The text of the interpretation is published in the Intellectual Freedom Manual, ninth edition (2015), part II, chapter 1, and on the ALA website.
At the spring 2008 meeting of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, a question was raised about ALA policies related to access to information and services in libraries for persons with disabilities. Two policies were identified and reviewed:
1. “Resolution on Access to the Use of Libraries and Information by Individuals with Physical or Mental Impairment,” adopted by the ALA Council at the 1988 Annual Conference at the request of the Intellectual Freedom Committee. This resolution was developed in response to a request for the ALA’s position concerning access to libraries for persons with the AIDS virus.
2. “Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy,” adopted by the ALA Council at the 2001 Midwinter Meeting at the request of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA). The introduction to this policy, written by the Americans with Disabilities Act Assembly, a representational group administered by ASCLA, states that “ALA, through its divisions, offices and units and through collaborations with outside associations and agencies is dedicated to eradicating inequities and improving attitudes toward and services and opportunities for people with disabilities.” However, the policy does not make reference to the Library Bill of Rights.
In addition to these two policies, as a part of the committee’s development of the interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights on “Access to Library Resources and Services Regardless of Gender or Sexual Orientation” in 1993, the IFC adopted the following statement, which clearly applies to persons with disabilities:
In the Library Bill of Rights and all its interpretations, it is intended that: “origin” encompasses all the characteristics of individuals that are inherent in the circumstances of their birth; “age” encompasses all the characteristics of individuals that are inherent in their levels of development and maturity; “background” encompasses all the characteristics of individuals that are a result of their life experiences; and “views” encompasses all the opinions and beliefs held and expressed by individuals.
During this discussion the committee agreed on the importance of developing a new interpretation based upon existing ALA policy. A draft was sent to the ALA Executive Board, ALA Council, ALA chapter presidents, division presidents, council committee chairs, and round table chairs prior to the 2009 Midwinter Meeting. After considering all comments received, the document was submitted to the ALA Council, which adopted it on January 28, 2009.
During its 2013–2014 review of ALA intellectual freedom policy statements, the Intellectual Freedom Committee reviewed this interpretation and recommended no changes.