Introductory and survey materials should be well represented, particularly for first and second year courses. More specialized and complex materials should be selected for third and fourth year courses. Currency, as well as retrospective coverage, should also be an important consideration. Additional responsibilities are required for development of the audiovisual collection. Intellectual Freedom is essential to the health and development of society.
Libraries have a primary role to play in the maintenance and nurture of intellectual freedom.
It is the responsibility of libraries to facilitate the exercise of the right of access by acquiring and making available books and other materials of the widest variety, including those expressing or advocating unconventional or unpopular ideas. It is the responsibility of libraries to facilitate the exercise of the right of expression by making available all facilities and services at their disposal. Libraries should resist all efforts to limit the exercise of these responsibilities while recognizing the right of criticism by individuals and groups. Librarians have a professional duty, in addition to their institutional responsibility, to uphold the principles enunciated in this statement. It is in the public interest for libraries and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those which are unorthodox or unpopular with the majority.