Competency A

Preparation and Analysis

In her research, Luo found that in many countries, libraries follow a similar code of ethics that focus on principles that reflect "professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, privacy, and free and equal access to information" (Luo, 2016, p. 190). These principles encompass information and information practices, and people.

From these principles, confidentiality is a code I recall exploring in INFO 210 Reference Services, in which we discussed if it was ethical for libraries to release information to parents about their children's account. I clearly remember stating in my discussion post that it was unethical to release information to parents because children, particularly teenagers, are entitled to their privacy. A reference question and reference materials regarding sex education or LGBT themes are sensitive topics to people that are coming of age. As an institution that practices code of ethics and strives to treat everyone equally by safeguarding their privacy, then they should not release information to parents. Libraries need to enforce these principles and practices and safeguard the privacy of children since it can involve sensitive subjects. Youth groups come to the library for a variety of reasons, and some of those reasons include safety and a sense of connectedness. Young adults spend time at libraries for leisurely pleasure or to escape life situations, and as a result, they build connections and friendships with library staff members. If we inform parents of their checkouts, without the child's consent, then the child may feel reluctant to confide in library staff or become distant with the library. Libraries battle ethical dilemmas in this sense. I recall writing about this in my discussion post because, at my library, parents continuously abuse their children's account. Parents feel it is their right to have access to their children's account for their personal use, which in a sense is a different type of violation because children rack up fees that do not belong to them. The similarity in themes is what propelled me to vote against parents having access to their children's account. I chose to start with the analysis of this discussion post (On the Topic of Ethics) because I wanted to take time to reflect on how this analysis prepared my competence for ethics.

One of my earliest memories of ethics occurred in INFO 200 Information Communities when Professor Reid asked us to discuss ethical dilemmas in our online communities for our blog post (Batfans and the Topic of Ethical Issues). I recall feeling nervous because I was not sure of the possible ethical dilemmas that could exist in an online community; I felt I lacked creativity. As I engaged in information-seeking behaviors, I remembered reading an analysis that focuses on society's view of comic books and graphic novels. Many societies view them as belonging to low-culture because they are considered juvenile texts. However, scholars argue that these texts are anything but juvenile; that the word graphic holds a lot of power that covers adult themes and theoretical issues through images or texts (Crutcher, 2011). The analysis behind societal views provided me with more depth to ponder and form my research question. If graphic novels explore graphical themes, then what is an ethical topic that Batfans have discussed in Batman graphic novels?

After developing my research question, I kept thinking about the film Batman: The Killing Joke, which released earlier that year. In the film, much like in the graphic novel, (spoiler) there is a scene where the Joker harms Barbara and sexually abuses her. I chose to observe this community for my studies because I have always enjoyed the villains in the DC Universe, but this was the first time where the Joker was everything but a clown. Feeling uneasy provided clarity for my research, as I wanted to know what others thought about Batman: The Killing Joke.

When DC published Batman: The Killing Joke in 1988, the creative team re-imagined a darker, vicious, and maniacal persona for the Joker to distance themselves from a younger crowd and lure adult audiences. The re-invention of Joker's character was not controversial until recently. Audiences expressed outrage when the creators stripped Barbara from her heroic abilities to glorify rape culture, but what pushed them further was a recent design cover for the Batgirl series that called back these events. Batfans united online to discuss the lack of moral ethics and the poor representation of women in attempts for creators to justify how the act of violence against women can thicken the plot between the main character and antagonist. Ultimately, they urged creators to redesign the cover which raised more concerns regarding ethics because some online users felt that the online protestors were interfering with censorship. ALA notes that libraries should respect intellectual freedom by respecting freedom speech, and in this situation, the creators chose to respect online protestors by doing away with the image.

I was impressed with the results of this topic because I felt uncertainty at the beginning of my research. Learning about censorship and freedom of speech are principles explored by libraries code of ethics, declaring that people are free from exploring their beliefs without feeling prejudices. Although the online arena is not a library, the code of ethics is applied because there is a transfer of information. In this case, the new cover image is a piece of information shared between users, and their reactions emphasize behaviors of information retrieval. The creators allowed online users to share their beliefs without displaying judgment, which is an act of ethics described ALA. Despite creating controversy, Batman: The Killing joke remains a popular text among diverse crowds, especially in scholarly work and research. Libraries cannot ban this item because that would be a violation of ethics, which describes that no piece, regardless of its content, shall be excluded from the collection.

INFO 232 Issues in Public Libraries is another source that expanded my understanding of ethics and ethical dilemmas that arise from situations that take place in libraries. During the semester, homelessness was a topic I explored continuously in my work because, in recent years, libraries have expressed issues or concerns regarding homeless library patrons. Each library treats homeless library patrons quite differently, which provides a negative reflection of the code of ethics. In a collaborative paper (Analytical Investigation on Homelessness)written for Professor Barefoot's class, my group wrote, "the open-door policy in these institutions welcomes people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds" which is a reflection of ALA's code of ethics in which they describe they are inclusive of all demographics. ALA's code of ethics clearly indicates that no group, regardless of their ethnicity or socio-economical status, is denied access to the library or library services. There are libraries, however, that are violating these codes. I remember reading Gee's article for this class, in which he discusses how the San Francisco library is pushing to recreate the library to make it less inviting for homeless library patrons. The community shares their opinions, declaring that homeless library patrons transform the library space, and make it look unappealing with their items spread out across the interior and exteriors of the library. "The landscaping is one part of the city’s response" (Gee, 2017) to address the concerns of the community, by "fencing around parts of the library to prevent people from striking camp there" (Gee, 2017). The community, including library staff, are responsible for future development plans, which is a reflection of their stigma against these individuals.

The first part of our analysis, written by another team member, highlights ALA's code of ethics and states the needs of homeless library patrons for utilizing library spaces. This analysis was fundamental for molding our analysis by providing depth behind homeless library patron's use of the library. In many instances, homeless patrons may or may not be searching for information; shelter and safety are primary concerns for these individuals, and the library provides these principles. Homeless library individuals are different, but the actions of one individual may tarnish the reputation of others, and that is where stigmas become apparent. Per ALA's code of ethics, libraries should emphasize in diminishing negative views against homeless library patrons by providing services that can address their information needs or aid living situations, medical care, among other things through the use of programs and services. Libraries are foundational in addressing change, and if community members become exposed to how libraries strive to address the needs of the homeless community, then this exposure may result in the abandonment of prejudices.

The analysis in part one segues into the second part of our analysis, which focuses on identifying the information needs of homeless library patrons. Apart from shelter and safety, these individuals express interest in other areas that include medical care, job opportunities, and housing. The libraries, as the source for information retrieval, is one of the agencies homeless library patrons turn to for gathering information. Excluding these individuals from the library can affect the integrity of information as described in the code of ethics. Gee's article provided depth in developing my contribution to our paper in part two, which we discuss library services and library actions to address the homeless community. In many instances, librarians feel it is a challenge to address these individuals because of the stigmas following homeless library patrons. By engaging in this thought process, librarians are demonstrating a lack of professionalism, an attribute described in the code of ethics. Librarians must demonstrate professionalism during the reference interview, and approach everyone with the same level of respect. The challenges the librarians refer to taught me that they are inexperienced with handling disruptive situations, so they avoid people they assume may cause disruptions. Instead, they should learn how to assess these situations to avoid creating biases. Out analysis referenced literature that examined results between multiple librarians that discussed their experiences when working with homeless library patrons. A percentage agreed that there exist stigmas, and they strive to end negative perceptions by acquiring a new set of skills that can provide a better quality to their customer service.

In the final part of our analysis, the third team member provides statistical research that explains how many people experience homelessness. She also provides details of how libraries are approaching these individuals and the types of library initiatives that are emerging to provide more resources and services and relinquish stigmas. Each part of our paper provided more clarity of the subject to draft our analysis of the subject and learn about ethical competence. It was interesting to learn that there are libraries that practice unethical conduct in attempts to satisfy a wider portion of the population.

Future Applications

Libraries are powerful when they follow the code of ethics because as educational institutions, they are the leaders of communities. Libraries are communal spaces that bring people of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic status together. As the bridge that connects people to information and programs and services, they can guide users in eliminating biases by encouraging collaboration among diverse groups. They can teach the community about the benefits of helping one another.

Practicing intellectual freedom through the conduct of professionalism, equality, privacy, and the distribution of information are primary principles for success in libraries. Learning about the San Francisco library demonstrates conduct that violates the code of ethics. As a future librarian, I would not like to establish my career in a library that turns people away or that purposely transforms the library to make it less inviting for specific groups. The library where I currently work is diverse, and immersing myself in a community where all are different has prepared me in assessing situations where ethical dilemmas may arise. Much like the librarians that expressed concerns in attaining a new set of skills, I too would place myself in that category because I want to belong to a library that is proactive in assessing the needs of all information users.