Intellectual Freedom in Philippine Academic Libraries

Perspectives of Academic Library Directors in Southern Tagalog

Abstract

Intellectual freedom is one known core value in the LIS profession, but there needs to be more clarity over how to define it and apply it to the actual work. In the Philippines, this concept only exists as a clause or a section of a broader guideline or policy, and a formal framework has yet to be specifically dedicated to it. This study offers insights into how intellectual freedom is perceived in Philippine academic libraries. Academic library directors (N =44) in Southern Tagalog, composed of Regions IV-A and IV-B, were asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding this principle. It was found that the respondents know what intellectual freedom means and consider it highly important despite its challenges. Based on their responses, they are likely to express support for intellectual freedom but still exhibit some degree of censorship tendencies during selection. This study underscores the complexities LIS professionals face as they navigate the challenging terrain between their intellectual freedom advocacies and their roles as gatekeepers of information.