Intellectual Freedom as Fundamental to Florida Libraries: A Roundtable Discussion

Today's intellectual freedom issues go beyond book challenges and take many forms. By broadening the context around intellectual freedom and allowing focused small-group discussions, this session aims to enrich librarians' understanding of modern intellectual freedom concerns and how we can address them.

The Intellectual Freedom Committee will lead a roundtable discussion for attendees to explore how intellectual freedom intersects with larger societal issues. We will examine our unique role in supporting Florida libraries' fundamental purpose of upholding freedom.
The Committee will facilitate breakout sessions for librarians to discuss key issues including: handling display challenges, crafting policies to address potential problems, and brainstorming strategies to handle community concerns.

Speakers:

Erin Collier-Plummer
[email protected]

Erin is a library leader who earned her MLIS from Rutgers University and a Professional Certificate in Public Library Management from the University of Michigan. A Year 16 Graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute, she serves as the Chair of the Florida Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, contributes to national library organizations through committee work, and presents at library conferences. Erin is passionate about mentoring others in the field, collaborating and building partnerships, and advocating for library access and the freedom to read for all.

Chris Jimenez
Florida International University
[email protected]

Chris serves as a library faculty member in the Information and Research Services Department at Florida International University Libraries, specializing in Web Services. His research interests and publication history include topics centered on Web Design, Information Literacy, and applying Emerging Technologies to libraries. As the History and Religious Studies Librarian, Christopher works with both departments to enhance library collections while connecting FIU students to valuable resources as they conduct their research.

Track:

Intellectual Freedom