Fall+2006+Question+5+answer

Question #5

 * Many disciplines have codes of ethics, but there is as of yet no one overarching ethical code that includes every type of information professional. Discuss the major principles that might be included in such a code.**

Although there isn't an overarching code of ethics for information professionals, one need only look at the professional organizations for direction. Because of so many variances to our profession, it would be difficult to codify such a code. But... having said that... there are some overacrching concepts which one might follow and seem to work well. As for me, given that the American Library Association the major organization of which I belong, I would choose to follow their ideas for a code of ethics....

Basically, the areas are: service to patrons, champions of free speech (intellectual freedom) and opponents of censorship, right to privacy and confidentiality (which has put us at odds with the Patriot Act), proponents of interllectual property rights, not allowing personal bias to interfer with our duties, not putting private interests ahead of our patrons, treating each other in a collegial and supportive matter, and encouraging professional development to continue being on the cutting edge of our profession. This is just my paraphrase. For each concept, you could continue to define what each means....

For the exact wording of ALA's code of ethics: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm and is copied below:

=Code of Ethics of the American Library Association= As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs. Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment. We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations. The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations. Adopted June 28, 1995, by the ALA Council
 * 1) **We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.**
 * 2) **We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.**
 * 3) **We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.**
 * 4) **We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.**
 * 5) **We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.**
 * 6) **We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.**
 * 7) **We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.**
 * 8) **We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.**

Meghan's outline -- I'm practicing 15-min outlines, so some concepts are in bold to remind me to look them up and memorize them before the exam ;)

1.Be friendly 2.Be helpful (this is from a listserv discussion – someone mentioned these are the first two things in every job description at her library)

Zarathustra's principles: Good reflection Good word Good deed

Ranganathan's laws


 * 1) Books are for use.
 * 2) Every reader, his book.
 * 3) Every book, its reader.
 * 4) Save the time of the reader.
 * 5) A library is a growing organism.

ALA code of ethics (see above)

Types of information professionals: Public Academic School Corporate Legal Medical Freelance researchers Newspaper Indexers Vendors Museum Preservation/Special collections

What do they have in common? All libraries exist to provide access to knowledge, not just preserve information – although without preservation, there will be no access. Providing access – through preservation, digital initiatives, curatorship, reference, database construction, ILS creation and sales, product support – to members of the public, schoolchildren, teachers, university students, clients, corporate employees, doctors, patients, etc. IPs have different patron/client bases, but they all are responsible for providing access to information to the people they serve. **520 notes for this one.** Therefore, all principles should support access to knowledge:

Privacy – without assurance of privacy and discretion, many people will shy from seeking help, which impedes their access to knowledge. It's also part of the ALA code. PATRIOT act, materials to minors, etc.

Universal access – regardless of appearances, a librarian cannot prejudge someone's reasons for asking for material (i.e. all the questions on reference ethics and the teenager asking for info on bomb making or suicide). How to answer this? Duty to warn, etc. How does this apply in special libraries? School libraries? What about a private religious school – do you uphold Ranganathan or your employing institution?