Beyond codes of ethics : how library and information professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex and dynamic information environment

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

A review of professionalism within LIS

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of professionalism within Library and Information Science (LIS) and in doing so draw comparisons with the education and medicine professions. Design/methodology/approach: The paper provides a review of the extant literature from the three professions and gives a brief review of the theoretical constructs of professional knowledge using the work of Eisner and Eraut to explore knowledge types. It then relates these definitions to knowledge use within LIS, education and medicine, before examining the roles that professional associations have on the knowledge development of a profession. It concludes with a reflection on the future of professionalism within LIS. Findings: The literature suggests a fragmented epistemological knowledge-base and threats to its practices from outside professions. It does, however, find opportunities to redefine its knowledge boundaries within the phronetic practices of LIS and in socio-cultural uses of knowledge. It finds strengths and weaknesses in professionalism within LIS and its practitioners. Originality/value: This review provides a contemporary update to several earlier, related, works and provides useful context to current efforts to professionalise LIS by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

Copyright Literacy in the UK: a survey of librarians and other cultural heritage sector professionals

Based on a survey of UK library and information professionals and those who work in the cultural heritage sector, carried out in December 2014, this research sought to examine the levels of copyright „literacy?. The survey aimed to obtain responses from all sectors, however most responses were received from academic libraries. The research examined their knowledge of national and international copyright issues as well as copyright policies at an institutional level. The survey also explored the need for copyright education for new and existing professionals and suggested topics for inclusion in training activities. The findings suggest that levels of knowledge amongst UK professionals are higher than those in other countries who participated in the first phase of the project. UK institutions are also more likely to have a copyright policy and an individual with responsibility for copyright. The results should be of interest to library managers, library educators and those with responsibility for staff training

Generic education for specialist information professionals

Debate concerning specialist and generalist education for law librarianship is reviewed

Suggested code of ethics and professional conduct for library and information science professionals in India

Library and Information Science (LIS) education started in the year 1911 in India yet there is no code of ethics and professional conduct for LIS professionals till date. This paper suggests and presents a code that is based upon internationally acknowledged ethical standards and principles. In the absence of any government agency to suggest or approve an LIS ethical code, any professional association of national stature or LIS associations in India can meet on a common platform to brainstorm and bring out a final collaborative document to be implemented

Ethical Attitudes of Practicing Librarians and LIS Academics: Is There a Difference?

Professional ethics seems to be gaining importance as the library environment changes under the influence of new technologies and new legislation of concern for libraries is continuously introduced. The changing environment may create uneasiness among the library staff who might not always be sure how to react in new situations. Therefore librarians should learn about ethical issues and professional ethics has become a legitimate topic in both LIS curricula and professional training courses. It might seem that LIS educators will be the first to adopt the library ethics principles and live by them. But in fact they also belong to another professional community – the academic profession – which has its own values which may or may not correspond to the professional values of librarians. In the times when the library profession is confronted with numerous challenges and when voices are raised that it should reexamine its position in the society, it is extremely important that LIS educators and practicing librarians share the same professional ethics. In order to understand the professional values of the LIS academic staff, an investigation of their ethical attitudes will be carried out. The investigation will be based on a specially developed questionnaire and an accompanying interview if needed. The results will be commented and compared to the results obtained in two earlier investigations on the ethical attitudes of practicing librarians which were carried out in 2002 and 2006. The aim of the paper is to find out if the whole library community in Croatia share the same professional values

Accreditation issues for library and information science schools

Purpose: The paper examines the issue of accreditation, types, status and ethical considerations in Library and Information Science, with reference to other professions as a model to adopt. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper began by defining the concept of accreditation, objectives and types. It went further to discuss issues and status of accreditation with disciplines in Nigeria, Lessons from other disciplines in connection with there professional standards. It finally enjoined the Nigeria Library Association (NLA) and Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to borrow a leaf from other developed countries to help ensure standards in the profession. Findings: from the paper accreditation is said to be a process by which institutions or programmes continuously update their educational standard through evaluation programme and institutional accreditation are the two types we have, some of the objectives of accreditation are: to stimulate and integrate the efforts of institutions to evaluate the standards of education; to strengthen the capabilities of the educational institutions for service to the nation; and to identify educational institutions that meets stated criteria for academic quality. In Nigeria, the National University Commission (NUC) is responsible for the accreditation of Library and Information Science (LIS) Schools, unlike in United Kingdom (UK) United State of America (USA) and Australia where professional bodies are chiefly responsible for the accreditation of LIS Schools. Other professional bodies in Nigeria like Nigeria Institution of Architecture, the Council of Legal Education, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and Chartered Accountants of Nigeria participate actively in the accreditation of their professions. It is therefore suggested that NLA and LRCN should live up to their responsibility by participating in the accreditation exercise of LIS Schools, provide parameter for recognition of the degrees and empower librarians and LIS Schools with adequate skills and competence to compete globally. Practical Implication: The NUC should incorporate NLA and LRCN to implement the stipulated standards for accreditation of LIS Schools. Originality: Its originality is in the writers’ analysis of accreditation issues in LIS Schools in Nigerian Universities, as against what is done in some other countries vis-à-vis other professions NLA, LIS School, NUC and LRCN have much lessons and information to gain from the work

The Southeastern Librarian v. 52, no. 3 (Fall 2004) Complete Issue

Complete issue of The Southeastern Librarian, volume 52, no. 3 (Fall 2004)

A Scoping Review of Research Ethics and Practices in Library and Information Science in Scopus and Library and Information Science Source Databases

Introduction and Background: Library and information science scholars are partially aware of the research ethics regarding data falsification, fabrication, data cooking, gifted authorship, neglected authorship, and other factors. Such activities are not only unethical but may equally cause harm to the academic community and society. Purpose: This paper aims to identify the gaps in studies focusing on research ethics and practices in Library and Information Science in the Scopus and Library and Information Science Source Databases. The review seeks to respond to research questions such as what is the scope of articles focusing on research ethics and practices between 2011 and 2021; what are the features of articles focusing on research ethics and practices in the Scopus and LISS domain; to what extent is the African research on ethics and practices and LISS reflected in the domain; and what are the implications of studies focusing on research ethics as reported in the identified literature? Methodology: Databases searched include the Scopus and Library and Information Science Source for articles published between 2011 and 2021. Advanced search strategies are used as well as thematic analysis. Result: Out of 190 documents identified from the databases, 70 were eligible for review while 13 were included in the scoping review. The majority of the articles focusing on research ethics and practices were published between 2016 and 2021. The year 2021 witnessed the highest number of publications, while the lowest was in 2014. The majority of studies published in the LIS domain emerged from developed countries. However, few were published by African scholars in Scopus and LISS focusing on research ethics and practices. Implications: This paper has implications for LIS researchers and policymakers. Practical implications include the control and reduction of data falsifications, data cooking, and unethical research practices among LIS researchers. Implications for efficient knowledge management for sustainable development are also prominent in this paper. Conclusions: Given that limited articles focus on the subject identified in the domain, African scholars need to contribute immensely towards literature addressing research ethics. They also need to engage the researchers, information managers, and policymakers to empower librarians with knowledge of how to manage scholarly publications in academic libraries