1. 1 LIS 205: Introduction to Information Sources & Services Unit 7: Ethical Reference Service Kevin Rioux, PhD Division of Library and Information Science

2. 2 Historical background Early libraries—closed stacks Modern librarianship emerged in a time of great moralism and “clear- minded-ness”. –A response to social upheaval caused by rapid industrialization and immigration A “helping” profession Remains a highly-regarded profession and “product”

3. 3 Historical stances influence modern reference practice Maintains a service orientation Actively respond to user requests for information Counsels users on search strategies Instructs and educates Organizes materials to promote access Protects users’ privacy Advocates for intellectual freedom Continuously evaluates information systems for improvement Creates tools and pathfinders to assist information seekers

4. 4 Ethics are codified in Professional Codes ALA Code of Ethics ASIS Professional Guidelines Code of Ethics for Archivists, Health Sciences librarians, Law librarians, etc. Association of Computing Machinery Code of Ethics

5. 5 Protectors/Advocates/Activist for First Amendment Rights We have an ethical obligation to protect the First Amendment rights of users –Our societal role is to disseminate information –Right of access to information—advocate for this –Intellectual freedom—people have the fundamental right to the ideas produced by society, and that our society benefits from the free flow of all ideas Somewhat of a radical statement –“marketplace of ideas”

6. 6 Tensions Right of access vs. protecting individuals or society from harm –Advocate access, but we should not aid what Hauptman calls “egregiously anti-social acts”. This is a tight rope to walk, sometimes Filtering Charging fees Privacy and confidentiality Disparate levels of service –Especially for children Copyright