Friday, April 4, 2014

Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations award winner announced

It is my pleasure to let you know that this year’s Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations award will go to the New Jersey Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee.  This was the unanimous choice of the ALA IF Coalition Building committee

This organization was selected for a body of work over many years that was highlighted by the assistance of Grayson Barber, Esq.  As stated in the application, “With Grayson’s guidance, NJLA has issued many policy statements,  legal memorandums and legal briefs on some of the most important Intellectual Freedom topics facing our members.  In addition,  as a member of the committee, Grayson has also been “on call” for any library facing an intellectual freedom challenge. She provided confidential assistance to libraries facing many legal issues but particularly providing  guidance to libraries receiving challenges associated with the  interpretation of  the New Jersey Confidentiality of Library Records Statutes.” 

The committee developed numerous statements which were adopted by NJLA and provided to its members on subjects including privacy, National Security Letters, confidentiality, children and libraries and charging for library services to help clarify and inform library staff.  They also provided many papers and programs on these subjects. 

NJLA Executive Director Pat Tumulty and current President Eileen Palmer will be at ALA to receive the award.

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