2012-2013 ALA CD#47
2013 ALA Annual Conference
Resolution Commending the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) for Defending Videogames
Whereas videogames continue to receive public scrutiny despite over thirty years of
studies that have shown “no scientific link has been established” between
videogames and real world violence;
Whereas the FTRF joined the amicus brief for the United States Supreme Court case
Brown vs Entertainment Merchants Association which ruled videogames qualified
for First Amendment protections like books, plays and movies:
Whereas videogames are now given equal treatment under the law and the same
unfettered access as books, plays, movies and non-print media in libraries, as a
direct result of the Freedom to Read Foundation’s (FTR) actions and
collaboration;
Whereas the FTRF came to the successful defense of Elmhurst Public Library when a
group of residents tried to restrict M-rated videogames from the library on the
basis of personal views;
Whereas the FTRF has been exemplary in its function: to support the right of libraries to
include in their collections and to make available to the public any creative work
which they may legally acquire;
Whereas the FTRF has met the goals of the American Library Association in transforming
libraries by defending library use of new and emerging technologies which promote and support technological experimentation and innovation. (ALA Strategic Plan 2011-2015);
Whereas ALA has continuously supported principles of intellectual freedom, in due
diligence, regardless of format, recognizing that expurgation of library materials is
a violation of the Library Bill of Rights;
Whereas International Games Day @ your library (formerly National Gaming Day) was
declared by the American Library Association (ALA) on November 15, 2008 to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games;
Whereas the Games and Gaming Round Table (Game-RT) was formed on September
1, 2011 to create an awareness of, and need for, the support of the value of
gaming and play in libraries, schools, and related learning communities (Game-
RT Bylaws Article II Sec. 1.4); and
Whereas ALA has affirmed its commitment to the points of its strategic plan that
"Libraries embrace technology and are seen as trusted leaders in the information
age” through the actions of the Freedom to Read (FTRF): now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the American Library Association (ALA):
1. commends the FTRF for recognizing videogames as a non-print medium in
libraries worthy of First Amendment protections;
2. continues to support the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) in defense of
libraries when presented with challenges to videogames included in gaming
collections;
3. continues to support the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and support
Game-RT so that it may be a “force for initiating and supporting game
programming in libraries;”
4. continues to stand by the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) in alignment
with the researchers, politicians and institutions that challenge unscientific
studies attributing violent behavior to videogames.1
Moved by: Kelly Czarnecki, Councilor-at-Large, (704) 807-8021.
Seconded by: Patrick Sweeney, Councillor-at-Large, (916) 276-6266.
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(1). Former FBI Profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Texas A&M International University Psychology Professor Christopher Ferguson, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.), Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA), Comic Defense Legal Fund, The National Coalition Against Censorship, etc.
Revised 6/27/13 6:22 p.m.
E-FORM
Commending the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF )for Defending Videogames
Submitted on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 19:17
Submitted by user:
Submitted values are:
Date: 06/26/2013
Resolution author(s): Ann Crewdson
E-mail address:
1. Title of Resolution: Resolution Commending the Freedom to Read Foundation
(FTRF )for Defending Videogames
2. ALA Units and/or Committees Consulted (if any):
IFC Committee
Game-RT Board
Progressive Council
3. Endorsements by ALA Units and/or Committees (if any): Game-RT
4. Fiscal implications: Continue to support.
5. List all parties to whom resolution should be sent:
Freedom to Read Foundation, if passed.
Freedom to Read Foundation
50 East Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Ph: 800.545.2433 ext 4226
Email:
6. Impact on ALA Policies and Positions: Strategic Plan: "Libraries embrace
technology and are seen as trusted leaders in the information age.”
6a) ALA general policy or viewpoint: American Library Association in
transforming libraries by defending library use of new and emerging
technologies which promote and support technological experimentation and
innovation. (ALA Strategic Plan 2011-2015)
6b) Change in existing policy: N/A
6c) New policy: N/A
6d) Policy conflicts: N/A
7. Initiating Committee or Unit (if any): N/A
8. Pertinent Background Information:
Brown v. Entertainment Merchants’ Association, U.S. Supreme Court, 2010.
Court opinion overturning law restricting minors’ access to violent video
games on First Amendment grounds. (Available online at
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf)
Carey, Benedict. "Shooting in the Dark." New York Times. (2013): n. page.
Web. 25 Jun. 2013. .
Markey, Patrick. "In Defense of Violent Videogames: No Study Has Examined
Whether Violent Videogames Causes Real-World Violence." US News and World
Report. April 29. (2013): n. page. Web. 25 Jun. 2013. .
Media Coalition, "Only a Game: Why Censoring New Media Won’t Stop Gun
Violence." Media Coalition, Defending the First Amendment Since 1973. N.p.,
25 Jun 2013. Web. 25 Jun 2013. .
“Violence in Media: A Joint Statement,” signed by the Freedom to Read
Foundation. http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/wp-Williams, Maren. "Former FBI
Profiler Says Video Games Don’t Cause Violence." Comic Defense Legal Fund.
March 5th. (2013): n. page. Print. .
Jenkins, Henry. "Reality Bytes: Eight Myths About Video Games Debunked ."
PBS: Impact of Gaming Essays. n.d. n. page. Web. 26 Jun. 2013. .
Levine, Judith. "Shooting the Messenger: Why Censorship Won't Stop Violence."
. Media Coalition, Inc., n.d. Web. 26 Jun 2013. .
9. Mover's Name: Kelly Czarnecki, Councilor-at-Large
9a) Mover's Local Telephone Number: (704) 807-8021
10 Seconder's Name: Patrick Sweeney, Councillor-at-Large
10a) Seconder's Local Telephone Number: (916) 276-6266