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Cited by 33Library Science and AdministrationLaw, Rights, and FreedomsInformation Science and Libraries

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Intellectual Freedom and Libraries: Complexity and Change in the Twenty‐First‐Century Digital Environment

Dresang, Eliza T.·2006·The Library Quarterly
DOI 10.1086/506576
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Abstract

What is the state of intellectual freedom and libraries in the early twenty‐first‐century digital environment? This question is addressed largely in relation to public and school libraries, where more than 90 percent of documented challenges exist and at which most legislative and judicial actions relevant to intellectual freedom and libraries are directed. Analyses of changing perceptions of the intellectual‐freedom leadership role of women and children; of the relevant policy documents of the American Library Association; of recent legislation and judicial decisions, focused on both books and the Internet; and of the current public perception of libraries as a public good reveal the complexities and tensions that exist in the answer to this question. One possible explanation for the current state of intellectual freedom and libraries is offered through application of radical‐change theory. Changes in research, education, and practice are suggested based on the conclusions from these analyses.

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Research works printed but not linked: 67

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Metadata

Authors
Dresang, E. T.
Affiliations
Florida State University (US)
Corresponding author
Dresang, Eliza T.
Venue
The Library Quarterly
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Published
2006-04
Volume
76
Issue
2
Pages
169-192
ISSN
  • 0024-2519 (ISSN-L)
  • 1549-652X
DOI
10.1086/506576
OpenAlex
W2065584584
Cited by
33
References
0
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2021: 4 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
1.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
The Library Quarterly (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Library and Information Sciences › Library Science and Administration
  • Social Sciences › Law › Law, Rights, and Freedoms
  • Social Sciences › Library and Information Sciences › Information Science and Libraries
Keywords
freedom of thought, libraries, public libraries, school libraries, censorship, library legislation, judicial decisions, public perception of libraries, digital environment

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Intellectual Freedom and Libraries: Complexity and Change in the Twenty‐First‐Century Digital Environment. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1086/506576
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Dresang, E. T. (2006). Intellectual Freedom and Libraries: Complexity and Change in the Twenty‐First‐Century Digital Environment. The Library Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1086/506576