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Overview
The evolution of ethical standards for librarians parallels the development of librarianship as a profession. Our most important professional values have been tested and debated in the course of formulating and adopting our codes of ethics. This book includes historical precedents and current examples of ethical issues facing the profession. It looks broadly at the many arenas in which librarians face ethical choices, helping practitioners identify an ethical dilemma and providing guidance on how to respond, how to separate personal belief from professional responsibility, and how to make exceptions in a principled way. Where appropriate references are included to the codes of ethics of other professions: journalists, booksellers, and lawyers.
Synopsis
The evolution of ethical standards for librarians parallels the development of librarianship as a profession. Our most important professional values have been tested and debated in the course of formulating and adopting our codes of ethics.
This book includes historical precedents and current examples of ethical issues facing the profession. It looks broadly at the many arenas in which librarians face ethical choices, helping practitioners identify an ethical dilemma and providing guidance on how to respond, how to separate personal belief from professional responsibility, and how to make exceptions in a principled way. Where appropriate references are inlcuded to the codes of ethics of other professions: journalists, booksellers, and lawyers.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This thought provoking book grew out of an introductory course Preer has taught for many years on the foundations of librarianship."
- American Libraries
"This title is not merely a practical how-to guide, but is an in-depth study of the evolution of library ethics and the ongoing ethical problems confronting the profession. . . . Comprehensive and clearly written, this title is recommended for college and university libraries."
- Catholic Library World
"This highly practical, substantial, and carefully planned resource is designed to help information professionals figure out their professional values and where they stand when faced with ethical dilemmas. . . . This title is valuable for students completing a degree in library and information science. New practitioners entering the field would be wise to use this book as their first professional bible. Those already in the library profession may find this title to be a good refresher. Recommended."
- Library Media Connection
"Seldom do we allow ourselves the 'luxury' of savoring such a cerebral journey as this book. . . . I found the whole tone of the book both intellectually stimulating and attainable. . . it is definitely worth a few quiet moments curled up with a cup of tea or a glass of wine to bring us into a theoretical and philosophical mind-set that we all too seldom allow ourselves. Highly recommended."
- Collection Management
"The reader is left understanding many of the ethical issues that have challenged librarians as well as understanding how and why ethics codes and statements were promulgated."
- The Library Quarterly