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

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  • Ferguson, Stuart
  • Thornley, Clare
  • Gibb, Forbes

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferguson, Stuart & Thornley, Clare & Gibb, Forbes, 2016. "Beyond codes of ethics: how library and information professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in a complex and dynamic information environment," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 543-556.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:36:y:2016:i:4:p:543-556
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.02.012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thornley, Clare & Ferguson, Stuart & Weckert, John & Gibb, Forbes, 2011. "Do RFIDs (radio frequency identifier devices) provide new ethical dilemmas for librarians and information professionals?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 546-555.
    2. Richard J. Cox, 2008. "Archival ethics: The truth of the matter," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 59(7), pages 1128-1133, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Calvard, Thomas Stephen & Jeske, Debora, 2018. "Developing human resource data risk management in the age of big data," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 159-164.

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