In honor of the coming National Freedom Day, on February 1, and for celebrating freedom of speech in the public libraries:

Parties have party lines…

A definition from good old Wikipedia: “In politics, the line or the party line is an idiom for a political party or social movement’s canon agenda, as well as ideological elements specific to the organization’s partisanship. The common phrase toeing the party line describes a person who speaks in a manner that conforms to his political party’s agenda.”  (Source link: wikipedia.org – Party_line)

“Whereas, the American Library Association is firmly committed to freedom of expression (Policy 53.1.12)”   

(Source link: www.ala.org – advocacy – resolution on workplace speech)

(1) National Freedom Day

“National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States that honors the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13th amendment of the nation’s constitution on February 1, 1865. Abraham Lincoln, who was the president at the time, signed the resolution to outlaw slavery. This anniversary is annually observed on February 1.” (Source link: timeanddate.com – holidays – national-freedom-day)

The ALA Council adopted this resolution on Sunday, June 26, 2005.

(2) Resolution on Workplace Speech

WHEREAS, The American Library Association is firmly committed to freedom of expression (Policy 53.1.12);

and WHEREAS, The library is an institution that welcomes and promotes the expression of all points of view;

and WHEREAS, Library staff are uniquely positioned to provide guidance on library policy issues that is informed by their experience and education; now, therefore,

be it RESOLVED, That ALA Council amends Policy 54 (Library Personnel Practices) by adding:

54.21 Workplace Speech

Libraries should encourage discussion among library workers, including library administrators, of non-confidential professional and policy matters about the operation of the library and matters of public concern within the framework of applicable laws.

Adopted by the Council of the American Library Association Sunday, June 26, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.