a relevant course through the course’s Blackboard site. Course Reserves staff will provide to faculty the files or links for faculty to upload into Blackboard.

Physical Reserve Options

Placing physical format(s) of items on Course Reserves is available only when an entire text, video, etc. is needed for a course and there is no electronic equivalent.

Physical course reserves are linked to the Course Reserves feature of the library discovery system. Physical course reserves items are located on the course reserves open shelves located by the Information Desk on the first floor of JCKL. Students may check-out course reserves using their UCM ID. Instructors determine the length of time a physical item may check out: 3 hours, 1 day, 3 days or 7 days.

Course Reserves Timeframe and Item Removal

Course reserves items are offered for the current semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and will be automatically removed at the end of the semester. If an instructor wishes to renew the course reserves item(s) from one semester to the next, please re-submit the request(s) using the Course Reserves form.

Deadlines for Submitting Course Reserves

Course Reserves requests must be submitted 3 working days prior to when the items are needed for a course. This requirement ensures library employees properly prepare items for student access. Any issues or problems with the Course Reserve request will be communicated to the faculty member requesting the reserves. Course Reserves staff will work with instructors to resolve issues whenever possible.

Submitting a Course Reserves request

Use the Course Reserves form to submit requests. Any questions on course reserves can be emailed to Teresa Heater or call 660-543-4194.

Faculty Personal Copies for Course Reserves

The library will endeavor to use library-owned or licensed materials for Course Reserves when possible. JCKL will only accept a faculty member’s personal copy of an item placed on Course Reserves when:

• Acquiring a library purchased copy is not possible (item is out of print or no modern format is available), or
• A library-owned copy cannot be made available by the time needed, or
• The item requested to be placed on Course Reserves is an item not generally placed on Course Reserves as outlined above.

In most situations upon placement of a faculty personal copy on Course Reserves, the library will either purchase a copy of a title needed for a course or point to electronically available resources if already available. Once a library-owned or licensed item is available on Course Reserves, the personal copy will be returned to the lending instructional faculty. Your Liaison Librarian will assist with acquiring course reserves materials if the library does not already own or have access to the needed information. If personal copies of a physical item from an instructor are placed on Course Reserves, JCKL does not assume responsibility for any damage or loss.

Multiple Copies Policy

JCKL strongly discourages providing multiple copies of a physical item for Course Reserves.  Accommodations may be made if the title is out of print and may be reevaluated on a case by case basis should the situation arise in the future.

Course Reserves Usage Statistics

At the end of the semester, JCKL will share usage information when available to the instructor.  This information will help with determining optimal ways to make information available to students for their coursework.

Approved by LSC 8/2/17

JCKL delivers library materials for current faculty, staff, and teaching graduate assistants to support instruction and research needs.  The service is available at UCM Warrensburg and UCM Lee's Summit campus locations.

To make delivery requests, take the following steps:

• Fill out the Delivery Services Form.  Requests for UCM Warrensburg must be made 24 hours in advance.  Requests going to UCM Lee's Summit require 48 hours notice during the work week in order to send material by UCM courier.
• If the need is under the 24 hour requirement, faculty, staff and teaching graduate assistants are welcome to come to the library for help with accessing teaching materials.       
  • Phone: 660-543-4508
  • Client Services Desk 

Requests made by phone or in person must provide the following information:

• Patron name and ID number
• Department and phone number
• Delivery point
• Delivery date
• Title and Call Number

JCKL staff will deliver materials at designated locations on the Warrensburg campus. 

PLEASE NOTE: The library does not make automatic rounds throughout campus.  Delivery Services requests must include dates and locations for drop-off.  

James C. Kirkpatrick Library resources, services, and facilities are provided to support the academic mission of the University of Central Missouri.

All patrons have the right to use the Library for academic purposes in an environment that is safe, comfortable, and respectful and allows quiet study and research.

Library staff and/or Public Safety personnel will act to maintain or restore the quiet academic environment and will address any activity that disturbs others, interferes with library operations, damages the building or its contents, or any other behavior generally considered inappropriate in a public place.

Patrons are encouraged to bring any concerns to the attention of Library staff. Causing a disturbance, failing to comply with a request to restore order, and/or showing disrespect for fellow patrons or Library staff may result in restriction of Library privileges, removal from the Library, and/or removal from campus.

The James C. Kirkpatrick Library complies with all UCM policies and regulations, including the following:

• Alcohol Policy
• Illegal and Controlled Drugs Policy
• Use of Tobacco Policy
• Discrimination and Harassment Procedure for Reporting and Investigating Complaints
• Explosives and Weapons
• Campus Posting Procedure

In addition to university policies, the following expectations concerning library use and conduct apply:

Children in the Library

• The safety of children in the library is of primary concern. The library cannot assume responsibility for the safety of unattended children. All activities of children under the age of 14 must be supervised by an accompanying, responsible adult.

Food and Drink

• Food and drink are allowed in the building. Drinks should be in closed containers. Litter should be disposed of in trash containers, and spills should be reported to the 1st floor Information Desk. 

Noise Level and Cell Phone Use

• The 3rd floor is the library’s designated Quiet Floor. Normal conversational noise is expected on the 1st and 2nd floors.
• Courteous cell phone use is required.  Library patrons should show consideration of other library patrons by conducting conversation in a quiet voice

Use of Electrical Outlets

• Electrical cords and power strips attached to laptop computers, tablets, etc. may not be draped across aisles or arranged in any fashion that constitutes a hazard. 
• Library patrons may not unplug library equipment such as copiers, workstations, or other peripherals in order to access an outlet for personal use.

 Disruptive Behavior

Acceptable behavior maintains a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment that allows quiet study and research. Unacceptable behaviors are those that, in the assessment of the Library staff, impair the safe and effective use of the library and its shared resources. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes any of the following but is not limited to:

• activity that interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the library;
• activity that disrupts the normal functioning of the library;
• activity that could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others;
• activity that could result in damage to library facilities, equipment, or materials.
• misusing library facilities or property
• interfering with another person’s use of the library or with the library staff’s performance of their duties
• arguing, fighting, or any activity that creates excessive noise or commotion detrimental to the work of library users;
• abusing, threatening, or intimidating library users or staff through language or action;
• engaging in sexual harassment or overt sexual behavior;
• bringing weapons (real or simulated) into the library;
• displaying overt signs of substance abuse, including drunkenness;
• using audio devices or other electronic devices that create excessive noise or in any other way disrupt the work of library users;
• using bicycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, etc. in the building;
• refusing to leave the building at closing time or as directed by library personnel;
• bringing pets except service animals into the building;

  • selling or soliciting in the library building without the permission of the University Librarian. Examples of soliciting include but are not limited to:

  • leaving ads or flyers on tables or personally handing out such materials

  • unauthorized posting to display boards

  • requesting participation in questionnaires or surveys, etc.

• any other illegal acts or conduct violating federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Enforcement

• Any library user may be asked to provide photo identification by a member of the library staff.
• Library users are to report disruptive behavior to team members at the Information Desk.
• Library personnel reserve the right to ask patrons to leave the building if disruptive or unacceptable behavior occurs.
• A library staff member who observes disruptive behavior will notify the individual or individuals violating the standards of conduct. In some cases, a verbal warning will suffice.
• If the Library staff determines that the misconduct is an extreme case of policy violation, including repeated warnings over a period of time, Public Safety will be called immediately without giving notice to the patron.
• Incidents of disruptive behavior will be reported using the Library Security/Incident Report Form and to the Office of the University Librarian. Library personnel may also contact Public Safety.  Additional disciplinary action by the university may ensue.

Approved by LSC 10-6-2014

Updated and approved by LSC 9-12-23

 

Introduction

• Since 1939, the American Library Association (ALA) has recognized the importance of codifying and making known to the public and the profession the principles that guide library staff in their actions. The 2021 revision of the CODE OF ETHICS, the most recent promulgated by ALA, reflects changes in the nature of the profession and its social and institutional environment. It will be revised and augmented as necessary by ALA.
• Library faculty and staff significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge and information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, library faculty and staff are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. Library faculty and staff have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.
• The James C. Kirkpatrick Library's goal is for its faculty and staff to adhere to the ALA CODE OF ETHICS.

Code of Ethics

• Library faculty and staff provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
• Library faculty and staff uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
• Library faculty and staff protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
• Library faculty and staff respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
• Library faculty and staff treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
• Library faculty and staff do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
• Library faculty and staff distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
• Library faculty and staff strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
• Library faculty and staff affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.

Revision

• This Code of Ethics will be revised as necessary to reflect any changes adopted by the American Library Association.

Approved by Library Services Council: March 18, 2025

Approved by the Dean, James C. Kikrpatrick Library: March 18, 2025

Scope of Policy

• Information collected by any unit of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library relating to the use of collections and or services by a library patron is confidential.

Missouri State Statutes (Chapters 182.815 and 182.817)

• Section 182.815 Missouri Revised Statutes disclosure of library records, definitions:
  • "Library", any library established by the state or any political subdivision of the state or combination thereof, by any community college district or by any college or university, and any private library open to the public.
  • "Library Material", any book, document, film, record, art work, or their library property which a patron may use, borrow or request;
  • "Library record" any document, record, or other method of storing information retained received or generated by a library that identifies a person or persons as having requested, used, or borrowed library material, and all other records identifying the names of library users. The term "library record" does not include non-identifying material that may be retained for the purpose of studying or evaluating the circulation of library material in general.
• Section 182.817 Missouri Revised Statutes Disclosure of library records not required--exceptions:
  • Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, no library or employee or agent of a library shall be required to release or disclose a library record or portion of a library record to any person or persons except:
    • In response to a written request of the person identified in that record, according to procedures and forms giving written consent as determined by the library; or
    • In response to an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction upon a finding that the disclosure of such a record is necessary to protect the public safety or to prosecute a crime.

The American Library Association's Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records:

• The Council of the American Library Association strongly recommends that the responsible officers of each library, cooperative system, and consortium in the United States:
  • Formally adopt a policy that specifically recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users to be confidential. (See also ALA Code of Ethics, Article III, "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received, and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted" and Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.)
  • Advise all librarians and library employees that such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigative power.
  • Resist the issuance of enforcement of any such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. [Point 3, above, means that upon receipt of such process, order, or subpoena, the library's dean will consult with their legal counsel to determine if such process, order, or subpoena is in proper form and if there is a showing of good cause for its issuance; if the process, order, or subpoena is not in proper form or if good cause has not been shown, they will insist that such defects be cured.] Adopted January 20, 1971; revised July 4, 1975, July 2, 1986, by the ALA Council. [ISBN 8389-6082-0]

Policy Concerning Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users

• The ethical responsibilities of librarians, as well as statues in most states and the District of Columbia, protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality extends to "information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, acquired," and includes database search records, interlibrary loan records, and other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services. 
• The American Library Association recognizes that law enforcement agencies and officers may occasionally believe that library records contain information which may be helpful to the investigation of criminal activity. If there is a reasonable basis to believe such records are necessary to the progress of an investigation or prosecution, the American judicial system provides mechanism for seeking release of such confidential records: the issuance of a court order, following a showing of good cause based on specific facts, by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

ALA Policy B.8.5 (52.4.2 previous policy number) Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users

• The American Library Association strongly recommends that the responsible officers in each library, cooperative system, and consortium in the United States:
  • Formally adopt a policy which specifically recognizes its circulation records and other records identifying the names of library users with specific materials to be confidential.
  • Advise all librarians and library employees that such records shall not be made available to any agency of state, federal, or local government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, federal, state, or local law relating to civil, criminal, or administrative discovery procedures or legislative investigatory power.
  • Resist the issuance or enforcement of such process, order, or subpoena until such time as a proper showing of good cause has been made in a court of competent jurisdiction. (Revised July 1999)

The American Library Association's Code of Ethics states:

• Code of Ethics of the American Library Association;
  • We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

James C. Kirkpatrick Library's Statement

• In accordance with the Missouri Revised Statutes and guidelines provided by the American Library Association, the professional association recognized by the James C. Kirkpatrick faculty and staff, the James C. Kirkpatrick Library has formulated the following policy statement regarding confidentiality and privacy of Library Records and Library users. James C. Kirkpatrick Statement on Confidentiality of Library Circulation Records:
  • James C. Kirkpatrick Library will provide to any borrower a list of materials checked out to their ID number, provided that the request is made in person or in writing. No request for that information by telephone will be honored.
  • James C. Kirkpatrick Library will not provide information about one borrower's circulation records to another person except
    • to comply with section 182, 817 Missouri Revised Statutes 2000 or,
    • in the event of the death of the borrower if this information needs to be communicated to the parents, guardian or estate for the purpose of identifying the materials that need to be returned to the Library.
• In cases where materials are needed immediately, authorized library staff will use all means to communicate directly with the holder of the material to arrange for return. Authorized staff includes the Dean, James C. Kirkpatrick Library, or that person's designated representative.
• Unauthorized faculty, staff, or student workers may only reveal a borrower's own circulation information upon presentation of their ID at the Information Desk. Disregarding the confidentiality of patron records by staff and student workers will result in immediate disciplinary action.
• Personal copies of items or materials are sometimes placed on Reserve. These materials are covered by the confidentiality policy even though they do not belong to the library.
• Interlibrary loan requests are also to be considered confidential and information regarding material requested by one patron should not be disclosed to another.
• The use of all online resources owned by or made available by the University of Central Missouri may be used by patrons affiliated with UCM in accordance with the James C. Kirkpatrick Library Services for Patrons Guidelines. 
• With regard to photography in James. C. Kirkpatrick Library, persons using cameras or video material for any purpose in the James C. Kirkpatrick Library must have permission from the Dean, James C. Kirkpatrick Library, or their designee in the Library Services Administration.

Approved by Library Services Council: March 18, 2025

Approved by the Dean, James C. Kirkpatrick Library: March 18, 2025

Purpose 

The Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries was adopted by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Intellectual Freedom Committee and the ACRL Board of Directors in June 1999, and amended in 2014. The purpose of the statement is to “outline how and where intellectual freedom principles fit into an academic library setting, thereby raising consciousness of the intellectual freedom context within which academic librarians work.” 

Scope of Policy 

The James C. Kirkpatrick Library endorses the Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries as adopted by ACRL, encompassing collections, services, and spaces. 

 Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries 

A strong intellectual freedom perspective is critical to the development of academic library collections, services, and instruction that dispassionately meets the education and research needs of a college or university community. The purpose of this statement is to outline how and where intellectual freedom principles fit into an academic library setting, thereby raising consciousness of the intellectual freedom context within which academic librarians work. The following principles should be reflected in all relevant library policy documents. 

1. The general principles set forth in the Library Bill of Rights form an indispensable framework for building collections, services, and policies that serve the entire academic community. 

2. The privacy of library users is and must be inviolable. Policies should be in place that maintain confidentiality of library borrowing records and of other information relating to personal use of library information and services. 

3. The development of library collections in support of an institution’s instruction and research programs should transcend the personal values of the selector. In the interests of research and learning, it is essential that collections contain materials representing a variety of perspectives on subjects that may be considered controversial. 

4. Preservation and replacement efforts should ensure that balance in library materials is maintained and that controversial materials are not removed from the collections through theft, loss, mutilation, or normal wear and tear. There should be alertness to efforts by special interest groups to bias a collection though systematic theft or mutilation. 

5. Licensing agreements should be consistent with the Library Bill of Rights, and should maximize access. 

6. Open and unfiltered access to the Internet should be conveniently available to the academic community in a college or university library. Content filtering devices and content-based restrictions are a contradiction of the academic library mission to further research and learning through exposure to the broadest possible range of ideas and information. Such restrictions are a fundamental violation of intellectual freedom in academic libraries. 

7. Freedom of information and of creative expression should be reflected in library exhibits and in all relevant library policy documents. 

8. Library meeting rooms, research carrels, exhibit spaces, and other facilities should be available to the academic community regardless of research being pursued or subject being discussed. Any restrictions made necessary because of limited availability of space should be based on need, as reflected in library policy, rather than on content of research or discussion. 

9. Whenever possible, library services should be available without charge in order to encourage inquiry. Where charges are necessary, a free or low-cost alternative (e.g., downloading to disc rather than printing) should be available when possible. 

10. A service philosophy should be promoted that affords equal access to information for all in the academic community with no discrimination on the basis of race, age, values, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural or ethnic background, physical, sensory, cognitive or learning disability, economic status, religious beliefs, or views. 

11. A procedure ensuring due process should be in place to deal with requests by those within and outside the academic community for removal or addition of library resources, exhibits, or services. 

12. It is recommended that this statement of principle be endorsed by appropriate institutional governing bodies, including the faculty senate or similar instrument of faculty governance. 

Approved by ACRL Board of Directors and Adopted by ACRL Intellectual Freedom Committee: June 1999 

Adopted July, 2000 by the ALA Council 

Amended on July 1, 2014

See Also

A letter dated November 15, 2000, to Judith F. Krug, director, Office for Intellectual Freedom, from the American Association of University Professors: "The AAUP Council is pleased to endorse the statement, but wishes to preface that endorsement with the following language from the Joint Statement on Faculty Status of College and University Librarians, as contained in AAUP: Policy Documents and Reports, 1995 edition: 'College and university librarians share the professional concerns of faculty members. Academic freedom, for example, is indispensable to librarians, because they are trustees of knowledge with the responsibility of ensuring the availability of information and ideas, no matter how controversial, so that teachers may freely teach and students may freely learn. Moreover, as members of the academic community, librarians should have latitude in the exercise of their professional judgment within the library, a share in shaping policy within the institution, and adequate opportunities for professional development and appropriate reward.'

Approved by Library Services Council: March 18, 2025

Approved by the Dean, James C. Kirkpatrick Library: March 18, 2025