LIANZA STANDING COMMITTEE ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere.
Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.

The bird that partakes of the miro berry reigns in the forest.
The bird that partakes in the power of knowledge has access to the World.

WHAT IS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION?

Freedom of information is the freedom of a person or people to publish and consume information [1].

The LIANZA Standing Committee on Freedom of Information was formed in 2018 to advise the LIANZA Council and membership on issues of freedom of access to information, intellectual freedom and privacy and to support LIANZA in advocacy on these issues.

WHAT WE DO:

  • We research, write and recommend policy statements, submissions and external messages for LIANZA Council endorsement.
  • We inform and support our members though statements, resources, advocacy and advice
  • We encourage open debate and discussion and inform our profession via LIANZA publications and social media, presentations, conferences and webinars.
  • We learn from and contribute to international discourse via IFLA and other international library associations
  • We work with others with the same concerns such as Internet NZ, Creative Commons.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_information

AREAS OF WORK

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

LIANZA STATEMENT ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Following consultation with members and LIANZA communities, LIANZA Council adopted the new LIANZA Statement on Freedom of Information 2020.

Other resources on this topic:

  • Further discussion and detail is available in the draft discussion document used in the development of this statement.
    Freedom of Expression Draft Discussion Document
  • This statement replaces the LIANZA statement on Access to Information (Rev. 2002) and the LIANZA Statement on Intellectual Freedom (2002).

CENSORSHIP

Home : OFLC (classificationoffice.govt.nz)

BANNED!

  • Are you familiar with your responsibilities around restricted or classified publications? While we promote freedom of access to information, libraries in New Zealand must comply with the legislation that controls access to publications that have an age restriction or are banned.  LIANZA has produced a quick guide to the New Zealand legislation, and what you need to know and do.  It includes how to challenge a restriction and how to find out more about this area from the government department that manages this - Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office.  Perfect for ongoing professional development  - BOK 1.
  • September 26th to October 2nd was Banned books week. IFLA suggested libraries could team up with their local Amnesty International to recognise it this year – but your response will depend on your Alert Level status. Share your local activities, displays or posts with the LIANZA Office so we can spread the good ideas.
CENSORSHIP & CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLICATIONS

LIANZA PRIVACY GUIDELINES

These guidelines have been developed for use in library and information services in Aotearoa New Zealand to comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and to promote and protect the privacy of library users.

PRIVACY GUIDELINES
PRIVACY FAQs

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

Information on intellectual freedom.

MISINFORMATION

OPEN ACCESS

Information on open access.

NEW STATEMENTS TO DEVELOP

The committee will also be developing LIANZA statements and/or guides on these topics. Drafts will be released for your feedback before Council adopts them.

  • Censorship
  • Indigenous knowledge management
  • Other barriers to access to information (including digital skills and access, fines)

FURTHER RESOURCES FOR YOU

For more information and news about Freedom of Information, read our Library Life column, blogs and news updates in LIANZA Korero.

CONTACT US

Current members of the committee are: Louise LaHatte, Auckland Libraries, Stephanie Colling, Auckland Libraries, Rob Cruickshank, Christchurch City Libraries, Winston Roberts, National Library of New Zealand and Laura Cook, Northland District Health Board.

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