Intellectual freedom leader to fight effects of censorship

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has named Dr DAVID MCMENEMY the inaugural chair of a new Intellectual Freedom Committee as part of its work to help library professionals “counter the disturbing effect of censorship”.

The committee will shape and lead an evidence-informed programme that promotes a “strong ethical framework” across the sector, ensuring every citizen is “informed by a wide range of trustworthy information and empowered to use it as they see fit”.

Reader in the School of Humanities and Information Studies at the University of Glasgow, McMenemy is the current president of CILIP Scotland. He has over 25 years of experience as an academic in library and information studies, as well as more than a decade of prior professional practice.

“I firmly believe that this new committee needs to see and understand the challenges to intellectual freedom in their full complexity,” said McMenemy.

“It can then reinforce our profession’s commitment to intellectual freedom as being at the heart of our contribution to society, before we then advocate to others about this fundamental right.

“Advocacy for the library and information profession is one of the most crucial aspects of our practice. In providing services to society, we must live and breathe our ethical principles and must be seen to do so.”

CILIP chair KATE ROBINSON added, “In an era of AI-amplified disinformation and falling trust in many institutions, society need strong, confident and trustworthy voices speaking up for everyone’s rights, including access to information and freedom of expression.

“With David at the helm, the new committee will ensure these values remain central to our profession and visible in public life.”