GSLIS seeks nominations for 2013 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award

GSLIS seeks nominations for the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2013.

Given annually, the award acknowledges individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of intellectual freedom, particularly as it impacts libraries and information centers and the dissemination of ideas. Granted to those who have resisted censorship or efforts to abridge the freedom of individuals to read or view materials of their choice, the award may be in recognition of a particular action or a long-term interest in and dedication to the cause of intellectual freedom.

The Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award was established in 1969 by the GSLIS faculty to honor Dean Emeritus Downs, a champion of intellectual freedom, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as director of the School.

Previous winners have included Librotraficante (2012) for its efforts to oppose the censorship of ethnic and cultural studies materials in Arizona; Marianna Tax Choldin (2011) for her international work in educating librarians about intellectual freedom; the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (2010) for its consistent dedication to the active defense of First Amendment rights; the West Bend (WI) Community Memorial Library for its steadfast advocacy on behalf of intellectual freedom in the face of a library challenge (2009); and Brewster Kahle and the Internet Archive for their successful challenge to a national security letter (2008).

The ABC-CLIO Publishing Company provides an honorarium to the recipient and co-hosts the reception in honor of the recipient. The reception and award ceremony for the 2013 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award will take place in January 2014 during the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Letters of nomination and documentation about the nominee should be sent to Associate Professor Terry Weech, either by email with a copy to gslisdean@illinois.edu, or in paper form to Terry Weech, Associate Professor, GSLIS, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820 by October 1, 2013. Questions should be directed to Associate Professor Terry Weech.

Tags:
Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

Knox appointed interim dean

Professor Emily Knox has been appointed to serve as interim dean of the School of Information Sciences, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Until officially approved, her title will be interim dean designate. The appointment will begin April 1, 2025.

Emily Knox

Townsend to support iSchool administration

Angelica Townsend joined the iSchool on March 17 as an office administrator. She will serve as the primary administrative support for the interim executive associate dean and the assistant dean for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Angelica Townsend

Ochs and Fiedler featured in "Can’t Shelve This" podcast

School Librarian Licensure Coordinator Lauren Ochs and recent graduate Hannah Fiedler (MSLIS '24) are featured in episode six of "Can’t Shelve This," a podcast produced by Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) in collaboration with Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS). 

Lauren Ochs

New home for the Center for Children’s Books

The Center for Children's Books (CCB) at the iSchool is a crossroads for critical inquiry, professional training, and educational outreach related to youth-focused resources, literature, and librarianship. The CCB houses a non-circulating research collection of children’s and young adult books, with emphasis placed on books published within the last two years. The CCB recently moved to a new home in the iSchool building at 501 East Daniel Street. 

inside the Center for Children's Books with colorful furniture and carpet and bookcases.