From 2024-2026, BCLA conducted a comprehensive, thoughtful review of our Intellectual Freedom Statement. The Board knows this is an important topic for our sector, and that our members look to BCLA for support and opportunities for learning and engagement about intellectual freedom. BCLA restructured the Intellectual Freedom Committee to support the review of the BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement.
The review in now complete, and BCLA’s new Statement of Intellectual Freedom was approved in February 2026. This work was only possible with the support of our Intellectual Freedom Committee and skilled facilitators, as well as feedback and input from BCLA members and the BC library community. The new statement is based on what we heard through our consultation:
- It includes all aspects of libraries, not just collections
- It affirms that children and teens have a right to intellectual freedom
- It affirms BCLA’s commitment to intellectual freedom while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges of practicing intellectual freedom.
- It explicitly defends libraries and library workers when practicing intellectual freedom
- It uses plain language to be clearer and more accessible
We shared the Statement with BCLA members and the BC Library Community in March 2026 and held a townhall was to provide an overview of the process, invite feedback, and answer questions. The Statement will serve as our foundation to building resources and supports to help you as you strengthen your knowledge of and practice intellectual freedom.
The information below reflects the IFC from 2024-2026, which was integral to the development of the new Statement. The BCLA Board will be considering the mandate, objective, and structure of the Intellectual Freedom Committee to best support BCLA’s upcoming and ongoing work on intellectual freedom.
Revised IFC Terms of Reference, approved December 2023
Committee Mandate
The BCLA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) will carry out the review of the BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement and make recommendations to the BCLA Board, guided by the Association’s constitution, bylaws, mission, vision, and values.
The ultimate approval of and responsibility for the BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement resides with the BCLA Board.
Committee Objectives
1. Review the current BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement and make recommendations for revisions
2. Provide opportunities for BCLA members to provide input and/or feedback as part of the Statement review
Committee Members
More information about the committee members can be found on the Intellectual Freedom Committee Members page. The BCLA Board appointed a co-chair from the Board, and the other co-chair was selected by the committee members..
Cristina Freire, Committee Co-chair
Suzanne Rackover, BCLA President, Committee Co-chair
Anton Dounts, BCLA Incoming President
Deb Thomas
Erin Watkins
Katharine Shipley
Sarah Felkar
Sarah James
Shawn Gill
Tracey Therrien
Wendy Wright
Rina Hadziev, BCLA Executive Director (ex officio)