Equal access: What does the digital revolution mean for library web sites?

Librarians have stood for open, equal access of all materials in all formats since the formalized beginning of the profession. The American Library Association has codified this professional commitment into the Library Bill of Rights (ALA 1948, 1996). The Library Bill of Rights states: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation" (ALA 1948, 1996). For years, the ALA Library Bill of Rights has reinforced the ideal of open access in the face of racism, sexism, ageism, elitism, and the many other -isms that haunt our society. This has ensured that libraries have stayed focused on providing service to our patrons.