The Ethics of Librarianship

Introduction by Alex Byrne, Chairman of the IFLA/FAIFEThis brings together papers on professional ethics for library and information services from 17 countries -- from Argentina to Uganda -- approaching professional concerns and responses to their ethical dimensions from a number of different angles. Library associations have considered ethical issues such as freedom of speech, for some time. The first formal code of ethics was the American Library Association's "Code of Ethics for Librarians" from 1938. The current debate emphasises subjects such as, the effects of globalisation and the developing information society; the digital gap between those with free access to information and those who have either limited access or even no access at all; censorship; copyright; and the use of electronic filters. Above all the strict anti-terror legislation introduced in many countries following 11th September 2001, has raised questions concerning freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to access information.