Information Ethics

As librarians, it is important that we know and follow the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association. Intellectual property, intellectual freedom, copyright, plagiarism, and censorship are all related to information ethics. Typically held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.

We can be sure we are selecting and not censoring by purchasing library material that may be considered controversial. “My students are living in an environment that exposes them to the realities of life that many people would like to forget. They need texts that offer them a mirror to their own life and a window into the lives of others who went through things that they have only to overcome them (Jacobson, 2016)."

Participating in the discussion about how ethics differs from law confirmed to me that although certain activities may be considered legal that doesn't always make them ethical. Certain laws are unjust and deserve to be challenged. Completing this activity also taught me the importance of opposing censorship as Ethics Code II of the American Library Association states, "We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources."