Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) | The American Library Association Archives

The American Library Association (ALA) Council established the Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) in June 1973 (1). IFRT's functions and activities are:

1. To operate as a communications channel on matters concerning intellectual freedom

2. To provide a forum for discussing activities, programs, and problems concerned with intellectual freedom for libraries and librarians

3. To promote a greater opportunity for involvement of ALA members in the defense of intellectual freedom

4. To promote a greater feeling of responsibility in implementing ALA intellectual freedom policies (2).

The activities of the IFRT are closely connected with those of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the ALA, the Merrit Fund, and the Freedom to Read Foundation (3). IFRT publishes occasional reports. News of the Round Table's activities is listed in two of the Office of Intellectual Freedom's publications: Memorandum and Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom (4).

IFRT established the John Phillip Imroth Award in 1977 to recognize outstanding contributions to intellectual freedom (5). IFRT is governed by a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer (6).

Sub-Groups:

1-Executive Committee

2-Publications

1. The ALA Yearbook 1980, p. 171.

2. ALA Handbook of Organization 1982/83, p. 142.

3. The ALA Yearbook 1980, p. 171.

4. The ALA Yearbook 1981, p. 161.

5. The ALA Yearbook 1977, p. 172.

6. The ALA Yearbook 1982, p. 153.