Professional Ethics, revisited

I'm certain that I have posted this topic before, but after two "infractions" in one week, it is time to revisit the topic.

This quote from Andrew Carnegie comes to mind:
"There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration".

Librarianship is a profession that upholds a code of ethics. Library directors most certainly (should) know this, but what about the library's board and even Friends? What about your staff members?

As public libraries, we are charged with upholding the right to privacy & confidentiality; providing equitable access to our facilities & resources; recognizing & respecting intellectual property rights; and upholding the principles of intellectual freedom.

To me, this is the BEST thing about public libraries. Another of my favorite quotes about libraries is by Jo Godwin: “A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.”

Don't wait until an incident occurs to brief your board, Friends, and staff members. The easiest solution would be to "streamline" your library's orientation process--the orientation for your new board members, staff members and Friends should include copies of:

*ALA's Code of Ethics
*The Library Bill of Rights
*The Freedom to Read
*Section 428 of the PA State Library Code

Better yet, make certain that your personnel handbook includes these items and that each new hire not only has them, but signs off on them. Anyone associated with the direct sustainability of public libraries should uphold the professional ethics.

For more information, see pages 44 & 45 of the PA Public Library Trustee Handbook or the website for the American Library Association.