For immediate release | June 16, 2020

IFC, United for Libraries Host Free Webinar on Vendor Negotiation that Supports Privacy, Intellectual Freedom

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Libraries are well versed in protecting intellectual freedom as it pertains to books, but many do not have similar policies for online resources and services. Digital library collections are often provided by third-party vendors, who may have different goals than libraries. “,” a free webinar on Thursday, will explore this disconnect and review best practices for negotiating with vendors on intellectual freedom issues.

Presented by the ϲʿapp’s Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) and United for Libraries, the webinar will review privacy red flags to look for when reviewing vendors, how libraries can best negotiate with online vendors without infringing on patron privacy and how library trustees can provide support.

Holly Eberle, IFC member and youth technology librarian at Algonquin Area Public Library District, will moderate the discussion with representatives from both libraries and vendors:

  • Erin Berman, Division Director of the Learning Group at Alameda County Library and Chair of the IFC Privacy Subcommittee
  • Amandeep Kochar, Executive Vice President and Business Head for Baker & Taylor, member of the IFC Privacy Subcommittee and member of the United for Libraries Board
  • Bill Marden, Director of Data Privacy and Compliance at the New York Public Library and a current member and past chair of the IFC Privacy Subcommittee

Toward the end of the webinar, attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions to the speakers.

Registration is open for “,” which will take place on Thursday, June 18, 12-1 p.m. EST. A recording of the webinar will be sent to those who register. The webinar is open to members and United for Libraries group members (including statewide group and all-access training).

About the Intellectual Freedom Committee

The , a committee of Council, recommends policies, practices and procedures to safeguard the rights of patrons, libraries and librarians, in accordance with the First Amendment and the Library Bill of Rights.

About United for Libraries

is a division of the ϲʿapp with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.

Contact:

Ellie Diaz

Program Officer

Office for Intellectual Freedom

ediaz@ala.org