PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Intellectual Freedom Expert Dr. Barbara M. Jones Discusses Library Intellectual Freedom with Nigerian Professionals and Civic Society Members at the American Corner Abuja.

Date: May 30, 2008
Venue: American Corner, Abuja

Dr. Barbara M. Jones delivering her lecture | Full size

U.S. intellectual freedom expert and Caleb T. Winchester University Librarian, at Wesleyan University, Dr. Barbara M. Jones advised librarians and journalists in Nigeria to try and protect the rights of the minority point of view even when the majority of the community is supporting a popular view.  Dr. I.I. Ekoja, University Librarian, University of Abuja also spoke at the session and presented a succinct over view of the problems of access to information and Internet, the failure to pass the Freedom of Information Act, and lack of resources in Nigerian libraries. 

Dr. Jones and Dr. Ekoja spoke at the American Corner Abuja to an audience of leading library professionals, media practitioners, public communicators and Internet providers and users. 

Dr. Jones discussed how U.S. librarians have adapted the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution – particularly the 1st Amendment - and applied it to their work in libraries.  She discussed how U.S. libraries provide Internet access, promote access to a wide variety of library materials, deal with censorship, and take special care with the needs of children.  She put the topic in an international context with emphasis on the International Federation of Library Association’s Internet Manifesto.  

Dr. Jones is in Nigeria to participate in the National Library Association Conference scheduled for Kaduna from June 2 through 5. 

Dr. Jones is the author of several books including Libraries, Access, and Intellectual Freedom: Developing Policies for Public and Academic Libraries. 

Over 100 participants including Mrs. Victoria Okojie, President National Library Association of Nigeria; Dr. Linus Ikpahindi, Chief Executive Officer National Library of Nigeria; and Ms Oby Ojukwu from the office of the Secretary of the federation; attended the session.  Other participants came from the National Communication Commission, Nigerian Satellite and Communication Agency and members of the media.

According to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions:

“Access to the Internet and all of its resources should be consistent with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and especially Article 19:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

For more about the Internet Manifesto: http://www.ifla.org/III/misc/im-e.htm