Academic Freedom Statement

Observing the principles of Academic Freedom: Pepperdine University's Affirmation Statement includes the passages "that truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline," and "that freedom, whether spiritual, intellectual, or economic, is indivisible." For librarians at Pepperdine University, academic freedom includes, but is not limited to the following:

• The right to recommend for purchase library materials that might be controversial
• The right to provide reference assistance in response to controversial questions
• The right to publish and conduct scholarly research
• The right to join and participate in professional organizations to encourage intellectual and social diversity

Pepperdine University librarians have the following responsibilities:

• To fulfill their functions and academic roles with competence, integrity and to the best of their abilities.
• To perform their academic functions in accordance with the highest ethical and workplace standards.
• To exercise their rights with responsibility and without prejudice to the rights of others and in compliance with the mission and the needs of the Pepperdine community.

Collections

Pepperdine Libraries supports the free exchange of ideas and aspires to build collections that include all points of view. Simultaneously, the Libraries neither approves nor endorses the opinions expressed in our holdings. Where there is controversy or disagreement concerning the validity of particular ideas and beliefs, we attempt to provide a wide selection encompassing significant viewpoints.

Pepperdine Libraries affirms the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association. 

Some collections or materials contain historical images or content which are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. These materials are presented as part of the historical record and the history of Pepperdine University. Pepperdine does not endorse the content of these historical collections but, rather, remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.