Academic Library Code of Ethics

Abstract

This Code of Ethics intends to promote activism on the part of the librarian to advance intellectual freedom and access issues to the community. Libraries are in danger. The danger lies in a few specific areas: in the accessibility of information via the Internet so people do not feel they need to come to a library for information; privacy violations by the government in the name of security; low pay which drives potential librarians to the private sector in search of higher paying jobs; a sense of atrophy in the administration of libraries; rising costs and the corporatization of libraries; and the pressure to compete with retail bookstores in customer service and other quantifiable measures. (Roberto and West, 2003) Librarians must do whatever they can, no matter how small or large the contribution, to fight for their rights and the rights of patrons. Activism is most commonly believed to be picketing, marching, and petitioning; things that are seen on the nightly news. But librarians can be activists on a much more simple level. By becoming a member of every organization in their particular field, reading as much related material as possible, and simply being aware of what is going on in our profession, librarians can become a much more powerful group of professionals.