---------------How to Access Electronic Information---------------

Appendix 2

Information and Telecommunication Access Principles

The following principles were approved by the Canadian Library Association Executive Council June 18, 1994.1


Preamble

The convergence of computers and high-speed telecommunication networks provides increased opportunity for public access to information and participation in the democratic processes of society. Conversely, access and participation could be reduced through the imposition of user fees and centralized control.

Librarians, libraries, and library organizations will work to assure the 'public good' is represented in all government and corporate initiatives for information dissemination and telecommunications policy. Co-operation with other organizations and public interest groups to protect social interests will strengthen the efforts of the library community.

All people have the right to:

1. Literacy.

The opportunity to learn to read and write is fundamental for all people.
Basic literacy includes numeracy and information literacy. Literacy is an important requirement for participating in the economic, social, cultural, and political life of the country.

Everyone should have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to find and use information.

2. Universal, Equitable, and Affordable Access

Access to information and telecommunication network services should be available d affordable to all regardless of factors such as age, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, social and political view, national origin, economic status, location, and information literacy.

Diverse sources of information should be developed through encouraging non-profit organizations and community groups to provide information and opinions and by preventing information monopolies.

Opportunities should be created for broad public participation in the determination of information and telecommunication policy.

1The information and Telecommunication Access Principles may be photocopied, with permission of the Canadian Library Association.