Library Associations’ Commitments to Diversity

The UW–Madison Libraries abide by and support the American Library Association’s (ALA) Bill of Rights. The ALA affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that six basic policies should guide their services. A history of the Library Bill of Rights is found in the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual.

Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.

Library associations’ Core Statements and Standards

American Library Association (ALA): Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL): Diversity Standards: Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries

Association of Research Libraries (ARL): Diversity and Inclusion

Society of American Archivists:  Statement on Diversity & Inclusion