CFE Initiative

Promoting Libraries & Intellectual Freedom

Libraries are crucial public gateways to information and knowledge, with a foundational commitment to intellectual freedom. The Centre for Free Expression actively supports libraries and promotes intellectual freedom through public education, training of library staff, research, publications, a speakers bureau, and provision of services such as the Library Challenges Database that assists libraries in dealing with challenges to items in their collections as well as to their programs and provision of community services.

Is your library under attack for books in your collection, programs sponsored by the library, or making space available to community groups? CFE provides advice and assistance in dealing with challenges to intellectual freedom.

The Canadian Library Challenges Database

A new, fully searchable database of challenges Canadian libraries have faced to items in their collections, programs, displays, space usage, and computer access.

Base de données des contestations des bibliothèques canadiennes

Nouvelle base de données consultable des défis auxquels les bibliothèques canadiennes sont confrontées concernant des articles de leurs collections, leurs programmes, leurs affiches, l’utilisation de leurs locaux et leur accès informatique.

CFE Profiles of Challenged Books

CFE Book Profiles provide background information about important books being challenged in libraries in Canada. Each profile has information about the author, the publisher’s description of the book, the number of editions and languages into which it has been translated, awards (if any) it has won, and quotes from professional reviews of the book.

CFE Commentaries on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom

CFE Commentaries explore the growing challenges to intellectual freedom faced by libraries in Canada and what can be done.

CFE Events and Videos on Intellectual Freedom

CFE Course for Public Library Staff on Intellectual Freedom

The Centre for Free Expression, in collaboration with the Edmonton Public Library, has developed an intellectual freedom learning and development course for public library staff and is making it available free to all public libraries across Canada.

Library Policies Database

This is a searchable database of Canadian libraries’ policies related to intellectual freedom – collections, programs, displays, internet use, room rental, staff code of ethics.

Base de données des politiques des bibliothèques

La base de données des politiques des bibliothèques est entièrement consultable par nom de politique ou de bibliothèque.

CFE Working Group on Intellectual Freedom

The Centre for Free Expression’s Work on Intellectual Freedom is guided by the CFE Working Group on Intellectual Freedom – a group of nationally and internationally recognized experts and library leaders.

Recommended Reading on Censorship

Libraries have long faced demands for censorship of books in their collections, programs, displays, and even who has access to library services. Knowing the history and effects of censorship is essential to be able to defend and promote intellectual freedom.

CFE Speakers Bureau

Interested in having a speaker on intellectual freedom for your organization? The CFE Speakers Bureau provides top keynote speakers and experts to inspire, educate and motivate your audience.

More About Intellectual Freedom

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Academic Freedom

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Freedom of Expression & Its Limits

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