Information Ethics for 21st Century Library Professionals

Fallis, Don (2007) Information Ethics for 21st Century Library Professionals. Library Hi Tech 25(1).

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Abstract

Purpose: To provide an introduction to concepts and resources that will be useful to library professionals learning about information ethics. Methodology: This paper argues for the importance of information ethics to 21st century library professionals. It describes what various authors have said about how information ethics can be applied to the ethical dilemmas faced by library professionals. Findings: In order to deal effectively with their ethical dilemmas, library professionals must have a good working knowledge of information ethics. Codes of professional ethics can help to provide such knowledge, but they are not sufficient. Courses on information ethics must be part of the education of information professionals. Such courses should provide library professionals with an understanding of ethical theories and how they apply to concrete practical cases. Such courses should also make explicit the connection between information ethics and the mission of the library professional. Research limitations: This paper is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of publications on the topic of information ethics and library professionals. Value: This paper provides library professionals with a concise introduction to information ethics.

EPrint Type:	Journal Article (On-line/Unpaginated)
Keywords:	Information ethics, Librarianship, Library science, Equitable access to information, Censorship, Intellectual freedom, Information privacy, Intellectual property.
Subjects:	Philosophy Information Ethics Library and Information Science Education
ID Code:	1820
Deposited On:	17 March 2007
Alternative Locations:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/07378830710735830
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