Thoughts on Librarianship

Introduction:

As a librarian one of the most important tasks is understanding and living the ethics, values, and foundational principles as an information professional. This is in place so that we as librarians can embark on a journey of upholding people’s rights. There are documents in place that currently assist librarians in educating themselves on this professions important tasks. The ALA (American Library Association) assists in this endeavor in numerous documents available for all on their website.

One document in particular, The Library Bill of Rights assists librarians in educating themselves about the professions ethical values. The Bill of Rights was adopted in 1939, then amended in 1944, again in 1948. Through 1961 and 1967 the Bill of Rights also saw some changes. The latest changes happened in 1996, this was the reaffirmation of including “age” into the category of participants who can and cannot use the library. This important document is what informs libraries and librarians of their ethical responsibilities to their surrounding community and patrons.

Intellectual freedom:

Intellectual freedom is perchance one of the most important factors of being a librarian. It is our responsibility to ensure our users privacy. “Intellectual freedom as a concept in librarianship means freedom to think or believe what one will, freedom to express one’s thoughts and beliefs in unrestricted manners and means, and freedom to access information and ideas regardless of the content or viewpoints of the author(s) or the age, background, or beliefs of the receiver” (Dresang, 2006, p.169). This is at its core what a library is, a forum of open discussion of ideas with no restrictions. They have access to information which assists in the ability to form new ideas and thoughts. There are no restrictions on the patron, no matter their socio-economic position in life. We as librarians protect our users every day when they come to us for information. This is why knowing a librarians professional ethics is key to being successful as an information professional.

We also have to provide open access to not only the internet, but to the collection as well (print and digital). There should be no restrictions to our users, for they come to us for information, unfiltered. The ALA explains that “Freedom of information and of creative expression should be reflected in library exhibits and in all relevant library policy documents” (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/intellectual). Libraries also need to provide as many services as possible without charge. According to the ALA this is to encourage inquiry and usage. We want to support equal usage as much as possible to ensure intellectual freedom. Libraries should always challenge censorship according to the ALA, this is supposed help “provide information and enlightenment”.

Ethics:

The Library Bill of Rights has six amendments that are used to teach librarians the importance of serving the community. The first, most important service a library must uphold is that library resources, books or technology, should be a reflection of the community in which it serves. The ALA Bill of Rights also explains that materials “should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval” (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill). In other words materials should be chosen despite if that material is controversial. Our main goal here is to provide as much information as possible for our patrons.

Another core ethical value of being a librarian is to challenge censorship. We do not close our doors to anyone, for a person has a right to information and shouldn’t be denied because “of origin, age, background, or views” (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill). This is huge! The library doesn’t discriminate against anyone who wants to use library resources. In history the library was a place where students could share both freedom of expression and access to ideas. Libraries should provide the space for people to communicate and express new ideas and be able to discuss this with others.