(7 Jul 2026) The Intellectual Freedom Committee of ALA today announced the release of “Content Controls and Access Guidelines for Vendors,” a new guiding document designed to help library staff make informed, principled decisions when selecting third‑party digital content providers.
Adopted on May 5, 2026, the guidelines equip library workers with essential tools to safeguard the intellectual freedom of their communities. The document outlines key considerations for evaluating vendor practices, including:
- Questions for vendors that clarify how content is curated, filtered, or restricted
- Access considerations for minors to ensure age‑appropriate experiences without compromising rights
- Evaluation of labels and ratings used by vendors to categorize content
- Patron privacy protections and expectations for responsible data handling
“These guidelines reinforce libraries’ commitment to equitable access and the protection of reader rights in an increasingly digital landscape,” the Committee stated.
The full document is now available for library staff and administrators seeking support in reviewing or selecting digital content vendors.
The announcement in full is here.
