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Overview
A must-read that discusses how ethics and principles impact the personal and professional lives of librarians and media specialists. Essays written by respected peers discuss several areas where ethical issues occur, such as use of information and intellectual property, professional relationships, media center management policies, and the distribution of technology. This engaging book spells out all the sides and lets you see where you stand on the hot-button ethical issues of librarianship.
• Thought–provoking discussion questions
• Theoretical insight into real–life issues
Synopsis
This textbook for students and professionals addresses a variety of ethical issues in school librarianship. Ten contributions from academics and practitioners discuss such topics as school library access, confidentiality policies, intellectual freedom, and personnel management. Codes of ethics from professional organizations and additional resources are included. The volume is not indexed. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Hilary Crew - VOYA
An "ethical framework" for school library media specialists is constructed through the different chapters by experts in the field, usefully bringing together in one volume discussions of professional ethics that apply to a large range of issues. These include collection development, access, confidentiality, use of technology, intellectual freedom, intellectual property, administration, and Internet use. As Simpson writes, "Reading about ethics is no walk in the park. The issues are thorny, and they can cause discomfort." Some of the thornier topics discussed include biases in the process of selecting materials, the consideration of whether the implementation of computer-based reading programs can violate ethics of access, the consideration of penalties for misuse of Internet access, and ways in which confidentiality can be breached in school library media centers. Of special interest are discussions on the differences between codes of ethics as practiced by teachers and the code of ethics advocated for library professionals, and the implications of codes of ethics for working relationships in the field. Suggestions and guidelines are provided to help the school library media specialist to think through and implement ethical codes. The comprehensive approach and the provision of thought-provoking discussion questions for each chapter make this tool valuable for use in school library media education programs. The issues covered, however, are essential reading for all who work in the field of school librarianship. The ethical codes of the American Library Association and the Association of Communications and Technology are provided in an appendix. 2003, Linworth, 120p.; Source Notes.Appendix., pb. Ages adult professional.
Editorials
VOYA
An "ethical framework" for school library media specialists is constructed through the different chapters by experts in the field, usefully bringing together in one volume discussions of professional ethics that apply to a large range of issues. These include collection development, access, confidentiality, use of technology, intellectual freedom, intellectual property, administration, and Internet use. As Simpson writes, "Reading about ethics is no walk in the park. The issues are thorny, and they can cause discomfort." Some of the thornier topics discussed include biases in the process of selecting materials, the consideration of whether the implementation of computer-based reading programs can violate ethics of access, the consideration of penalties for misuse of Internet access, and ways in which confidentiality can be breached in school library media centers. Of special interest are discussions on the differences between codes of ethics as practiced by teachers and the code of ethics advocated for library professionals, and the implications of codes of ethics for working relationships in the field. Suggestions and guidelines are provided to help the school library media specialist to think through and implement ethical codes. The comprehensive approach and the provision of thought-provoking discussion questions for each chapter make this tool valuable for use in school library media education programs. The issues covered, however, are essential reading for all who work in the field of school librarianship. The ethical codes of the American Library Association and the Association of Communications and Technology are provided in an appendix. 2003, Linworth, 120p.; Source Notes.Appendix., pb. Ages adult professional.—Hilary Crew