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Bill of Rights for N.J. Library Users

Excerpted from New Jersey Libraries, v. 12, no. 6 (October 1979), pp. 11-12

The librarians of New Jersey have become the first in the nation to offer a testament of their commitment to the principle that the general public has the right to expect full and adequate library service.

The New Jersey Library Association, the state's professional body, has promulgated a document entitled The People's Library Bill of Rights [in 1978]. "As far as we know, this is the first formal declaration at the state level of such a policy, and we are most interested in this development," commented Judith Krug, Director, Office of Intellectual Freedom, at the national headquarters of the American Library Association in Chicago....

Mrs. Barbara Weaver, State Librarian of New Jersey, observed, "It is a laudable attempt to look at libraries from the point of view of the user rather than the practitioner." She expressed concern over "barriers" that in the past have kept "people from exercising these rights." She mentioned as examples age restrictions in the use of certain materials, fee-based services that "prevent people of limited economic means from access to some of our information," and "the complicated and arcane cataloging practices that prevent people of limited educational attainment from finding where the information is." She also said she liked the idea "that people have the right to participate in decisions concerning library policies and practices. The full text of the People's Library Bill of Rights follows:

The People's Library Bill of Rights

The New Jersey Library Association affirms its belief in the public right to library service - as stated in the following tenets:

1. All people are entitled to free access to the information and knowledge within a library.
2. All people are entitled to obtain current, accurate information on any topic of interest.
3. All people are entitled to courteous, efficient, and prompt service.
4. All people are entitled to assistance by qualified library personnel.
5. All people are entitled to the right of privacy in the selection and use of materials.
6. All people are entitled to the full service of the library network on a local, regional, state, and national level.
7. All people are entitled to the use of a facility that is accessible, attractive, and comfortable.
8. All people are entitled to access to the policies regarding the use and services of a library.
9. All people are entitled to library service that reflects the interests and needs of the total community.

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