Introduction
Hirsch (2022) wrote, “libraries and information organizations are essential to the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide” (p. 8). This challenges all information professionals, who must adapt and provide the best service to their informational users. Librarianship involves first and foremost service. Haycock and Romanick (2018) point out when evaluating the values in the librarianship field that “every aspect of our professional work, every action we take can and should be measured in service” (p. 33). This value helps the professional to evaluate and persevere through all elements of ethics, values, and intellectual freedom. Hirsch (2022) emphasizes that intellectual freedom supports every library user’s right to access and explore resources representing diverse perspectives without limitations (p. 471). Furthermore, intellectual freedom provides individuals with unrestricted access to materials and resources, regardless of the librarian’s personal, political, or religious beliefs (Oltmann, 2018).
The American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics conveys the core values of intellectual freedom that shape the library profession. It provides broad guidelines that serve as a foundation for librarians and other library staff to navigate ethical dilemmas in their work (ALA, 2021, para. 2). Furthermore, “information organizations and professionals who work in them are also the communities advocates–committed to intellectual freedom; equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); privacy; and information and technology literacy” (Hirsch, 2022). We work for the user, so information professionals must separate their private beliefs from their professional duties to enhance the user’s experience. Another key factor that the ALA Code of Ethics highlights to achieve in its foundational principles demands “equitable access” for all (ALA, 2021, para. 5). The marginalized, poor, those with different ethnicities and races, and the handicapped deserve to have information services at their disposal. The duty of the professional is not to censor any information from the user and to provide the most in-depth look into a particular matter. According to Haycock and Romanick (2018), all historical records, regardless of the method of documentation, should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their social status (p. 34).
Information professionals must uphold library users’ privacy and confidentiality rights (Hirsch, 2022). Users should feel confident that their access to information will not result in judgment or persecution. Haycock & Romanick (2018) convey in their interpretation of the principles that “we protect the right of all we serve to privacy and confidentiality concerning information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted” (p. 30).
Up to this point, the focus of this discussion has been the information professional’s duty to library users. However, an equally important aspect of ethical conduct involves the responsibility of duties we hold toward ourselves, our coworkers, our colleagues, and our concern for the intellectual property of the material we are entrusted with. The ALA states, “we treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions” (ALA, 2021, para. 5). Ensuring users have thorough access to information is crucial. Furthermore, the ALA affirms the significance of respecting intellectual property rights and advocates for a balance between the interests of information users and rights holders (ALA, 2021, para. 5). We must remain committed to completing assigned tasks while also trusting and holding others accountable in the same manner. Everyone should recognize their role in advancing the institution, appreciate their contributions, and embrace equal opportunity to excel. Moving forward, a professional must prioritize the interests of colleagues and patrons over their own (Haycock & Romanick, 2018). This highlights the importance of prioritizing service to others above all else.
Adebayo et al. (2016) when talking about the profession of librarianship, describes the profession as a “vocation founded upon specialized educational training” (para. 10). With the ever-changing environment, the information professional has a duty and must value the neverending learning experience. Professional development courses, conferences, and similar opportunities are highly beneficial for staying updated on the latest trends and technologies, enabling professionals to share valuable knowledge with colleagues and library users. Essentially, as Haycock and Romanick (2018) explain, it involves improving our expertise, supporting the professional growth of colleagues, and inspiring future professionals in the field (p. 31).
Evidence
My first artifact to show mastery of competency A from INFO 204 is the creation of the Covington Alzheimer’s and Dementia Library, which I established in honor of both of my grandmothers who battled this condition. This organization ensures that this community of users feels included and has equitable access to essential resources that provide comfort and support for their loved ones and themselves, upholding intellectual freedom ideals. The library provides a diverse array of resources, including literature, memory boxes, and Snoezelen Rooms designed to stimulate the five senses. It also offers access to online communities such as The Purple Sherpa and features the Tales and Travel library program, created by Mary Beth Reidner, which encourages imagination and engagement. These resources create a spirit of lifelong learning for everyone in the library, especially through online communities.
Prioritizing our patrons, we provide further professional development to train all staff as “Dementia Friends” to better assist this community. This training helps our team understand what it feels like to live with dementia and apply that knowledge to enhance the library’s services. Also, I highlight the importance of diversity through an example from Oak Park Public Library’s diversity statement. This library ensures that both employees and patrons are included. They strive for their materials, services, programs, and employment practices to reflect the traditions and values of the city’s residents.
The next piece of evidence presents concepts from INFO 204, highlighting my group project’s progress report. for us opening a sourdough starter library that can be seen in the next piece of evidence. It emphasizes the importance of professional integrity, respect, and maintaining professionalism within the team. Each member had a designated role, and I served as the researcher. I efficiently conducted research, incorporating the necessary citations and references to ensure that each team member could easily access key documents and properly credit the authors, etc. enabling everyone to meet their deadlines and uphold the intellectual integrity of the completed project. We carefully planned each step to ensure our library could effectively serve a diverse, multilingual community. Clear communication was essential, as our team members were in different locations. To maintain coordination, we held weekly meetings and made our phone numbers available for emergencies. Throughout the project, everyone remained flexible and valued each other’s contributions, fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.
The final piece of evidence from INFO 204 called for the formation of a fictitious special library, the Starter Library (TSL). It was a group project. I completed the research and formed the overview of the paper. In keeping in the line of intellectual freedom, patrons have fair access to informational resources and sourdough starters at the library. We established a set of pillars to provide the most comprehensive service to serve the needs of all patrons. We provide free wifi and computer access to support the research needs of all community members which helps those who are disadvantaged. The goal of TSL is to preserve this rich history and share it with every generation.
To foster community support, TSL hosts a Flour Pantry where users can both donate and collect various types of flour. Additionally, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our registered users’ personal information, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment. To promote inclusivity in our diverse, multinational community, the library offers a wide array of resources and classes in several languages. Furthermore, TSL proactively addresses potential health concerns, implementing measures to ensure the well-being of all employees and community members.
Conclusion
I currently hold several roles at a private school, serving as an accounting instructor, librarian, textbook manager, and record keeper. Each of these positions relates to competency A, which emphasizes the protection of privacy, equitable access to information, and fostering intellectual freedom. As an instructor, I dedicate myself to student privacy and ensuring that all students, particularly those with disabilities, have equal opportunities to learn and earn the grades they deserve. I use various informational materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, including documents, websites, and videos. As a librarian and textbook manager, I continuously search for the latest informational resources to keep my colleagues informed about the most thorough textbook options suitable for their students. In my role as a record keeper, I preserve the confidentiality of my colleagues’ financial details, demonstrating our dedication to privacy and ethical handling of sensitive information
I find it most helpful to visit the ALA website for all librarianship needs. I will continue to take part in professional development courses for accounting, financial literacy, and librarianship duties. I keep in touch with the textbook publishers every year when needs arise. Every year, I have to research my state’s educational website to keep up with current guidelines for the records I must obtain.
References
Adebayo, J. O., Akole, O. B., & Salau, I. T. (2016). Core values of librarianship and practice of information ethics by librarians in four higher institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal).
Ala code of ethics. ALA. (2021). https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics
Haycock, K., & Romaniuk, M.-J. (2017). The Portable mlis: Insights from the experts, 2nd edition. ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Hirsh, S. (2022). Information Services today: An introduction. Rowman & Littlefield, an imprint of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.
Oltmann, S. M. (2018). Ethics, values, and intellectual freedom in school libraries. School Libraries Worldwide, 24(1), 71–86. https://doi.org/10.14265.24.1.005