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Intellectual Freedom CommitteeThe NELA Intellectual Freedom Committee Selects Connecticut "John Doe" Librarians to Receive the 2007 ProQuest/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award of New EnglandThe Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) of the New England Library Association will present the 2007 ProQuest/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award of New England to the Connecticut "John Doe" librarians Janet Nocek, Barbara Bailey, Peter Chase, and George Christian at the Sunday Banquet on October 14, 2007 during the annual New England Library Association Conference. With great legal and personal risk to themselves the Connecticut "Joe Doe" librarians challenged the nondisclosure provisions of the NSL (National Security Letters) authorized under the USA Patriot Act because they believe that libraries in a democratic society must be a place where people can come to inform themselves on everything from "breast cancer to Wahabism," without fear that the government or police are looking over their shoulders. The biennial award, sponsored by ProQuest/SIRS, recognizes the contribution of a group or individual who has actively promoted intellectual freedom in New England. The IFC is responsible for selecting the recipient. The person or group chosen receives a plaque commemorating the award and a check for $500. The Connecticut "Joe Doe" librarians have decided to donate the $500 to Library Connection Incorporated. Chair
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