Støtte til amerikanske bibliotek
Den amerikanske biblioteksektoren er under angrep, gjennom økonomiske kutt og politisk styring.
Den norske bibliotekforening følger utviklingen i USA, og ser med bekymring på vedtak og kutt, som har en tydelig politisk styring. Hovedstyret i NBF har vedtatt en uttalelse som er oversendt den amerikanske bibliotekforeningen ALA (American Library Association), for å uttrykke vår støtte.
Som vi har påpekt tidligere er dette angrep på noe av det viktigste vi har som samfunn: «Gjennom tidene har vi sett hvordan styresmakter bruker forvirring, fragmentering og desinformasjon for å skape usikkerhet og splittelse. De bygger ned tillit og troverdighet gjennom å spre falske nyheter, gjennom informasjonsoverflod og en undergraving av redaktørstyrte medier og fakta. Noen av våre viktigste våpen for å bygge motstandskraft mot dette er sterke institusjoner som sørger for tilgang til kunnskap, kildekritikk, som skaper fellesskap og møteplasser. «
Den amerikanske bibliotekforeningen setter pris på støtten fra det internasjonale samfunnet, som de uttrykker ved mottakelse av brevet:
«The U.S. library community and ALA are heartened and strengthened by your letter and similar support from other library associations around the world. The assault on libraries in the United States is an assault on libraries around the globe.»
Les hele uttalelsen her:
Letter of support to ALA from the Norwegian Library Association
The Norwegian Library Association (NBF) stands in full solidarity with library users and library workers in the United States during this troubling time, when libraries and democratic institutions are under attack.
Libraries are essential pillars of democracy. They provide open and inclusive spaces for learning, public discourse, and access to knowledge and information. Any attempt to undermine their independence, restrict access to information, or impose censorship is deeply alarming—not only in a national context, but as a threat to our shared democratic values globally.
We are witnessing with deep concern a political development in the United States that appears to challenge these fundamental principles. Attempts to control democratic institutions through funding cuts and politically motivated removals of key leadership positions are serious warning signs.
We strongly support our American colleagues and the American Library Association. We firmly condemn the cuts, and the planned defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the 2026 Budget, as well as the dismissals of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, the Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter, and the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan. These individuals and institutions play crucial roles in preserving history, ensuring access to knowledge, and maintaining a functioning democracy.
These actions will have serious consequences—not only for the people of the United States, but also for the international library community and everyone who believes in the free exchange of ideas. Cuts to cultural and knowledge institutions, censorship, and book banning leave lasting scars that can only be healed through greater openness and a renewed commitment to democratic values.
The actions of the Trump administration demonstrate a troubling disregard for the core values of democracy, including freedom of expression, academic freedom, and institutional independence.
Attacks on academic freedom harm not only research and education, but also international cooperation and trust in scholarly knowledge. Imposing restrictions on research topics and language is an unacceptable infringement on academic integrity and a clear sign of disrespect for intellectual freedom.
While these developments are unfolding in the United States, they reflect a broader global trend of rising authoritarianism and attacks on knowledge institutions. We must resist this—together.
The Norwegian Library Association stands firmly for the right to access knowledge, the freedom of expression, and the right of all people to participate in society without fear of repression. Should there be any way in which we can be of further assistance beyond expressing our support, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to standing with you in defense of intellectual freedom.
To all library workers, library users, and those who continue to defend freedom and democracy in the United States—we see you, we support you, and we will continue to stand with you in solidarity.
Oslo, June 12th, 2025