Intellectual Freedom/Censorship

Intellectual freedom is the right to access to all expressions of knowledge and opinion, including those deemed by some elements of society to be improper or unacceptable. To achieve this, libraries attempt to make available all points of view, and to present them in a neutral position.

Academic freedom is the liberty to pursue legitimate study or teaching in any subject and gives protection from pressures of censorship from individuals or groups wishing to inhibit examination considered improper or unacceptable.

Ryerson Library policy is to encourage and foster the above concepts, to actively oppose censorship, and to act in a manner consistent with the Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom, and the Ontario Library Association Statement on the Intellectual Rights of the Individual. In its selection and retention of materials, the library agrees that:

"It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity including those which some elements of society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end libraries shall acquire and make available on the widest variety of materials." (CLA Position Statement)