OLA reaffirms their position in support of libraries

At the OLA Meeting this past Friday, the Executive Board reaffirmed their Resolution in support of Oklahoma Libraries in partial response to HB 2158.

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association supports the essence of democracy that citizens have the right of free inquiry and the equally-important right of forming their own opinions, and it is of the utmost importance that free access for individuals to all types of information be preserved and defended, and

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association supports open access to library materials, and

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association affirms the responsibility and right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children's use of library resources, and

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association supports the principle that Oklahoma libraries are an American value that supports our shared belief that empowerment of the individual results in a stronger, richer society, and

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association supports the decisions of local library boards to set their own access policies to library materials.

Whereas, these locally appointed library boards are composed of dedicated citizens in Oklahoma who will continue to do an excellent job for their communities, and

Whereas, the Oklahoma Library Association affirms the right of individuals to express their opinions about library resources and services, now therefore

Be it Resolved that the Oklahoma Library Association supports Oklahoma libraries and Oklahoma librarians who provide opportunities for citizens of all ages and backgrounds to become informed, literate, and culturally enriched.

Adopted by the Oklahoma Library Association Executive Board on Tuesday, May 25, 1999.

Reaffirmed by the Executive Board on Friday, March 17, 2006.