Ethical Principles for Library and Information Professionals

 

The conduct of members should be characterised by the following general principles, presented here in no particular order of priority:

  1. Concern for the public good in all professional matters, including respect for diversity within society, and the promoting of equal opportunities and human rights. Case Studies 

  2. Concern for the good reputation of the information profession. Case Studies

  3. Commitment to the defence, and the advancement, of access to information, ideas and works of the imagination. Case Studies

  4. Provision of the best possible service within available resources. Case Studies

  5. Concern for balancing the needs of actual and potential users and the reasonable demands of employers. Case Studies

  6. Equitable treatment of all information users. Case Studies

  7. Impartiality, and avoidance of inappropriate bias, in acquiring and evaluating information and in mediating it to other information users. Case Studies

  8. Respect for confidentiality and privacy in dealing with information users.Case Studies

  9. Concern for the conservation and preservation of our information heritage in all formats. Case Studies

  10. Respect for, and understanding of, the integrity of information items and for the intellectual effort of those who created them. Case Studies

  11. Commitment to maintaining and improving personal professional knowledge, skills and competences. Case Studies

  12. Respect for the skills and competences of all others, whether information professionals or information users, employers or colleagues. Case Studies