Intellectual Freedom
We believe it is important to spell out what Intellectual Freedom means in the context of the academic library
The University of Massachusetts Library supports the free exchange of ideas with collections that provide access to a selection of materials on all subjects that support the University's mission. The Library provides access in accordance with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement. The Library follows the Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries derived from the Library Bill of Rights.
A strong intellectual freedom perspective is critical to the development of academic library collections and services that dispassionately meet 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 development of library collections in support of an institution’s instruction and research programs should transcend the personal values of the individual librarian. 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.
Any individual or group questioning the appropriateness of materials within the collection will be referred to the Library Director. The Library supports equal access to information for all in the academic community with no discrimination on the basis of race, values, gender, sexual orientation, cultural or ethnic background, physical or learning disability, economic status, religious beliefs, or ideologies. Materials will not be excluded because of the frankness of language or controversial approach, the political, moral, religious, sexual, social economic, or scientific views expressed, or because of the author's or publisher's race or national origin, politics, or religion. The primary purpose of the library collection is to support the educational programs of University of Massachusetts Global.
UMass Global Library supports the adoption, values, and use of Open Access, including Open Education Resources. Open Access publishing makes scholarly articles freely available by removing paywall barriers and increasing research visibility and impact. Many publishers offer Open Access models, but these often require authors to cover the associated costs. If an author chooses to publish their article as Open Access, the publisher typically implements an Article Processing Charge (APC). The cost of an APC varies depending on the publisher and journal. The Library does not have the funding to cover APC costs.
