[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-81px||0px|-87px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The review in now complete, and BCLA’s new Statement of Intellectual Freedom<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Committee Info” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||0px|-87px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The information below reflects the IFC from 2024-2026, which was integral to the development of the new Statement.\u00a0 The BCLA Board will be considering the mandate, objective, and structure of the Intellectual Freedom Committee to best support BCLA\u2019s upcoming and ongoing work on intellectual freedom.<\/p>\n Revised IFC Terms of Reference, approved December 2023<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s constitution, bylaws, mission, vision, and values.<\/p>\n The ultimate approval of and responsibility for the BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement resides with the BCLA Board.<\/p>\n 1. Review the current BCLA Intellectual Freedom Statement and make recommendations for revisions [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Committee Members” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||0px|-87px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n More information about the committee members can be found on the Intellectual Freedom Committee Members page. <\/a>\u00a0The BCLA Board appointed a co-chair from the Board, and the other co-chair was selected by the committee members..<\/p>\n Cristina Freire, Committee Co-chair Anton Dounts, BCLA Incoming President [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”30px||0px|-87px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Intellectual Freedom Committee Contact Form<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Intellectual Freedom is the right to read, view, hear, express, and discuss any idea on any subject. The Committee works to uphold these principles in our libraries through:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Please click here to find our terms of reference: IFC_Terms_Reference.pdf (bclaconnect.ca)<\/a><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Committee Co-chairs: Wendy Wright,\u00a0ifc.bcla@gmail.com<\/a> & Deb Thomas, thomasde424@gmail.com<\/a><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Subscribe to our\u00a0IFC Forum<\/a>\u00a0for news, events, and other announcements.<\/p>\n
Committee Mandate<\/h2>\n
Committee Objectives<\/h2>\n
2. Provide opportunities for BCLA members to provide input and\/or feedback as part of the Statement review<\/p>\nCommittee Members<\/h2>\n
Suzanne Rackover, BCLA President, Committee Co-chair<\/p>\n
Deb Thomas
Erin Watkins
Katharine Shipley
Sarah Felkar
Sarah James
Shawn Gill
Tracey Therrien
Wendy Wright
Rina Hadziev, BCLA Executive Director (ex officio)<\/p>\nContact<\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h2>
Term of Reference<\/h3>
Contacts:<\/h3>
Join the discussion!<\/h3>