ITEM NUMBER: 4.35 a-b
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-ST-6
Title: Statement on Code of Ethics
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
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.
I. 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.
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library
resources.
III. 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.
IV. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
ITEM NUMBER: 4.35 b
V. 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.
VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or
our employing institutions.
VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not
allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representations of the aims of our
institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VIII. 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.
Adopted by the ALA Council
June 29, 1995
CHAPTER 4: Library
Statements
CODE: Policy
COMPUTER ID: LS-ST-6
Title: Statement on Code of Ethics
Effective Date: 11-24-86
Authorized By: Library Board of Trustees
Date of Last Review: 7-2013
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.
I. 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.
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library
resources.
III. 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.
IV. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
ITEM NUMBER: 4.35 b
V. 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.
VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or
our employing institutions.
VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not
allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representations of the aims of our
institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VIII. 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.
Adopted by the ALA Council
June 29, 1995