Professional Codes: Traditions and Guidance for the Future

The library-information profession is informed by core values that address the delivery of information services. The “Code of Ethics of the American Library Association” is intended to guide ethical decision-making based on value-based professional criteria. An explicit commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to information inform this “rights-based” (Tavani, 2004, p. 54) ethical code.

The ALA “Code of Ethics” relies on Constitutional imperatives identified in the First Amendment, which established the rights of free speech and freedom of the press in the U.S. The “selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information” (ALA) should be based on the freedom to read, view, and access information. Legal and ethical principles are the foundation for the public’s right to access and use information resources, and for the professional role in defending this right as a public good and an instrumental value, based on the perspectives of act utilitarianism (Tavani, 2004, p. 47) and rule deontology (Tavani, 2004, p. 58).

Duty-based (Deontology) Stresses the role of duty and respect for persons Underestimates the importance of happiness and social utility

Based on the “Code of Ethics of the American Library Association”, ALA members are obligated “to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations” (ALA). The code explicitly states that the broadly-based ethical “framework” (ALA) is intended to guide library-information professionals, but not “to cover particular situations” (ibid.) Being composed of general principles, the code indirectly addresses utilitarian concerns or social consequences.

The “Code of Ethics”, is a rights-based contract, reinforcing principles of “negative rights” (Tavani, 2004, p. 55) that prevent interference with the privileges of others. While the first provision provides for “equitable access”, the second provision upholds the principle of “intellectual freedom”, and the third provision of the ALA Code mandates the utilitarian protection of “each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted” (ALA), the directives do not address the consequences that may result from accessing, disseminating, or using anti-social information. Statement III of the ALA Code relies on social policies based on core values in U.S. society. However, this mandate is controversial because it defends “positive rights” (Tavani, 2004, p. 55) without qualification within the context of evolving information formats and delivery.

Contract-based (Rights) Provides a motivation for morality Offers only a minimal morality
Consequence-based (Utilitarian) Stresses promotion of happiness and utility Ignores concerns of justice
for the minority population

Statement IV states that library-information professionals will “recognize and respect intellectual property rights” (ALA) as a categorical imperative based on the perspective of rule deontology. It is the duty of library-information professionals to uphold copyright laws.

Furthermore, statements I, V, VI,VII, and VIII of the ALA Code rely on “social contracts” (Tavani, 2004, p. 53) and “character-based ethics” (Tavani, 2004, p. 55) to provide “unbiased responses and to “safeguard the rights and welfare” (ALA) of library-information professionals and employees. These directives are “agent-oriented” (Tavani, 2004, p. 56) and focused on utilitarian acts and moral behavior toward library-information patrons and colleagues working in library-information environments.

Duty-based (Deontology) Stresses the role of duty and respect for persons Underestimates the importance of happiness and social utility
Character-based (Virtue) Stresses moral development and moral education Depends on homogeneous community standards for morality

The ALA Code is intended to guide individual members concerning “their ethical responsibilities” (Tavani, 2004, p. 93), inform ALA policies, and generally define the library-information profession for the public. The ALA Code relies primarily on “character-based ethical theories” (Tavani, 2004, p. 55), making the most of the eight provisions contingent on “virtue ethics” (ibid.) that are difficult to apply and enforce. The ALA is organizationally based on willing membership, and does not focus efforts on enforcing its provisions in its membership, but concentrates on upholding core professional values, social responsibilities, and principles established in the organization’s code.

The ALA Code is based on ethical principles inherent in U.S. society, and reflects the library-information profession in relation to the legal and moral principles valued in the U.S. Based on those principles, the ALA Code presents a morally-responsive view of the profession that has national and international significance. Based on principles within the U.S. Constitution, the ALA Code of Ethics directly addresses Constitutional rights as well as current public policy issues related to equitable access, intellectual property, and intellectual freedom. By implication, provisions within the ALA Code also address the digital divide, electronic surveillance, filtering, and privacy.

In conclusion, the ALA Code relies on encompassing provisions to broadly define the ethical foundation and guiding principles of the ALA mission, policies, and ALA members. By integrating aspects of various ethical theories into a comprehensive ethical code, the ALA establishes a viable framework for making and applying ethical decisions related to library-information services. The “Code of Ethics of the American Library Association” is a guide for taking action and resolving dilemmas within the library information profession, based on provisions that support ethical decision-making on the basis of rules, obligations, contracts, consequences, and character.


“Code of Ethics of the American Library Association”
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.
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 representation 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.
Application of Ethical Theories, Principles, & Models in the ALA Code
Utilitarianism
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.
Act = Actions/Consequences
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.
Rule = Rules/Consequences
We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
Deontology
We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
Act = Act/Obligation
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.
Rule = Rule/Obligation
We recognize and respect intellectual property rights.
Contract-based
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.
Character-based
We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
Just-consequentialism
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.




References

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