The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Information Sciences, iSchool at Illinois, is pleased to announce that SAGE Publishing will serve as cosponsor of the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award.
Presented annually, the Downs Intellectual Freedom Award acknowledges individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of intellectual freedom, particularly as it affects libraries and information centers and the dissemination of ideas. It is 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 given in recognition of a particular action or long-term interest in, and dedication to, the cause of intellectual freedom. It was established in 1969 by the iSchool's faculty to honor Robert Downs, a champion of intellectual freedom, on his twenty-fifth anniversary as director of the School. It is one of the oldest sustained awards acknowledging the support of intellectual freedom in the field of librarianship.
SAGE is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and a growing suite of library products and services, including archives, data, case studies, and video. It produces high-quality resources that support instructors in preparing the citizens, policymakers, educators, and researchers of the future. Its mission focuses on building bridges to knowledge in research and scholarship.
The 2021 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award will be presented at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition during the iSchool's reception honoring the recipient. As cosponsor of the award, SAGE will provide an honorarium to the recipient and cohost the event. All supporters of intellectual freedom are invited to attend. A call for nominations and specific plans for the reception in June 2022 are forthcoming.