Beyond codes of ethics: how library and information professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex and dynamic information environment |
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| Institution: | 1. Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;2. Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland;3. Information Science, Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Strathclyde, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XH, United Kingdom;1. Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey;2. Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, China;3. Independent Researcher, Southampton, UK;4. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UAB, Spain;1. Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium;2. Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland;1. Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK;2. Xi''an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, China |
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| Abstract: | This paper reports on a research project that investigated how library and information (LIS) professionals experience ethical dilemmas, with particular reference to the impact of new technologies, sources used to assist ethical decision-making, and the contribution case studies can make to ethical understanding and decision-making. Data was collected through interviews in Britain, Ireland and Australia with LIS professionals, educators, and representatives of professional bodies. The findings identify the main types of dilemma raised and discuss cases indicative of each type. They suggest that new technologies do not appear to change ethical principles but, when experienced in the workplace, substantially change the factors the professional has to evaluate. They also suggest that relevant codes of ethics are satisfactory on traditional library issues of access and confidentiality, but do not address the ethical challenges of current and potential digital environments. Professional associations appear more familiar with codes of ethics than practitioners although practitioners show high levels of ethical awareness, suggesting associations need to communicate more with their members and provide tools that are more useful in the workplace. Case studies are seen as a good way to educate and engage practitioners because of the complexity, conflicts and dynamism they can present. |
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| Keywords: | Information ethics Library ethics Codes of ethics ICT Digital transition Case studies |
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