The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious 2024 Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. This award recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions in the fight for intellectual freedom, and we are excited to honor those who have dedicated their efforts to this important cause.
The Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award was established in 1969 in honor of Robert B. Downs, a former dean of the School of Information Sciences. Downs was a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom and believed in the fundamental right to access information without censorship or restriction. This award serves as a tribute to his legacy and continues to promote his values and principles.
The award is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding courage and commitment in defending intellectual freedom. This includes individuals or groups who have faced challenges or threats in their pursuit of free access to information, as well as those who have actively worked to protect the rights of others. The Downs Award recognizes the importance of standing up for intellectual freedom, even in the face of adversity.
Nominations for the 2024 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award are now open and we are calling upon all individuals and organizations to submit their nominations. This is an opportunity to recognize and honor the individuals and groups who have made a significant impact in promoting and protecting intellectual freedom. We encourage submissions from all fields and backgrounds, as we believe that intellectual freedom is a universal value that should be defended by all.
The award selection committee will consider a variety of criteria when evaluating nominations. These include the impact of the nominee’s work, the challenges they have faced, and the significance of their contributions to the field of intellectual freedom. The committee will also take into account the nominee’s commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom and their efforts to promote these values in their community.
The Downs Intellectual Freedom Award is not only a recognition of the recipient’s achievements, but also a celebration of the importance of intellectual freedom in our society. It serves as a reminder that the free exchange of ideas and information is vital to the progress and development of our world. By honoring those who have defended this fundamental right, we hope to inspire others to join in the fight for intellectual freedom.
We are proud to have presented the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award to many deserving individuals and groups over the years. Previous recipients include authors, journalists, librarians, and activists who have all made significant contributions to the cause of intellectual freedom. We are excited to see the nominations for the 2024 award and look forward to adding another inspiring name to the list of recipients.
The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2023, and the award will be presented at a special ceremony during the 2024 American Library Association Annual Conference. We encourage all individuals and organizations to submit their nominations and help us recognize and celebrate those who have championed intellectual freedom.
In a world where access to information is constantly under threat, it is more important than ever to stand up for intellectual freedom. The Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award is a reminder that we must continue to fight for this fundamental right and honor those who have dedicated their efforts to this cause. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the 2024 recipient of the Downs Award.
