Professional Ethics

1. Professional Ethics Ethics for Library and Information Professionals Kay Mathiesen SIRLS University of Arizona

2. What is a Profession? An occupation that regulates the activities of its members by requiring specialized training requiring some sort of certification having professional organization having a code of ethics The traditional professions (the church, military, medicine, and law) were those that served an important social function.

3. Ethics, Morals, Values Ethics (also called �Moral Theory�) (a) �Branch of philosophy concerned with the evaluation of human conduct.� (FOLDOP, http://www.swif.it/foldop/) (b) The study of the nature of obligation and the good. �ethics� (also called �morals� or �values�)--the conception of the good and particular obligations that guide the behavior of a person or group. A good �ethics� should be based on a sound understanding of Ethics.

4. Basics of Professional Ethics Spinello�s Normative Principles can serve as a statement of some core principles of professional ethics. Non-malificence (literally �non-harm�): Do not use your professional skills to do wrong. For example, do not use your public role for private benefit. Autonomy (literally �self-rule�): Respect the autonomy of those you serve. Let them make fundamental decisions that effect their own lives. Informed Consent: Completely inform and gain consent of those you serve before taking actions that affect them.

5. Bayles� List of �Professional Obligations� Michael Bayles lists the following professional obligations in Professional Ethics. Honesty Competence Diligence Loyalty Fairness Discretion He includes as well, Obligation of Obedience (within bounds of legality and ethics)

6. Codes of Ethics All professions have a code of ethics, which expresses their particular professional obligations as viewed by members of the profession. Some professions have enforcement mechanisms (ALA does not).

7. ALA Code of Ethics 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.

8. ALA Code of Ethics 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.

9. ALA Code of Ethics 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.

10. ALA Code of Ethics 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.

11. What should be the Mission of the LIP? Ortega y Gassett and Wengert both propose missions for the LIP that differs in some significant ways from the ALA vision. What are their proposals? What reasons do they offer in support? What do you think of their proposals?