Intellectual Freedom: More questions than answers

In creating this initial blog I find myself a bit intimidated due in large part to the vast number of unanswered questions I have on this topic. If I am interpreting the ALA Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement, librarys should in no way censor or suppress library materials due to controversial content. Libraries are tasked with creating an atmosphere that encourages diversity and intellectual freedom but also want to create an environment that is comfortable and welcoming to the community. This diacotimy raises a number of questions for me as both a library user and an information professional.

• We obviously want to project children and youth from material that could be considered harmful but by placing such material behind a desk or in an area not openly accessable to library users, are we not practicing a form of censorship?
• How do we as information professionals withhold our personal biases when selecting materials to house in our libraries?
• How does a library ensure balance in its collection?
• How should a library approach the issue of hate speech? Point six of the ALA Bill of Rights states " Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." What should a library do if a hate group requests to use library space for an exhibit or conference?
  

I don't have answers to any of these questions and I suspect that throughout this course many more questions will present themselves.